Biblical Foundations of Mind Renewal | Interview with Tanya DeCook

Chad Nedland: Good morning, Tanya. Thank you so much for joining me here today on Faithful Echoes.

Tanya Decook: Thank you for having me, Chad. It's a pleasure to be here.

Chad Nedland: Today I'd like to pick your brain a bit about the concept of mind renewal in Scripture. It says that we are to renew our minds by meditating upon the Word of God both day and night. Can you give us a little further depth and insight into this area?

Tanya Decook: Absolutely, Chad. The concept of mind renewal is deeply rooted in Romans 12:2, where Paul instructs believers not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation involves immersing oneself in Scripture, allowing God’s truths to reshape our thoughts and perceptions. When we meditate on God’s Word, it doesn’t just influence our spiritual lives; it renovates our thinking, aligning us with God’s will and impacting our daily decisions and interactions.

Chad Nedland: In today’s fast-paced world, renewing our mind and meditating so much on Scripture is advised to be done both day and night. But how are we supposed to, in this busy, chaotic world, actually focus on one thing day and night and never have it leave our mind?

Tanya Decook: That’s a great question, Chad. It’s about integrating Scripture into the rhythm of our daily lives rather than maintaining constant focus, which can seem daunting. It involves returning to God’s Word throughout the day through short moments of reflection, incorporating Scripture into daily tasks, starting and ending the day with prayer, and engaging with a community that shares these values. These small, consistent habits help anchor us in God’s Word.

Chad Nedland: I know you’re a fan of the subconscious mind and neural programming. Do you think it would be beneficial for people to revamp their entire schedule to include morning devotions, schedule out these moments of reflection throughout the day, and cap it off with evening devotionals? Or is it better to start with one new habit at a time until it becomes habitual?

Tanya Decook: Integrating these practices gradually tends to be more effective and sustainable. Starting with a single habit, like morning devotions, and allowing it to become part of your routine before adding more, can help prevent feeling overwhelmed and ensure that each habit is meaningful and sustainable. This approach fosters long-term transformation and helps embed these practices deeply into everyday life.

Chad Nedland: Awesome. Lastly, how would you recommend someone start out with the devotional process every day, and how does this actually affect us neurologically and on a subconscious level?

Tanya Decook: Beginning a daily devotional process nurtures both spiritual and mental well-being. Neurologically, regular engagement with Scripture and prayer can forge new neural pathways, which promote healthier thought patterns and reduce stress. Subconsciously, it helps replace negative beliefs with the truth and hope found in God’s Word. Regular meditation on the Scriptures feeds your mind with life-giving thoughts, fostering a resilient, positive mindset aligned with your values and purpose.

Chad Nedland: Thank you so much for coming on and sharing with us today Tanya! I look forward to hearing you speak live next time.

Tanya Decook: I appreciate you having me here, Chad. God Bless!