How Battles are Won: Reading Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer Because It Is About Winning the Battle in Your Mind

First, let me just say there is no relation between Joyce Meyer and my family. Though we have the same last name and though I would love for her to be part of our family, we are simply part of the same Christian family and Children of God. So in that case, sure, we are related.

I love a beautiful architecture, especially from stained glass windows in a church. Tell me I am an old soul without telling me...

I love Joyce Meyer's ministry. Her fellowship opportunities and care for others is truly admirable. She also is so focused on letting us know the power of His Word, learning discernment through The Word, and having the mind of Jesus Christ understood through Himself.

Many of us will go through battles in our lifetime. Some are spiritual, some mental, and others physical. Dr. David Hawkins would say the physical battles are actually created from the mind battles that are caused by spiritual imbalance. I would agree with Dr. Hawkins. So therefore, if we really pay attention to those mind battles, we can see that our spiritual growth is DIRECTLY impacting our mental self.

Joyce Meyer tells us in her bestselling book, The Battlefield of the Mind, that we are called to have the mind of Christ. In fact, 1 Corinthians 2:16 also tells us this. So there it is. Easy right? Defeat negativity in our thoughts which cause action in fear and change it to positive thoughts creating healthy, loving, compassionate actions in life. For sure, one of the easiest things said and one of the hardest things done. But what makes this accessible for all of us, is the daily practice of rewiring our mindset. So how do we do that? Joyce lets us know in her book, but I have expanded on what she says based other content I have studied. So yeah, this kind of feels like a book report, but better..?

Though I don't wear glasses this cool and cute vintage-style, I do read for at least 20 minutes each day.

Joyce Meyer’s insights on the battlefield of the mind are life-changing (and mind-changing), and they provide us with a roadmap to help us take charge of our thoughts and ultimately transform our lives. But let's dig a little deeper into how we can actively shift from negative to positive thinking, and build a habit of aligning our minds with the mind of Christ.

1. Recognize the Power of Thought First things first: we must understand that our thoughts have power. Negative thinking isn't just a fleeting inconvenience; it can actually influence our emotions, decisions, and behaviors. Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." This is a reminder that our thoughts shape our reality. When we dwell on fear, doubt, or negativity, we're inadvertently inviting those same energies into our lives. By recognizing the power our thoughts hold, we can start making intentional changes. Another verse stating this idea of thoughts driving action is "You reap what you sow" from Galatians chapter 6.

2. Replace Lies with Truth A powerful step in overcoming negative thoughts is replacing them with the truth found in God's Word. Joyce Meyer often emphasizes the importance of identifying and rejecting lies—whether they're lies about our worth, our abilities, or God's promises. Once we recognize a negative thought, we can counter it with truth. And this is how battles are won. For instance, if the thought is, "I am not good enough," we can replace it with, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). The Bible provides us with countless verses that remind us of who we are in Christ, and these truths help us establish a solid foundation in our thinking.

3. Take Every Thought Captive 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to "take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ." This is one of the most proactive steps we can take in rewiring our minds. It’s about taking control when we sense a negative or sinful thought entering our minds and choosing not to entertain it. CHOOSING! We have the choice to choose which thoughts we dwell on and which we release. Rick Warren, in his book A Purpose Driven Life, talks about how meditation is the careful dwelling on thoughts that ARE GOOD. He also says if you know how to worry, you know how to meditate, just change the dialogue. Focus on the things that are pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). When a thought comes up that doesn't align with God's truth, we have the power to release those and replace them with a positive, Christ-centered perspective.

4. Transform Through Meditation It's not enough to just stop negative thinking—we must actively replace it with the truth and let that truth sink deep into our hearts and minds. Meditation on the Word of God is a powerful tool in this process. This doesn’t mean emptying your mind, but rather filling it with the Word of God. Psalm 1:2-3 says, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." When we meditate on God’s Word, we begin to think like Him and, over time, that transforms our thoughts and, ultimately, our actions. Again, if you worry, you meditate, just choose better dialogue.

5. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences One of the most important aspects of rewiring your mindset is surrounding yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Fellowship with others who are focused on growing spiritually can help reinforce your positive mindset. Joyce Meyer’s ministry, as mentioned, is a beautiful example of a community that encourages growth and spiritual discernment. As you build relationships with others who speak life and truth over you, you'll find it easier to keep your thoughts in check and aligned with Christ.

6. Practice Gratitude Another simple but incredibly powerful tool in combating negative thinking is gratitude. When we focus on what we're thankful for, it shifts our attention away from the things that are causing us anxiety or worry. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It’s a powerful practice to count your blessings each day, no matter how small. Gratitude refocuses our minds on God’s goodness and helps us trust Him more, which diminishes the negative thinking that so often clouds our minds.

7. Speak Positive Affirmations Words are powerful, and speaking life into our situations can help reframe the way we think. Joyce Meyer often talks about the power of confession—speaking God's promises over our lives. By declaring the truth of God’s Word over ourselves, we begin to align our thoughts and actions with His will. For example, instead of thinking, “I can’t handle this,” speak, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Affirmations rooted in Scripture help reinforce the truth.

Gratitude is a daily practice, not a one-off task. You must put thanksgiving into practice every single day. Start the day by writing, speaking, thinking about all those wonderful blessings in your life. And make them specific.

Rewiring our mindset to reflect the mind of Christ is not a one-time event, but rather a daily practice. It takes intentional effort, patience, and grace as we embark on this journey of transforming our thoughts. But the good news is that God is with us every step of the way, empowering us through His Word and the Holy Spirit to overcome the negative thought patterns that often hold us captive.

As Joyce Meyer teaches, the battlefield of the mind is real, but it is not one we have to face alone. Through daily prayer, the renewal of our minds, and the power of God’s Word, we can replace negativity with positivity and align our thoughts with the truth of who we are in Christ. It’s a journey worth taking, and with God’s help, we win this battle.

Let's win!

xx

Nani

I use the USCCB Bible for verses.