I received a review copy of this book; all opinions expressed are mine.

“Are you completely satisfied with every aspect of your life? Or are there areas you would like to change?…The key to changing your life is changing your thinking,” writes Joyce Meyer in the introduction of her new book, Powerful Thinking (FaithWords, hardcover). She adds, “As you develop thought patterns (mindsets) that agree with God’s Word, everything about your existence will begin to improve.” She goes on to explain that your thinking can work for you or against you as you journey through life. It can make the difference between fully experiencing God’s plan for your life and living the dream He has planted in you, or living a life filled with frustration and defeat.

Meyer writes about 12 mindsets in her book that can help you develop powerful thinking, which, in turn, lead to powerful living. These include:

• I can do everything I need to do in life.
• I am loved unconditionally.
• I will not live in fear.
• I am difficult to offend.
• I love people and enjoy helping them.
• I trust God completely and have no need to worry.
• I am content and emotionally stable.
• God meets all my needs abundantly.
• I pursue peace with god, myself, and others.
• I live in the present and enjoy each moment.
• I am disciplined and self-controlled.
• I put God first in my life.

The twelve chapters are each devoted to a different mindset and they explain how to develop each one. There is so much wisdom in each of these chapters—it’s the kind of book you’ll want to read and refer to again and again. It’s a smaller, gift-size book, so it’s easy to carry with you and read as you have time. And it makes a great gift for pretty much anyone, because we all have something to learn about powerful thinking!

One of my favorite chapters was Mindset #6, I Trust God Completely and Have No Need to Worry. It’s hard not to worry about things, right? Meyer writes, “Have you noticed how absolutely powerless you feel when you worry or feel anxious and troubled? This is because worry is completely useless. It is a waste of time and energy because it never changes our circumstances.” She adds, ” Worry keeps us from living in faith and steals our peace…. The cause of worry is simple: It’s the failure to trust God to take care of the circumstances of our lives. Most of us have spent years trying to take care of ourselves. Learning to trust God in every situation takes time, and we learn by doing it. We have to step out in faith, and as we do, we experience God’s faithfulness, which makes it easier to trust Him the next time.” In this same chapter, she also shares how important rest is and points out that Jesus lived a life of perfect peace, never worrying about anything—He wants us to have that same peace and rest too: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. MATTHEW 11:28–30 MSG

It’s all about renewing our minds and attitudes (Romans 12:2). “Thinking right thoughts according to God’s Word is one of the most important things we should learn to do,” Meyer concludes. We need to learn to think as He thinks and walk closely with Him so we can fully experience the good plans He has for us. This is a book that helps and encourages us to do that!

Sharing at Wonderful Wednesday, Hearth & Soul, Inspire Me Monday.