Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (NLT)

I’ve noticed something about myself lately — my thoughts often run on autopilot. Some days they spiral with anxiety, selfish desires, or replay old wounds. And I don’t even realize it until I’m overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or suddenly impatient with people I care about.

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Reading Romans 8:5-6 stopped me in my tracks. Paul doesn’t pull punches — he says that where I let my mind dwell will either lead to life or death. That’s heavy. But it’s also deeply hopeful.

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Why? Because the Spirit of God offers to guide my thinking. Not to control me like a puppet, but to gently lead my inner world toward things that actually bring me peace — real, soul-deep peace. That means I don’t have to be stuck in old mindsets or destructive thought patterns. I can choose, moment by moment, to let the Spirit govern my mind.

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It’s not always easy. My default is still to cling to control or let fear or pride steer me. But when I slow down and ask, “Holy Spirit, what do You want me to think about right now?” — something shifts. My mind feels clearer. My heart feels lighter. The noise quiets, and I remember who I really am: someone made alive by the Spirit.

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Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or you’re still not sure where you stand, I think this question is for all of us: Who governs your mind? Because who (or what) leads your thoughts is shaping your life more than you may realize.

Here are some questions to help you gauge if you and I are sitting in the captain’s chair or if we are letting the Spirit guide our thoughts:

• When you're quiet and honest, what kinds of thoughts usually fill your mind? Do they bring peace or something else?

• Is there a part of your thinking that you’ve been managing on your own, where maybe it’s time to ask the Holy Spirit for help?

• What would change in your day if the Spirit truly led your thoughts — your reactions, your self-talk, your decisions?

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I find that these questions and others like them help me get back on track. If you haven’t asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life and invited His Spirit to dwell in you, I encourage you to consider making the leap through confession, repentance, and accepting God’s grace and forgiveness. As today’s verses say, it can be the choice between thoughts that lead toward death and those that lead toward life and peace.

Lord Jesus, Thank You for the truth of Your Word. I confess that too often my thoughts drift toward things that do not bring life. I try to control everything, or I let fear and selfish desires take the lead. But today, I want something different. I want more of You. I want the life and peace that only come from Your Spirit. Holy Spirit, I invite You to govern my mind. Help me to recognize when my thoughts are being shaped by my old nature and gently redirect me toward Your truth. Fill me with thoughts that please You — thoughts that bring hope, joy, clarity, and peace. Lead me today in my choices, my conversations, and even in the quiet moments. Make me more aware of Your presence and help me to trust that You are making me new, from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.