When the Mind Won’t Settle: Renewing Your Thinking in a World Gone Mad By Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Romans 12:2 (KJV): “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
There’s something sacred about early mornings.
You know the kind I’m talking about—when the coffee’s brewing, the house is still, and your Bible’s open to a page your heart’s been aching for.
I sat in one of those moments not long ago, thumbing through the twelfth chapter of Romans. That’s when the words hit me square between the eyes: “Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
I sipped my coffee, closed my eyes, and let that verse do what the Holy Spirit does best—poke around in places I’d rather keep tidy and untouched.
Because, truth is, my mind doesn’t always do what it’s supposed to.
Maybe yours doesn’t either.
The Real Battleground
These days, we don’t have to look far to find pressure—social media feeds, news cycles, workplace demands, family expectations. It’s a full-blown barrage of noise. Somewhere in the mess, we pick up voices that aren’t our own. Or worse, we amplify the wrong ones.
You’re not good enough.
You’ll never be like them.
You’re too old.
You’ve missed your chance.
God’s forgotten you.
Sound familiar?
The world wants to shape us—to mold our thinking until we’re anxious, reactive, and spiritually worn thin.
But Romans 12:2 calls us out of that mindset. It reminds us we have a choice:
We can conform or we can transform.
And the difference happens right up here—in our minds.
From Imposter Syndrome to God-Confidence
Before I retired, I was part of a team of young engineers in the IT division of a Fortune 500 company. I was old enough to be their father—sometimes even their grandfather. Most had fancy advanced degrees, bright ideas, and ambition that could light up a city block. They were fast. Sharp. Culturally fluent.
And I’ll admit it—every now and then, I wondered if I still had anything to offer.
That’s imposter syndrome for you.
But I’d learned a long time ago that confidence doesn’t come from diplomas or titles—it comes from knowing who you are in Christ.
So when the doubts crept in, I didn’t perform harder or pretend stronger. I prayed. I opened the Word. And I let the Lord renew my mind.
You see, the mind of Christ doesn’t echo the world’s judgment. It speaks truth.
It tells us:
You’re chosen.
You’re equipped.
You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be—if you’re walking with Me.
The Daily Work of Renewal
Renewing your mind isn’t a one-and-done event. It’s not like taking a pill that fixes everything overnight. It’s more like washing your windshield after driving through a Texas thunderstorm—necessary, messy, and done more than once.
It happens when we open the Bible before opening our phones.
When we pause to pray before firing off that email.
When we speak Scripture over our anxiety instead of letting the anxiety do all the talking.
Some days, it feels like you’re making progress. Other days, you’re just holding ground. But either way, you’re showing up—and that matters.
God honors the process. He transforms little by little, thought by thought.
How We Show Up Changes Everything
And here’s the kicker—this spiritual renewal doesn’t just stay inside you.
It spills over.
When your mind is transformed, your choices change.
Your leadership changes.
Your relationships shift.
You stop reacting to chaos, and start responding with grace.
You stop performing for approval, and start living from a place of peace.
In Christ, we lead with integrity—not ego.
We serve with compassion—not competition.
We forgive. We listen. We love well.
We begin to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” with our lives—not just our words.
Let the Word Be Louder
Maybe today your mind is crowded with worry.
Maybe you’re overwhelmed with decisions.
Maybe the voices in your head have been too loud, for too long.
Friend, take heart.
You are not alone.
You are not crazy.
And you are not stuck.
You just need a reset—a holy rewiring that only comes through the Word of God.
Let Scripture be the soundtrack of your thoughts.
Let truth drown out the fear.
Let Christ’s voice get the final say.
Because when we renew our minds, we remember what the world wants us to forget:
We are deeply loved.
We are fully known.
We are eternally secure in Jesus Christ.
So pull up a chair.
Pour another cup of coffee.
And open that Bible.
Your thoughts don’t have to run the show anymore.
The renewing of your mind starts now.
Grace and Peace,
Jimmie
📖 Romans 12:2 still speaks. Let it speak to you today.
✍️ Written by Jimmie Aaron Kepler
🌐 jimmiekepler.com | 📰 jimmiekepler.substack.com
🎙️ One Day at a Time: What I Learned After the Doctor Said “Melanoma” By Jimmie Aaron Kepler
It was about this time in June 2015. The kind of hot Texas day where the pavement wavers like a mirage and the sky looks too bright for bad news. But bad news doesn’t wait for cloud cover.
We were sitting in a cold room full of diplomas and sterile walls when the doctor cleared her throat and gave me a look I’ll never forget. She said, “Your wife has advanced stage three melanoma. We’ve scheduled surgery in two days.”
I didn’t say much. Just nodded while my insides twisted like barbed wire.
That word—melanoma—hit like a fist to the gut.
And it came two years after her first diagnosis: neuroendocrine carcinoid. That’s the same rare cancer that took down Steve Jobs, and now it was taking its time with my bride.
They told us plain, looked my wife in the eye: This is serious. I’ll do the surgery to remove the melanoma. If the it recurs after the surgery, it will kill you. I want you to understand this will be terminal. You will die, and even if by some miracle the melanoma progresses slowly, then the neuroendocrine carcinoid will take your life. She added, You need to get your affairs in order.
You don’t ever forget hearing something like that. (Sadly, only ninety days later a PET scan showed the melanoma had recurred.)
The World Got Quieter After That
Everything slowed down. Even the birds outside seemed to hush. You don’t think about grocery lists or emails after news like that. You think about holding her hand. About how your children and her sisters are gonna take it. About how long you’ve got left to tell her all the things you meant to say over the years.
I won’t walk you through the medical side of it. That was her fight, her pain, and she bore it with a kind of grace that still humbles me. She had her team of doctors, specialists, and treatments stacked high like a pile of phone books. But my focus wasn’t on prescriptions or procedures.
I went looking for God.
My Bible Became My Lifeline
I turned to the scriptures like a thirsty man turns to a well. I’d wake up early, stop on my way to work at Starbucks for a blonde roast coffee, and sit with the Word in one hand and my aching heart in the other.
And over and over, one verse kept coming back like a faithful friend:
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”— Matthew 6:34 (KJV)
That’s Jesus talking. He wasn’t sugarcoating life—He was giving us a way to survive it.
What That Verse Meant to Me
I read it a dozen times before it sank in: Today is enough. Don’t drag tomorrow’s troubles into it.
I couldn’t fix her diagnosis. Couldn’t plan a perfect future. But I could hold her hand on that day. I could sit beside her while she napped. I could whisper prayers when she was too tired to say her own.
When I stopped staring into the fog of what might be, I started seeing what was—God’s presence, right in the middle of the mess.
A Prayer from a Worn-Out Caregiver
Father in Heaven, help me live in the now.
Let me see You in this moment, even when the moments are hard.
Help me let go of tomorrow’s worries and take hold of the grace You’ve given me today.
I don’t know what’s coming next, Lord, but I know You’ll be there when it does.
And that’s enough for me. Amen.
Looking Back
My wife passed in 2018. And though the pain of her absence lingers, so does the peace I found in that verse. God didn’t promise easy. He promised enough—enough strength for today, enough grace for the heartache, enough hope to keep walking.
So if you’re facing a long road, whether it’s your diagnosis or someone else’s, take it from a fella who’s walked it slow: God is in the middle of it.
Take a breath. Take His hand.
And take it one day at a time.
🕊
Still trusting.
Grace and peace, Jimmie
💡 Need More Encouragement for the Journey?
If today’s message about chronic illness struck a chord, you’re not alone. I’ve walked that road—and I wrote a devotional book especially for folks like us navigating the long, winding path of chronic illness.
Whether you’re facing the diagnosis yourself or walking beside someone you love, this book offers heartfelt prayers, biblical wisdom, and honest encouragement for each step of the journey.
My late wife Benita and I at her high school senior prom in 1974. She graduated high school that spring. We married December 1974. She was 18-years old and I was 21-years old. I was a December university graduate.
Bible Verse:
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24 (KJV)
My Story:
Countless people throughout history have drawn strength and encouragement from the words of Psalm 31:24, including my late wife after a diagnosis of terminal melanoma cancer.
When we first received the news, it was devastating. The doctors told us she had advanced stage three melanoma cancer. After the initial surgery, we were told if it recurred, there was little they could do to cure my wife’s cancer. My wife’s name was Benita. I called her “Miss Benita.”
The melanoma recurred within months. The oncologist told us to focus on making Miss Benita comfortable. Extending her life with as much quality as we could should be our focus. We were both overwhelmed with fear and sadness, unsure of what the future held.
But during our pain, we turned to God for comfort and guidance. We began reading the Bible and praying for strength and peace.
We found comfort in the words of Psalm 31:24, which reminded us to be strong and take heart, even in the face of such difficult circumstances.
As we navigated this new reality, we discovered the power of community through our coworkers and our Prestonwood Baptist Church Bible fellowship class. Our friends and family rallied around us, providing love, support, and practical help. They prayed with us, brought us meals, and sat with us in silence when words failed. Their presence gave us strength and hope, and we knew we were not alone on this journey.
Despite the challenges we faced, Miss Benita’s faith remained strong. She continued to trust in God, even when things seemed impossible. Her unwavering faith inspired me and many others who knew her.
As her illness progressed, Miss Benita’s physical strength faded. But her spirit remained strong, and she continued to be a beacon of hope and encouragement to all those around her. She would email and send cards to people on our church’s prayer list. She did this even into the first two weeks of the month she was in hospice care.
Miss Benita’s melanoma spread to her brain. Surgery removed a melanoma tumor.
It recurred within ninety days, causing her to lose the ability to read and write.
She never lost sight of the fact that her ultimate hope was in the Lord, and she knew that even in death, she would be with Him.
In her last days, her faith shone even brighter.
She was at peace, knowing that she would soon be with her Lord and Savior.
She lived her life showing her faith. Countless people were positively affected. Her legacy would continue long after she was gone.
As I reflect on Miss Benita’s life and her journey through cancer, I am reminded of the power of faith and community. I am inspired by her courage and her unwavering trust in God, even in the face of death. Many people supported us during this difficult time, providing love, comfort, and hope when we needed it most.
Psalm 31:24 is not just a verse on a page. It is a reminder of the strength and hope that we can find in God, even in the most difficult of circumstances. It is a call to be strong and take heart, even when our hearts are breaking. And it is a reminder that our hope is in the Lord, who has overcome death and has promised us eternal life.
Miss Benita’s journey through cancer taught our family and friends faith in God, community, and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. It reminded us that even in the face of death, we can find peace and strength in God.
And it showed us we do not measure our legacy by the number of days we live, but by the impact we have on others. May Miss Benita’s life and faith continue to inspire us all to be strong, take heart, and hope in the Lord.
Who wrote Psalm 31:24 and when was it written?
Scholars attribute Psalm 31:24 to King David. He wrote many of the Psalms in the Hebrew Bible.
The exact date of composition is uncertain, as the Psalms were likely written over a period of several centuries. Biblical scholars believe that the Psalms’ compilation and editing into their current form occurred during the Second Temple period (516 BC to 70 AD).
What is the context of Psalm 31:24?
Psalm 31:24 is the last verse of Psalm 31. It is a psalm of David. The psalm is a prayer for help and deliverance in the face of enemies and affliction. In this psalm, David expresses his trust in God. We see that even during his troubles, he asks for God’s mercy and protection.
The context of Psalm 31:24 is one of confidence and encouragement. David affirms his trust in God and encourages others to do the same, saying, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Faced with difficulties and opposition, David is reminding himself and others to stay steadfast in their faith. He says to rely on God’s strength and grace.
This verse is a fitting conclusion to the psalm, which began with a plea for help and ends declaring trust and hope in God.
What is the meaning of Psalm 31:24?
Psalm 31:24 is part of a psalm that expresses the psalmist’s trust in God during a time of distress and persecution.
In the preceding verses, David laments on his troubles and his enemies, who are trying to harm him. However, in this verse, he encourages himself and others who have put their hope in God to be strong and take heart.
The verse is a message of hope and encouragement for those who trust in God. It reminds believers they can be strong and take heart because of their faith in God’s goodness and faithfulness.
What does Psalm 31:24 phrase “Be of good courage,” mean?
“Be of good courage” encourages readers to remain resolute in their faith. It reminds them they have the inner strength to face whatever challenges come their way, and that they should rely on that strength to carry them through.
What does Psalm 31:24 “he shall strengthen your heart” mean?
“let your heart take courage,” reminds readers that courage is not just a matter of physical strength, but also of emotional fortitude. It encourages them to draw on the courage that comes from a deep and abiding faith in the Lord, which can help them overcome fear and doubt.
What does Psalm 31:24 “all you who hope in the Lord” mean?
“all you who hope in the Lord,” reminds readers they are not alone in their struggles. By placing their hope in God, they can find comfort and strength knowing that they are part of a larger community of believers who are also relying on God for support and guidance.
What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 31:24 (KJV, NIV & ESV)
Psalm 31:24KJV biblical translation says:
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24 KJV
Psalm 31:24 NIV biblical translation says:
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24 NIV
Psalm 31:24ESV biblical translation says:
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
Psalm 31:24 ESV
How does Psalm 31:24 give encouragement?
Psalm 31:24 says, “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” This verse provides encouragement to those who are facing difficult situations by reminding them to have faith and trust in the Lord.
It is a reminder that no matter what challenges they face, they are not alone, and that they can find hope and strength in their faith.
How can I apply Psalm 31:24 to my life?
Here are a few ways you can apply this verse to your life:
Find strength in God: When faced with challenges or difficult situations, turn to God for strength. Place your trust in Him and draw on His power to help you persevere.
Take heart: Don’t give up! No matter how tough things may seem, keep your hope and faith alive. Remember that God is with you and will guide you through difficult times.
Trust in the Lord: Believe in God’s goodness and love, and trust that He will provide for you. Have faith in His plans for your life, even when you can’t see the way forward.
Encourage others: Share the message of this verse with others who may be struggling. Remind them they are not alone, and that God is always there to support them.
Psalm 31:24 is a powerful reminder of the strength and hope we can find in God. By putting our trust in Him, we can overcome any obstacle and face the future with confidence.
A model or example prayer using Psalm 31:24
Psalm 31:24 is a verse from the Bible that reads, “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” A Psalm 31:24 prayer is a prayer inspired by this verse, which expresses a sense of trust, courage, and hope in God.
Here is an example of a Psalm 31:24 prayer:
Dear God,
With a heart full of hope and trust in you, I come to you today. I pray you give me the courage I need to face the challenges of this day and that you strengthen my heart so that I may persevere through the trials that come my way.
I know that with you by my side, I have nothing to fear, and I can face whatever comes my way with confidence and strength. I pray you fill me with your peace and surround me with your love, so that I may be a beacon of light to those around me who are also struggling.
Thank you for your constant presence in my life, and for the hope that I find in you. I trust in your love and your power to guide me through this day and all the days to come.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusion:
Psalm 31:24 provides encouragement by reminding readers to stay strong, have courage, and put their trust in the Lord. It is a reminder that no matter what challenges they face, they are not alone, and that they can find hope and strength in their faith
Today’s article is from the forthcoming book: “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Three” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023
You may be like my late wife was when she was battling Stage Four Melanoma cancer. She found herself very tired. She needed rest. My daily caregiving also left me weary. Like my wife, I needed rest.
The managing of my wife’s schedule took a skillset even an air traffic controller would envy. First, she had the neverending visits to her primary medical team. The army of medical doctors was the primary care physician, the surgical oncologist, managing oncologist, dermatologist, gastro endocrinologist, thyroid doctor, cardiologist (the heart must be healthy enough for the treatments) and radiologist medical doctor. They did the routine checks, prescribed the medications and treatments, performed biopsies and surgery as well as ordering the tests.
A group of medical technicians did the grunt work of tests and treatment procedures. In this category was blood work, PET scans, CAT scans, MRIs, days and weeks of radiation treatments and the lymphedema therapy.
At home, my wife did months of daily chemotherapy prescription medications, spent hours waiting for UPS or FedEx to deliver the refrigerated prescriptions from the exotic, super expensive pharmacy, did 24/7/365 lymphedema therapy at home with the machine that sounded like Darth Vader with a sleeve that looked like the nose of Snuffleupagus on Sesame Street.
Added to these challenges was managing her work schedule to maintain health insurance. These alone were enough to have her constantly exhausted. Unfortunately, more daily challenges were adding to her fatigue.
My wife’s eating schedule controlled her life. She had to take the prescription meds and wait two hours to eat or eat and wait several hours before she could take the medications. The routine dictated the time of day when she woke and went to bed.
You get the picture and can relate. Like my wife, you get tired. Yes, the patient gets tired. The caregiver also gets worn down. The caregiver makes sure the loved on stays on schedule and task. As the caregiver, you need to rest. You need God.
4.2 Resting in the Lord
Part of learning to care for a person with a chronic illness understands the need for resting in the Lord.
Caregiving for a loved one with a chronic illness can leave you tired and weary. I am talking about becoming bone tired. I am talking about the type of fatigue that vacations or even a sabbatical cannot cure.
4.3 Bible Verse
Exodus 33:14 (KJV), “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
4.4 What the Verse Means
The Lord is telling Moses that God will personally go with him. The Lord will give him rest. He is informing Moses that everything will ultimately be fine for him.
For the caregiver, this doesn’t mean that your loved one will be healed in this life. Final healing may not happen until heaven.
The application for the Believer in Christ is the Lord also personally goes with us, gives us rest, and promises to sustain us during our caregiving journey.
4.5 Pray Using Scripture
Heavenly Father thank you for your presence going with us.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the rest you give us.
God, we ask to experience your rest again this day.
Let us use Sundays as the day of rest and worship.
4.6 Responding to God’s Hope
Remember a recent time you felt God’s presence. What were you doing? Recall how you felt his presence.
Ask God to go with you and be with you today as you work and go about your caregiving responsibilities.
Are you getting enough rest? Are you reading your Bible regularly? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you taking time to be still?
This blog is from the book, “Caregiving: Biblical Insights from a Caregiver’s Journey” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. The book is available in paperback or eBook format at Caregiving: Biblical Insights From a Caregiver’s Journey
To get occasional updates on the writing of Jimmie Aaron Kepler please complete the “Email Sign-up” found in the far left column of the blog.
