Loving God With All Your Mind

by Elizabeth George

In a fresh, friendly manner, George explores what it means to think Godly by learning how to focus the mind on what is true, pure, lovely, and good. Honestly sharing episodes from her own past struggles as a frustrated, unhappy woman, George demonstrates how to develop a scriptural and healthy view of God, the past, the future, problems, others, and self.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Faith, Devotional

248 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

About the author

Elizabeth George is bestselling author and national speaker dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. For over 30 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth has helped countless men and women:

- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Women around the world are drawn to Elizabeth’s approach of daily starting with the Bible to handle life’s challenges. Her ability to weave biblical truth into everyday issues has led readers to make over 15 of her books bestsellers. Elizabeth’s distinctive work, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, has sold over 1 million copies and received the ECPA Platinum Book Award. Likewise, her delightful book, A Girl After God’s Own Heart, remains a treasured gift for moms and grandmothers and made the CBA Bestseller List for fourteen consecutive months.

Elizabeth also encourages women through her radio broadcast, “A Minute for Busy Women,” featured on Christian radio stations across America and at www.OnePlace.com. She is also a regular keynote speaker at women’s conferences and retreats.

In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.

Reviews

[Robin Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have struggled with fear and anxiety my entire life. It has been a journey and I am getting better as my faith grows. This book has been instrumental to say the least. Each chapter builds upon the previous, grounded in the Word, teaching how to handle adversity in life and the fear it produces. I cannot recommend this book enough! I have always loved and appreciated Elizabeth George’s books and this one is a new favorite!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a blessing to read. I picked it up because a friend had sent it to me. At first, it seemed to speak to me through the struggles I had been facing on a mental level, through my thoughts. But as I read more and more of the book, it not only worked to refocus my thoughts, but my heart as well.

I think, no matter what issues you struggle with, whether it is circumstances in your life, thoughts, heartache, discipline in your bible reading, etc, this book would help with that. Not because it holds all the answers, but because it forces you to stop looking at what's wrong and start looking at Christ and how he is using those different road blocks for a greater purpose.

This book went a long way in healing some hurts and heartache that I had and equally gave me a fresh hunger for God's word and reignited my prayer life. It truly was such a blessing to read.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to set aside some of my other planned books to read this right away. I have been struggling a lot lately with trusting God throughout all the issues in my life, but this book was a refreshing reminder of how much He cares for me. Each chapter is targeted to a specific issue as to why a person has trouble fully trusting God. The first chapter was on over-thinking and reading into people's words, which I tend to do a lot. This immediately let me know that this book was perfect for me. I'm nowhere near perfect in my faith after reading it, but I am learning more each day and this book was a great help.

[Jayna Baas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything in this book is grounded in Scripture, so it shouldn't be revolutionary, but it definitely made me think! Loving God with all your mind isn't a one-and-done process, but Elizabeth George's step-by-step advice is a very practical look at aligning our thoughts with the word of God. Her own experiences and those of others were very encouraging, as they demonstrate how truth really does set us free from the cycle of fear and anxiety once we choose to believe God instead of our feelings. I took this book in sections, and should probably go over it multiple times for maximum benefit. You may or may not agree with everything in this book, but even if you only read the first two chapters, it's worth it!

[Hannah Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it was just me but this book seemed very repetitive.
The overall message was good and everything was quite scripture based but it felt like a broken record to the point where I skipped over big sections.
Still could be a good read though.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Elizabeth George doesn't beat around the bush. I enjoyed the whole book, but the last half was especially revealing. It made me realize how much I need to accept God's ways without question. Focusing on God's Word and prayer are essential to knowing and loving God.

*A little KJV used; mostly other versions.

[Lynnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot in this book. So good! Great reminders of how to keep God your focus, etc. It is definitely one I should read again!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fabulous. I read the first few chapters and let them really sink in for about a month. They helped me out a lot, and the rest of the book was amazing to, but just those first 10 or so chapters were the best. Definitely looking forward to a re-read someday.

[Kailie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of foundational truths from Scripture, especially for memorization and meditation. I’d recommend the section “Training Your Thoughts” alone for how impactful it was in helping me apply the truth of what it means to think and focus on “what is true and real,” both in God’s Word and in my actual circumstances. That said, I had a hard time connecting with the writing style, and some of George’s examples didn’t quite land for me.

[Kelly Eisbacher · Rating 2 out of 5]

This almost felt like the old adage, “you just need more faith and you won’t struggle.” Gd allows us to wrestle with him, Jacob did. She also juxtaposed discipline of a child to an infant death when it came to uncertain circumstances. As someone who has lost a daughter, this irritated me. She also makes a pro-spanking argument in the section about trusting Gd in the unknown. She said her study of Proverbs changed her stance. Several studies show the detriments of spanking. Science and Scripture do not conflict each other. She could have chosen another example.
Often the examples or illustrations to show a point were irrelevant or confusing.
The book was very redundant too and didn’t dive deeply into Scripture. Rather, a Scripture was mentioned and then some random points were written.
There were a few tidbits of information or advice that were redeeming and hence a two star, rather than one star rating.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear, worry, anxiety, and depression are just a few of the emotions that are covered in this book. If you struggle with negative emotions in an shape or size that this is a must-read for you.

I really enjoy Elizabeth's tender, yet honest, approach to dealing with emotions and how to combat them by loving God with our minds and the practical application of doing so. She writes as if she were your friend and she writes from personal experience which makes this book all the more meaningful.

The book and study guide go hand-in-hand to make this a comprehensive study of how to use our minds for the glory of God.

[Sarah Solt · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay, don’t knock this book based on the cover. the truths and scriptures that Elizabeth George walks through in this book are so encouraging and challenging as she calls women to major in the things that matter. Knowing God & what His Word says about Him. She walks through 6 different verses throughout scripture that we should memorize and fill our minds with. Practical and rich in the things that matter, let us not become complacent with the narratives we write but hold tight the eternal Word.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to remind you to really trust god in all things,think on what is true and real,live one day at a time,navigate the maze of life.The part that stood out to me the most was how important it is to memorize bible verses. You need them to be in your head for when satan tries to attack, you can use them for your armor to fight back.

[Shiffra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my women's group and we all really liked it. The biggest lesson learned is how to train your brain to think on things that are true and realizing how much of our thought life is spent thinking about things that aren't true.

[Jonathanandemily Washer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book! Never realized how much of a battleground my mind is

[Gabie Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one with a very sweet group of women for a book/study this year! Just finished and was very blessed by it. Many warm reminders of God's providence and love for us as we endure various trials. I also enjoyed the multiple encouragements to not allow anxiety or fear rule your life. Many practical applications.
The only reason I am not giving this one 5 stars is that I believe there was an over emphasis on actively seeking out God's specific will/plan for your life. (More specifically encouraging women to do this *big thing* for God) This theme came up in a few instances throughout the book. It of course is biblical to submit ourselves to the will of God and to consider how we are to serve him individually. However, I think there is more joy and wisdom in finding contentment in the ordinary vocations that the Lord has placed us in. We can glorify God in all things, not just the big things. I was encouraged during our study discussion that the other women agreed with that sentiment and critique of the book! WSC Question 1: "What is the chief end of man?"Answer: "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever."

[Elisabeth Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read Elizabeth George when I was a young teenager, and the simple but practical way she talked about living out the Christian faith made a lasting impression on my heart. This book has the same voice: simple, heartfelt encouragement to love and obey God. While her message here is not as groundbreaking as the message of the book I read all those years ago, I was still challenged and encouraged by this book.

Mrs. George urges Christian women to engage their minds in the love of God by drawing principles from six Bible passages: Philippians 4:8, Matthew 6:34, Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 3:12-13, Romans 8:28, and Romans 11:33. Nothing she says is revolutionary, per se, but she has a warm and down-to-earth way of applying the Bible, and several of her points really struck a chord in my own heart.

I would recommend this book to Christian women who are struggling with anxiety, discouragement, and depression.

[Michelle Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars I think. For the ideas. This is not a profound book, and the middle was a little slow going with a lot of examples/stories from the early 90s 😂but the sections at beginning and end were so helpful and needed. The right words at the right time.
The constant refrain was to be in Gods word, to memorize it, to dwell on what is true and real (Philippians), to trust “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God; how unsearchable are his judgements and his ways past finding out”

Some quotes she pulls from other authors

“The testimony of faith is that, no matter how things look in this fallen world, all God’s acts are wrought in perfect wisdom.” Tozer, A W

[Morgan Brabender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! The Lord used this book to not only teach me and grow me, but while I read it, I found that people around me needed the same encouragement and wisdom that I was getting from the book. I was able to share truths with friends struggling around me! I will definitely keep this book around as a reference, resource, and reminder to love God with all my mind.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An oldie but a goodie. I have read this book multiple times. The greatest lesson I have learned from this book over the years is to dwell on that which is true. In order to dwell on what is true, we need to not dwell on things we imagine MAY happen. I recommend it to any women who struggle with worry or anxious thoughts.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a person picks up a book at just he right time in his or her life, and this was one of those books for me. As the author points out, our minds can run wild with worries, unwanted thoughts, and misconceptions. To restrain the mind, Elliott uses a few well-known, key Bible verses - and yet the way she presents them made an impact on me. Sher particularly focuses on the first part of Philippians 4:8 - "Whatever things are true...think on those things." Things that might happen in the future are not true for today, and one's focus should be on what is true for today to avoid the pitfalls of wasting emotional energy on the "what if's."

[Natalie Underhile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth George will always be one of my favorite authors. My main takeaway from this book is how important/ helpful/ it is to memorize scripture. I want to do better with this in my spiritual walk. So many dog-eared pages. I will be revisiting this book again!

[Blanca Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I read a little every day and tried to use the mediation throughout the day. Her repetitive method of demonstrating how scripture works in our lives was empowering. Proof again that the answers to everything have been documented in one book for hundreds of years.

[Kristen Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal and astounding; Christian women everywhere should read this one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful study by Elizabeth George

[Ceci · Rating 3 out of 5]

2023: 3/5

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I need to read this every year!

[Emma Schwass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was a good and helpful book. It got a bit repetitive but in a this is good stuff so it’s worth saying again kind of way. I’m glad to have read it!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5 stars)
Certainly we must love God with all our minds.

Definitely a fantastic way to do that is committing Scripture to memory, also obeying it.

Quite a few of these examples made me wonder where the “with all your mind” came in. Robust Christianity is not antagonistic to solid thinking! Faith does not mean we don’t eliminate as many dangers and unknowns as we can.

Perhaps I misunderstood, but it seemed the personal examples and counseling were regularly done in the “all things work together for good” style—a verse slapped on top of a gaping wound. Scripture allows for more complexity of human emotion and struggle than that. We ought to as well.

Not so much to this point, but I would instead encourage someone to read Powlison’s “Seeing with New Eyes” or Berg’s “Changed Into His Image”. Though neither of those are addressing this area of sanctification quite so specifically, both are solid and challenging and trustworthy.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an AWESOME read! Elizabeth George takes six lifechanging verses from the bible and offers excellent insight to better understand their meaning, as well as, how we can begin to apply them in our everyday lives. I've read this book 3 times in the past 10 or so years, and each time the Lord has used it to strengthen my relationship with Him. If you want to dig deeper, I recommend that you purchase the growth and study guide that goes along with this book.

Recently, I led a women's bible study in which we used Elizabeth George's DVD series that she recently created for Loving God With All Your Mind. This DVD series also had a companion workbook to go along with it. The workbook was GREAT; a true compliment to her book! All of us women were truly blessed by this study.

Review by Lisa Suggs
Author of - Choices: When Divorce Happens To You and Your Children