Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life

by Max Lucado

NOW A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

When was the last time you awakened to a swirl of anxious, out-of-control thoughts?

Perhaps you were overwhelmed with the weight of worry, the fear of failing, or the grip of guilt. The way we think directly impacts our joy and peace. In Tame Your Thoughts, Max Lucado provides three biblical and practical tools to renew your mind and transform your life.

Our thoughts have consequences. Most people would agree that positive thoughts generate positive actions. Negative thoughts activate negative behavior. But do we understand that we can manage our lives by managing our thoughts? Not only does neuroscience back this concept, but the idea is also embedded throughout Scripture. "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" ( esv). Tame your thoughts and transform your life!

Stuck in your head? Hounded by regrets? Weighed down by worry? Change is possible! The thoughts that have characterized your past need not characterize the rest of your life. You will learn

Take thoughts captiveTest each message against the truth of ScriptureInterrupt poisonous thought threadsThink and act like Jesus 

If God can resurrect the dead, can he not resurrect hope? Defy depression? Clarify confusion? Silence shame? Destroy doubt? Banish bitterness?

Take God at his word. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7 nkjv, emphasis added). With God as their helper, you will discover a new way of thinking and a better way of living. A new person will begin to emerge.

We can tame each thought, friends.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Christianity, Spirituality, Self Help, Christian Living

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tame Your Thoughts - Max Lucado - 4 Stars

This was a solid, encouraging Bible study with some good biblical reminders about renewing your mind and replacing lies with God’s truth. The concept of being intentional with your thought life, especially the tools like picky thinking, identifying those bad thoughts, uprooting them and replanting with scripture was easy to understand and helpful in a practical, real-life way.
While I didn’t find anything super deep or theologically profound, the simplicity of the message is exactly what some of us need in a busy or anxious season. It’s great for newer believers or anyone looking to refocus and get back to the basics of truth-filled thinking.

I especially appreciated how the study addressed things like anxiety, guilt, and rejection in a compassionate, Scripture-based way. This one might not be revolutionary, but it’s definitely a great reset for your mindset—and sometimes that’s exactly what we need. 💛

Note this comes with study videos also that I enjoyed hearing Max speak. It would be great with a group of people to study with because it gives a lot of thought provoking questions people can discuss in a group setting, as well as some personal study pieces too.

Thank you to the publisher for an e-book copy to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love and keep in my personal library many Max Lucado books. The premise and teaching is always easy to understand and great reference tools. Highly recommend. Great narration.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, HCCP & HCF Audio | Thomas Nelson, for sending me this Advanced Audio Copy.

I loved the simplicity of this message. A great reminder to be intentional about our thoughts - what we allow to consume us.

Pub Date Aug 19 2025

As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winning book by Max Lucado! Filled with scriptures, personal stories, and staggering statistics, this book takes a look at our thought life and some practical steps for adhering to the passage that tells us to "take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ". Though written from a distinctly Christian worldview, this book would be of benefit to people from all walks of life and all faiths as a tool to help corral one's thought life. As a Christian, I was especially grateful for the scripture references and faith-based guidance, but I believe that people who are not Christian would also find sound advice within these pages. This book is timely as it addresses the negative thoughts and self-talk we have each and every day. With the influx of non-chemical mental health issues in our world today, having a plan to combat those negative thoughts is pure gold! The wisdom found in these pages is both practical and scriptural. The personal stories come from Lucado's own life, others he has met along his life's journey and the Bible itself. With great discussion questions in the back, this one would be ideal for not only personal study, but a group study as well. All in all, this is great and timely read and one I will likely re-read as needed. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max ALWAYS delivers 👏🏽

Another fantastic Bible study book with helpful reflective questions for each chapter. He provides us with 3 simple practical tools that can be used in daily life.

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thanks be to God.

🙏🏼 🕊️ ❤️

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads

I have read and enjoyed many Max Lucado books, so when I saw this one I immediately requested it from my library. As usual, it is written in Max’s warm, comfortable, easy-to-understand style. I think that’s what works for all his books – he doesn’t talk down to the reader but recounts his foibles and experiences in an honest, humorous fashion as he shares biblical truth.

Early in the book he makes it clear what to expect: this book is rooted in Christian hope and it “has a simple yet lofty goal: a life made better by better thoughts.”

Containing many personal stories, statistics, and scripture references, the book is inspirational and helpful. It offers support and guidelines for how to change your thinking through biblically-based thought management tools. I agree with a few other reviewers that it doesn’t go too deeply into mental health strategies. But it’s a good introduction to taming our thoughts.

If you’re looking for thought management encouragement with questions for reflection at the conclusion, this would make a great small group study, as well as a book to read and reflect on your own.

[Daniel Stitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado as an advanced reader copy, and while the heart behind the book is sincere and pastoral, the overall experience left me with mixed feelings.

Max Lucado writes with his signature warmth—like a kind and wise grandfather offering gentle advice over coffee. His tone is light and conversational, which makes the book easy to read. However, that same tone at times veers into what I can only describe as cringy. Phrases like “stinkin’ thinkin’” or acronyms such as UFO for “Unwanted False Opinions” felt a bit too playful for a topic as nuanced and personal as mental and spiritual thought patterns. These moments made the book feel dated and, at times, academically lazy.

The illustrations and examples were clear, often rooted in relatable life experiences, but I felt the content could have benefited from a more modern sensibility—both in language and in depth. The chapters were broad, tackling a range of themes without going deep enough to offer practical or transformative insight. While Lucado includes strong biblical references and sound theology, there’s nothing particularly new here—no fresh biblical scholarship or standout applications that really elevate the message.

That said, the reflection questions and Bible study section at the end of the book are where the real value lies. These components invite the reader to move beyond the surface and engage in meaningful self-reflection. For readers looking for a light devotional or group discussion guide, this back section might be the most useful part of the book.

Overall, Tame Your Thoughts is a kind-hearted and accessible resource, but not one that breaks new ground. If you’re looking for a gentle reminder to center your thoughts on truth and Scripture, this may be a good fit. Just don’t expect deep dives or modern insight on managing mental and emotional patterns.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Net Galley, for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Max Lucado’s writing is always a refreshing delight. I found it intriguing how science and faith share a common approach to managing thought patterns. While the information itself wasn’t entirely new to me, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Jung]

People are told constantly that their thoughts control their lives, and Max Lucado’s "Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" claims to offer a way out of negativity. The pitch sounds promising: reshape your thinking and turn your life around. But the book quickly reveals itself as more of a simplistic sermon than a practical mental health guide. Instead of acknowledging the complexity of psychology, trauma, biology, or even actual cognitive therapy, Lucado relies almost entirely on religious clichés and metaphors stretched so thin they lose meaning. The introduction may hook readers with statistics about daily thought volume and the brain’s plasticity, but the rest of the content boils down to: 'think more like Jesus, and everything will get better.' It presents itself as neuroscience-informed, yet barely scratches the surface of scientific understanding.

Lucado first introduces the idea of 'picky thinking,' which is essentially the familiar concept of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. He uses a grand comparison to the White House Situation Room, implying our brains require strict security to filter harmful thoughts. But rather than offering objective strategies for managing cognitive distortions, he insists that the only reliable filter is Scripture. Questioning intrusive or self-critical thoughts is not framed as an emotional maturity skill - it’s tied exclusively to whether those thoughts align with biblical teachings. This approach dismisses people struggling in ways not solved by quoting verses at their own mental suffering. The message feels scolding: if your thoughts spiral, it’s because you’re not letting God approve them first. The metaphor is clever at first glance, but the execution reduces a complicated issue into a spiritual blame game.

The book then shifts to paranoid language about Satan’s influence, using an awkward metaphor about 'UFOs' to describe the progression of negative thinking: untruth, false narrative, and overreaction. Instead of helping readers understand observable mental processes or trauma-based responses, Lucado insists that Satan sneakily plants poisonous ideas inside people’s brains. Anxiety, depression, and insecurity become evidence not of stress or illness but of demonic sabotage. His example of toxic mold hidden inside a house aims to communicate the danger of internalized harmful beliefs, but tying that to the devil’s strategic operations trivializes genuine psychological conditions. People who battle self-doubt or emotional volatility do not need to be told they’re failing God by allowing 'enemy thoughts' to exist. The solution he pushes feels spiritually manipulative: ask Jesus if each thought is 'authorized.' Real mental health work is reduced to spiritual policing.

Next comes perhaps the most forced analogy in the book - comparing human rumination to cows chewing cud. The imagery is memorable but ultimately silly. Lucado argues that people repeatedly re-chew their negative experiences instead of consuming uplifting Biblical truth. The solution he prescribes is 'uprooting' toxic thoughts and planting Scripture in their place. While the idea of replacing harmful beliefs with healthier ones is legitimate cognitive-behavioral work, he glosses over the difficulty of actually unlearning decades of mental conditioning. Instead, he makes it sound like reciting a verse magically erases the underlying issue. Readers coping with deep-rooted fears, trauma, or emotional wounds are given no acknowledgment that their situation might require patience, therapy, or professional support. The approach here is overly moralizing: if your thoughts remain negative, you simply aren’t collaborating with God strongly enough.

Anxiety becomes his next target, and once again he oversimplifies. Rather than acknowledging the neurological causes or environmental triggers of anxiety, Lucado suggests anxious thinking is evidence of not trusting divine control. Present struggles are framed as personal failures to rely on God properly. He offers only mild advice such as 'ask whether the worry is based on evidence' or 'pray instead of catastrophizing,' strategies that pale in comparison to scientifically grounded anxiety management techniques like exposure work, grounding exercises, or professional counseling. He introduces neuroplasticity as if prayer alone rewires the brain, reinforcing the idea that anxiety persists because the sufferer isn't spiritually disciplined enough. This can easily pile spiritual guilt onto people already overwhelmed.

The section on guilt and shame attempts to separate helpful remorse from destructive self-condemnation. Yet instead of addressing accountability, healing, or empathy, Lucado once again places responsibility entirely on personal devotion. He argues that shame comes from Satan and that confession to God alone is the remedy, ignoring how relational harm or psychological trauma require more meaningful repair. The concept that 'God cleanses all wrongdoing' sounds comforting until you realize it bypasses real-world consequences and emotional processing. People might desperately need professional therapy or reconciliation with others, not just solitary prayer declaring themselves forgiven. Reducing shame to a theological misunderstanding is not only shallow - it risks enabling avoidance rather than healing.

His discussion of joy is equally lightweight. Lucado laments how few people report happiness and criticizes society for seeking fulfillment in possessions or achievements. Joy, he says, must come only from a relationship with God. The example of Jesus experiencing joy despite hardship attempts to shame the reader: if Christ could be joyful while facing crucifixion, what’s your excuse? The proposed solution - focus on God’s love, believe joy is possible, and ask for help - again minimizes the reality of depression, loneliness, or chemical imbalance. Telling someone to choose joy or pray harder does nothing for those whose mental suffering is not optional. The book essentially argues that if you lack joy, it is because you're spiritually immature.

Throughout the text, Lucado repeatedly drags neuroscience into the discussion as if to modernize the message, but offers no depth, clarity, or expert grounding. He throws around the word neuroplasticity like a magic charm, implying Bible verses change synaptic pathways easier than psychological intervention ever could. The constant reliance on spiritual warfare language encourages readers to interpret their own minds as battlegrounds where any struggle reflects personal failure or demonic threat. There is no mention of trauma-informed care, medication, or clinical therapy - all valid paths to mental wellness. It becomes obvious that Lucado sees mental health purely as a religious obedience issue, where success is credited to God and failure blamed on insufficient devotion.

The conclusion of the book tries to summarize three supposed tools for transforming thought life: filtering thoughts through the Bible, catching 'demonic lies,' and replacing every negative belief with Scripture. These tools sound simple to the point of childishness. They might comfort readers already convinced that every problem is spiritual in nature, but they offer no real support for people whose mental struggles are legitimate health conditions. The book disguises spiritual pressure as encouragement, proposing a black-and-white worldview where good believers are mentally strong and those who still struggle are somehow spiritually disobedient.

In the end, "Tame Your Thoughts" is not a practical guide for mental wellbeing. It is a sermon pretending to be psychology, using religious shortcuts to address human suffering. While the message may comfort deeply faithful readers seeking reinforcement of beliefs they already hold, it risks causing harm to anyone whose mental battles require something more substantial than Bible verses and metaphorical gardening. Rather than offering meaningful tools, the book pushes guilt, oversimplification, and spiritual platitudes. For people who genuinely want to transform their thinking and improve their lives, this book may leave them feeling more inadequate than inspired.

[Sav · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Lucado book, believe it or not! For someone who struggles with depression, anxious thoughts, and periods of feeling guilty, this book was perfect for me. I love that Lucado ties neuroscience and the Bible together. People in the Bible had anxiety, depression, worry, and guilt; none of these are foreign to God. Our thoughts hold power, affecting how we react to daily situations and approach each morning. It’s no secret that our thoughts carry this weight, and Lucado walks us through how to “tame our thoughts” and have faith in God. God does not abandon anyone just because they struggle with mental quicksand; He is there in the darkest of times. Lucado’s book reminded me that I am not alone in my struggles and that because I suffer from depression does not make me an unholy person or less of a Christian. I am walking away from this book with the tools and reminders to not let my thoughts control my life. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this book, however, there was one thing in Lucado’s book that did not sit right with me. I have read several of Dr. Daniel Amen’s books, and Dr. Amen coined the term ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts). Lucado talks about ANTs and makes it seem as though he is the one who came up with the catchy term, and never gives credit to Dr. Amen. I think that it is extremely important to give credit where credit is due, especially in this day and age where artificial intelligence exists.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe it or not, Tame Your Thoughts is my first Max Lucado book. I’ve read his picture books but this is my first adult. I truly enjoy his writing style. His teachings are practical and Biblically-based. I highlighted so many encouraging passages I want to keep in my repertoire of positive thinking. I realize actively taking control of your own thoughts is powerful. His stories about people kept my attention and demonstrate how his words apply to real life situations.
This book offers insights into out thoughts concerning, pride, anger, anxiety, greed, lust, and more. Some admonishing? Yes, but still his bottom line is that God loves us and will help us tame our minds. It’s not a matter of thinking of bad things less, but replacing those thoughts with good things and focusing on Jesus.

Some gems:
in the chapter on confessions… confess your sins to God. List everything that comes to mind, and when you’ve exhausted that, ask God to search your heart and reveal any hidden sin that you’ve overlooked.
And… the example of Paul. Put him in a synagogue and he’d preach. Put him in a boat and he’d witness. Put him in jail and he’d write.

I also liked that Lucado sites lots of scripture from a wide variety of translations.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to read self help books, especially those with insights into better use of the brain. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to listen to Lucado's book and review it. I did not find any new or surprising insights but then I have read widely on the topic (such as Dr. Caroline Leaf). For Christians who are not familiar with the concept of neuroplasticity, this book is a good introduction to it and the strategies used to change one's thoughts with a specific emphasis on using Scripture.

I like that Lucado suggests we practice picky thinking. Just because a thought enters our head does not mean we need to let it stay there. I like his UFO concept, Untruth, False narrative, Overreaction. One can take those unwanted thoughts and uproot them like weeds and replace them with truth from God's word. There are many additional helps provided in a downloadable document and there are video teaching sessions available too.

Lucado's narration is clear and makes this book a good one for those who want to learn about taming thoughts but may not have the opportunity to read on the subject. I recommend it.

I received a complimentary audio galley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Brittani (Book_Byrd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank so much to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this wonderful book!
This book was a perfect fit for “such a time as this”. When our minds get clouded with social media , comparison and the general propagation of bad news on TV this little book is a nice cleanse.
Lucado talks you through positive mindsets to have and how to combat anxiety, depression, pessimistic thoughts and also hidden sin.
In general I am more of an Optimist. I still found this book helpful in those smaller more depressing times and how to stop those thoughts before they even start.
I do think you need to have at least a baseline belief in Jesus, God and Christianity, for this book to actually make sense and have application. Someone just searching for faith should pickup something a little more basic by Lucado first. Otherwise, the solutions of keeping your thoughts on God and how to do that won't land for you.
I am not big on having NLT and MSG translations unless you are confused to other translations and just starting out reading the Bible. There are a few scriptures that are presented in these translations. Lucado maybe meant this book for the more “baby” Christian though, because other books I've read by him don't usually use these.
Overall, for me, this book was read at just the right moment. If you are struggling with negative thoughts or feelings, or general depression. I highly recommend this book to set you on the right path!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life

I really enjoyed this book.

I have been reading Max Lucado books for many years, and I always enjoy his writing and style, and this book is no different!

Although this book is more of a holistic look at your whole mind and life, Lucado incorporates a lot of biblical wisdom into the book, making it a great jumping point for anyone - even those not in the faith, or new to the faith.

Lucado does a wonderful job at encouraging action in changing things like thought patterns, and reminds readers to be mire like that of Christ.

In these troubled times, this book does a great job to point readers back to God's ability to restore peace and hope.

I recommend this book to anyone feeling caught up in worry or fear - even self-doubt.

An excellent Scripture-based self-help guide.

I really enjoyed it.

3.8/5

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just about everything that Lucado writes about is golden and receives high marks in my opinion. His latest book is no exception and very timely in today's world. I was just discussing Romans 12:1,2 with my men's study group and how we renew our minds as the apostle Pual exhorts us to do. Our thoughts and the right thinking are so important as many would agree, so how do we tame our thoughts to improve our behavior and life? Max gives us a nifty mental tool kit that he flushes out in the majority of the book with practical stories, illustrations and applications. Questions for discussion prepared by Andrea Ramsay allows you as a group or individually to go deeper into the topics presented. The book is also very practical as he takes on some of the issues that derail us in our lives: anxiety, guilt, finding joy, lust (very powerful and destructive for many men), feeling overwhelmed, dealing with pain, rejection and being satisfied with our lot in life.

[Deb Borawski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott and I are listening to a Max Lucado book, Tame your thoughts, on the way home from Vacationing at the Beach. Take aways:
The moment you choose to follow Our Lord, progress is possible in your life. A new way of thinking. Emerging to tame your thoughts. Inaccuracy means catastrophe. Practice picky thinking. Take every thought captive. Choose your attitude. Empty your unsolicited “emails” inbox… meaning your thoughts that don’t belong…remove things that try to hold you captive. Free yourself! God says, Believe that the word of God, The Bible is your Truth! { so much more goodness, wanted to share} easy listen! Love max!

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max has become a favorite author for me and I was excited to learn about his new book. I love his gentle approach to serious topics and his sense of humor. His examples are relatable and his guidance comes across as kind suggestions. This book is full of practical advice that I am already starting to put into use with regard to my thinking. I alternated between print and audio and love that Max was the narrator for the audiobook.

[Dot Wardsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Tame Your Thoughts, Max Lucado urges us to “Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” I want to think and act like Jesus, but my thoughts are often negative and judgmental. Therefore, I can relate to the examples in this book and I love that Lucado backs up his points with Scripture. He encourages us to be intentional, take control of our thoughts, and base them on biblical truths. This is another Max Lucado book that I happily recommend to others! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Dennis Ticen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is classic Lucado: full of great stories, clear Biblical explanations and a consistent theme. The first part of the book focuses on what he calls “tools for thought management,” and is the more “theoretical” part of the books. The rest of the book is focused on particular situations like dealing with anxiety, guilt, lust and other common issues. This book is even more consistent in its approach to application than previous Lucado works. And there is no one better with words. Lucado continues his mastery of language and painting pictures with words. I highly recommend this easily readable and very applicable book!

[bookloverjb123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great devotional that utilizes scripture and great stories that apply to Taming Your thoughts, renewing your mind and tweaking our attitude.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! I received the book from Net Galley for an honest review. I knew the author and thought I’d enjoy it due to the title. I had no idea how powerful the message in this book would be. Truly the tools he offers are what I needed! I choose the audio book but I need a physical book to mark in and right notes now. If you struggle with controlling your thinking this is a book you want to read! Max Lucado gives specific examples using his tools to uproot the weeds of untrue thinking that we let become false narratives in our mind that leads to overreacting. His tool of UFO.. The author has filled this book with so many amazing helps that i highly recommend reading this book.

[Wes Jakacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very practical and helpful guide on how to better manage anxious thoughts and overthinking.

[Beth Troon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written. Spoken reality of our thoughts and how we must stop the UFOS, focusing on God's Love, strength, discipline and forgiveness.

[Lynn Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max does it again. Another amazing book that helps me draw closer to God and Jesus.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just watched KPop Demon Hunters and all of its Christian themes, whether intentional or not, this book was a perfect follow up to dealing with imposter syndrome, intrusive thoughts!

[Amy R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

powerful

[Jason Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As a man thinketh, therefore he is.” Max Lucado does a fantastic job of balancing science, Biblical truths, and good ole fashion advice. It is written in a way that anyone can understand. He highlights the importance of how our thoughts shape our reality. However, your brain is moldable: more like silly putty than concrete. This book is a must-read.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read many of Max Lucado’s books, and each one is always a refreshing reminder to refocus and recenter my thoughts on Jesus. Tame Your Thoughts was no different. While it didn’t necessarily provide brand-new insights, it served as an encouraging and much-needed reminder to take control of my thought life and be intentional about what I allow my mind to dwell on.

Lucado is great at providing Scripture to back up his points, and I greatly appreciate how he grounds his encouragement in biblical truth. If you’re already a fan of Max Lucado, this book will not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley, HCCP & HCF Audio, as well as Max Lucado for granting me access to this ALC.

[Priscilla Asir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read only one book by Max Lucado before, but I’ve watched countless of his videos — so when NetGalley approved me for this audiobook, I was super excited!

As someone who constantly battles overthinking, anxiety, and worry — especially when it comes to my family — this was truly a book I needed to read and hear. The author’s narration was so calming and filled with warmth that it felt like a heart-to-heart talk with a friend who understands.

I usually don’t pick up nonfiction, but this one was different! The way author blends relatable personal stories, scientific insights, and practical steps kept me engaged throughout. Each chapter offered something to reflect on and apply in real life — and I’ve already started practicing some of those ideas daily.

What made this book even more special was how author weaves in biblical principles and verses for each struggle. Those moments grounded me and reminded me that peace begins when we align our thoughts with God’s truth.

✨ Favorite Quotes:
🕊️ “You can’t control every thought, but you can control which ones you give a seat at your table.”


This isn’t just a self-help book — it’s a gentle, faith-filled reminder to renew your mind, take every thought captive, and rest in God’s peace.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life by Max Lucado is an interesting read based on the transforming and renewing of your mind found in Romans 12:2. Citing neuroscience and the brain’s neuroplasticity, its ability to change and adapt, Max gives readers three helpful tools to empower them to think clearly and rightly.

The book covers a number of common maladies including how to properly deal with anxiety, lack of joy, guilt, lust, feeling overwhelmed, rejection, pain, and dissatisfaction. Like Max’s other books, there are questions for reflection for deeper personal or group study. He also includes a database of scripture at the end for readers to use to help retrain their brains. I definitely recommend this book for those looking to take their thoughts captive and desire to change their way of thinking in a more productive and biblical manner.

I thankfully received a free electronic advance reader copy of this book from Nelson Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.