In 2025, the months of January, May, August, and October have five Fridays. I use those Fridays to publish media reviews: books, music, movies, blogs, podcasts, etc. These will be primarily, but not limited to, Christian media sources. Today we are highlighting Dr. Josh Axe’s latest book:Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be.
What if the most powerful change you could make this year didn’t start with your diet or your to-do list—but your thoughts?
In Think This, Not That, Dr. Josh Axe offers a powerful reminder that what we believe drives how we live—and even how we heal. This faith-filled, science-backed book walks through the toxic thoughts that keep us stuck and invites us to exchange them for truth rooted in God’s Word.
Two mindset shifts especially resonated with me:
🧠Think Faith, Not Fear – Fear steals our peace, wrecks our health, and whispers worst-case scenarios. But faith? Faith anchors us in the truth that God is in control—even when we’re not. We can train our minds to trust, even in the storm.
🧠Think Forgiveness, Not Bitterness – Bitterness binds us to the past, while forgiveness releases us into freedom. Letting go doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt. It means we’re choosing healing over holding on—and that’s where God meets us.
Dr. Axe skillfully blends Scripture, neuroscience, and holistic health insights to help us reclaim our peace and renew our minds—one thought at a time. If you’re looking for a resource that speaks to both the soul and the body, this is a must-read.
Victory begins in the mind. Let’s choose our thoughts wisely—and invite God into every one.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2025, we’re studying The Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee. Join me as we confront the enemy’s lies of self-doubt and find our victory in the truth of who we are according to God’s Word!
We’ve already uncovered some big truths together in this study, and I’m so glad you’re continuing the journey. In Chapter 5: Approval Addict, we shine a light on one of the most common struggles for women—the need for others’ approval to feel worthy or loved. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “yes” when you really wanted to say “no,” or feeling crushed by someone’s disapproval, this chapter speaks directly to that deep need and offers a better way forward.
Summary: Chapter Five – Approval Addict
In this chapter, McGee addresses our craving for acceptance and the pain we feel when we perceive rejection. Many of us live as though our value depends on what others think, becoming people-pleasers, chameleons, or emotional wrecks when approval is withheld. This addiction to approval stems from a false belief: “I must be approved by others to feel good about myself.” But Scripture tells a different story—God’s acceptance is unchanging and not based on our ability to meet human expectations. True freedom comes when we begin to live from God’s approval, not for people’s applause.
“When we trust in others to affirm our worth, we give them the power to control our emotions and identity.” – Paraphrase from Robert S. McGee
Biblical Truths
Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
We must choose God’s approval over people’s opinions.
Romans 15:7 – “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Our acceptance of others should flow from our own deep security in Christ’s acceptance of us.
Isaiah 51:12 – “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass?”
Fearing people’s opinions dishonors the comforting authority of God’s voice in our lives.
Key Idea
We don’t need human approval to be valuable. God’s acceptance of us is complete, unshakable, and not dependent on our behavior or popularity.
Reflection Question
In what situations do you find yourself craving others’ approval the most, and how might embracing God’s unconditional acceptance help you walk in more confidence and peace?
Practical Application
Approval Detox Journal: Keep track of moments when you change your behavior to gain someone’s approval. At the end of each day, write a short prayer releasing those moments to God and thanking Him for already accepting you.
Say No with Love: Practice setting one healthy boundary this week—say “no” kindly, knowing your worth isn’t diminished by disappointing others.
Affirm Your True Identity: Speak this truth aloud daily: “I am already accepted by God. I don’t need to earn anyone else’s approval to be valuable.”
My Personal Reflections
This chapter really hits home for me. For much of my life, I’ve been someone who wanted to be liked and appreciated. I can look back and see so many times I said “yes” out of fear that someone would be upset if I didn’t please them. And when I didn’t get that approval? I’d spiral into self-doubt, feeling unloved or unworthy.
But God has gently and consistently reminded me: I am already fully accepted by Him. When I really sit with that truth, I can feel the chains of people-pleasing loosen. I don’t always get it right—but now, I’m more aware. And when I catch myself looking sideways for validation, I turn my eyes upward instead. His love never wavers. His approval never fades.
Sisters, if you’ve been caught in the cycle of seeking affirmation from others, I pray you’ll rest in this truth today: You are already fully accepted in Christ. You don’t have to earn approval. You don’t have to be everything for everyone. You can simply be who God created you to be—loved, valued, and seen by Him.
Next month, we’ll continue with Chapter 6: God’s Answer – Reconciliation, where we’ll learn how God’s acceptance sets us free from fear of rejection and draws us into deeper relationship with Him and others.
Until then, rest in this beautiful truth: You don’t need to perform or people-please to be loved. You already are. 💗
