Most of what we do is habitual. Mrs Meyer says, “Addictions or obsessions are also habits…this is how they get started.” We do something that gives us some type of reward, then we are tempted to do it again and again, and again. It is that repetition, even if the reward stops, that forms the habit which we then cannot control. She lovingly says, addictions control us, yet there was a time when it didn’t and we could have stopped the habits from forming…but no guilt…don’t focus on what we did wrong… regret steals what we need to get a breakthrough…we can be sorry, but then go on. The enemy uses regret to try to keep us from changing. We say, “Oh how I wasted the last 40 years when I could have been living by good habits instead.” Then she says, “Well don’t waste the next 40 years!” Again, with the Grace of God, start now to make good habits that will replace those bad ones which will lead to the healthier life both you and God desire.
It is because of our fallen nature that bad habits form easier, but they are so hard to break once they are formed. She says we must learn to resist the devil at his onset…the moment we think, “This is getting out of hand,” before it becomes a habit. For instance, we all know it is easier to gain weight than to lose it, right? So we must pay attention if we begin to gain a pound or two, then stop whatever we are doing before it becomes a mindless activity that will lead to a lot of weight gain. Thankfully, God doesn’t just see where you are, but sees where you’re going to be, she says. We need to view ourselves the way God does, works in progress…our part is to work with God and allow Him to help us progress. To be more and more like Him is the forward movement we should be seeking with every thought, word and action.
So I challenge us: let’s pick one good habit to begin developing this week. Leave a comment below of what you are committing to start…then start today! Remember we are not doing this alone. Pray over every step of the way and just keep doing that good thing… until you don’t have to think about it at all. God is more than pleased to help us…then let’s not forget to praise God for our progress.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
<>< Peace, Diane
