Have you ever noticed how easily a habit is formed? It doesn’t take long. Doing the same thing over and over again for just a couple of weeks can cause behavior and thinking to take root. And what if those same behaviors and thinking are repeated for months or even years? Then you’ve got a whole system or way of behaving and thinking that has become a part of you.
A lot of our destructive mental habits are born out of flesh and the lies that we believe about our self, God and others. Flesh being the ways we have learned to get our needs met apart from Christ. When we start looking to anyone or anything apart from Christ to tell us who we are, we develop a false identity and a wrong concept of God. Then, we have a hard time believing and trusting God’s truth over our own belief system. We therefore often try to handle life’s problems in our own strength.
Recently, I moved my jewelry box to a different part of the room for a couple of weeks. I got used to the new location. Each morning I would go to it to retrieve my watch and jewelry. Then, I moved the box back to its original location. For about a week I continued to go to the old location each morning; realizing that I had put it back in its original spot. Mercy, it didn’t take long to get into that new habit! It reminded me just how easy it is to form unhealthy mental habits. Worry, negative thinking and obsessing to name a few.
For example, what habit are you in when a troubling life experience crosses your path? Do you immediately pick up the phone and call a friend? Maybe you start worrying constantly and obsessing over the problem. Or maybe you are in such a rut that you are on autopilot and cope without even thinking. Many times, we are aware of God in the distance, but we choose something or someone over him. Either on purpose or out of habit.
Christ wants us to create life-giving habits. To embrace His way instead of our way. Instead of trying to break an old habit, let’s simply just start a new habit by taking God up on His word.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gently and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30]
“Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4:6-7]
You see, we cannot stop the habit of worry, fretting, obsessing and the like. We simply must agree with God that his way is best and take Him up on His offer to come to Him. God places family and friends in our life to provide love and support. But often we get the steps out of order. Let’s develop new habits of prayer, praise/thanksgiving, and then call a friend. This is God’s way.
How about you? Have you developed some destructive habits along life’s way that are causing hurts? At Crossway, we love helping folks understand God’s truth and how His truth can set them free. Give us a call at 864-224-5557 or click on the counseling button below.