Repeating Patterns?

The definition of insanity is to repeat the same thing over and over, expecting different results. I must admit, according to that definition that I have acted insane too many times to count!

We often repeat things in our lives.  For most of us, our life revolves around themes. Some are healthy and promote growth and peace, but some are not healthy and promote what we know as “drama” and chaos. Themes are so ingrained in us that we don’t realize that we are habitually repeating something over and over, developing patterns that do not lead us to our best life or best self.

When called on the carpet for these things we often defend ourselves and deny the presence of any wrong. We most likely get defensive because we don’t like to be told we are wrong, because after all…we KNOW our hearts. We justify that our hearts are good and well meaning. In our hearts, we never intended the repeated offense to cause any trouble at all.

What if we don’t have a “heart” issue as much as a “habit” problem. Yes, our hearts might very well be in the right place, but still fall back into old  habits of response to situations and life. For instance, my heart really is set on eating healthy and combating the heart disease I have been diagnosed with, but my habit of running to sugary foods when tired or stressed often seems to win over. Why? Is it because my heart is not right? Or, could it be that it’s been a habit to use food in this way when I am stressed? Perhaps it is the habit that needs to be addressed.

What about you? What are you struggling with that is repeating itself like a theme in your life? Did you know that The Bible tells us clearly that our hearts are deceitful and that we have trouble discerning our own hearts?

Jeremiah 17:9 ” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” The word deceitful here is from the original, aqob, which can be translated to be: slippery and polluted. Whoa!

If that is the case, then what do we do?

We must get into the habit of going to God with our hearts.

Psalm 139 “Search me and know my heart, see if there is any thing offensive in me and lead me in your ways.”

God can untangle our hearts and give us self-control and discipline to deal with unhealthy habits and patterns. But, we must be aware, get aligned with Him, and be open to the changes He desires to make in us.

For today…ask yourself what theme might be running through your life and take that to the Lord. He desires to change us and it is His plan to use us according to His design. Sometimes, our habits, get in our way. Jesus is the deliverer, even of our unwelcome habits…from smallest to largest.

I pray today that you will align yourself with the God who loves you most, giving him your heart and habits.

with joy,

Debbie