Resolving to Change Feelings and Behavior

In December of 2004 French engineers completed the tallest bridge in existence at that time. It was purported to be the most beautiful bridge ever constructed. While few people literally participate in bridge building, everyone creates bridges throughout his or her lifetime, resulting in either positive or negative consequences.

Unlike the bridge in France that connects Paris to Barcelona with its one and one-half mile road span, personal bridges are built on hopes and dreams or even on anger and hatred. Determination to make productive, healthy changes builds a bridge to higher self-esteem, confidence, and integrity.

Bridge building should reach out to benefit others in meaningful ways. Changing your feelings and behaviors toward another person to benefit their happiness and well-being will be a blessing to you. Jesus gave you this promise: "In as much as you do this for the least of my people, you have done it unto me." Now that’s worth your consideration.                          

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Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of our faults.

~1 Peter 4:8 The Living Bible

 

But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us – perfect love!

~1 John 4:12 The Message

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Embracing Wisdom's Discipline

Every individual looks to the past to search for understanding of what is currently being experienced. Obsessing about the past can be a relentless search for unreachable solutions. However, looking back to gain understanding can be the motivation to change what hasn’t worked and to discover what will work.

Wisdom requires discipline to be successful. A genuine desire to use wisdom that is aligned with the purposes of God for the good of humanity must be present. Psalm 111:10 teaches that respect for the Lord God is actually the beginning of true wisdom. Those who possess true wisdom and understanding can't help but praise God for it.

Wisdom and understanding provide a strong foundation for making decisions to be honored and blessed by God. This includes wisdom for making decisions that affect your life and the lives of others. Now is the time to ask God for wisdom so you can live a healthy, productive life that is pleasing to him.                         

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[I pray] asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

~Ephesians 1:17 New Living Translation

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Correcting Faulty or Bad Decisions

A unique privilege we have as God’s creation is to correct faulty or bad decisions. So much of life is spent learning to live with mistakes and correcting bad choices. Those who betray their spiritual and moral values may, by God’s grace and mercy, prepare themselves for a possible fresh start in life.

Bad beginnings can set a course for life, but hope is possible for a better future. Salvaging one’s life and relationships requires hard work and patience, brutal honesty, and changes in thinking patterns. Setbacks occur, but with determination you can rise up and salvage what is good, with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Penalties incurred for experiencing a bad beginning can be amended for those committed to now living a healthy, productive life. This includes reclaiming what is positive and good in your life. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to open your heart and mind to the prospects of making a fresh start with your life.         

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If we confess our sins, we can depend on Him to do what is right – He will forgive our sins and wash away every wrong.

~1 John 1:9 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today 

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Keeping Promises Made to God

A promise to change sometimes includes making minor or major adjustments in one’s attitudes and behaviors. Obviously, a commitment to radically change one's lifestyle is more complicated. A true, authentic pledge to make one’s life count for Christ, reveals God’s transforming work and power in that person’s life.

The Greek philosopher Euripides from the fifth century BC noted "bad beginnings make for bad endings," a realistic cause of pain and suffering. A bad beginning can be attributed to having faulty information or being ill-prepared. Charging ahead, when concrete evidence indicates it’s unwise to do so, is a formula for failure.

The good news is that a bad beginning can offer a chance to grow and mature. God’s makes it possible to correct mistakes, bad behaviors, and faulty thinking patterns when a solid commitment to change is present. Keeping promises is difficult, but God will help you when you ask him.  This is a good choice for making a fresh start.         

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Moses...told them, “The Lord has commanded that when anyone makes a promise to the Lord, either to do something or to quit doing something, that vow must not be broken: the person making the vow must do exactly as he has promised.”

~Numbers 30:1-2 The Living Bible

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God's Blessings Equal His Promises

What purpose is served by making modifications to your lifestyle? They can be an acknowledgment that reforms are needed to correct the impact previous choices produced which were detrimental to relationships, your health, or finances. For productive change to be successful, a clearly defined, reachable goal must be instituted.

David in Psalm 17 explains, "I have resolved that my lips will not sin against you, Lord, so that you will keep me in the shadow of you wings." How could he keep this pledge to God? David’s strength would come from a continual consciousness of God's presence to help him keep thoughts, words, and behaviors true to his commitment.

The key to keeping a promise is being absolutely sure God will bless and honor it. God's wants you to serve him with a clean heart and a right spirit. He longs to implant the righteousness of Christ in you so fellowship with him can be secured. What a wonderful objective to reach for every day of your life!                        

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Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his Holy Place? The one who has innocent hands and a pure heart; the person who does not delight in what is false and does not swear an oath deceitfully. This person will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

~Psalm 24:3-5 International Standard Version

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Hope for a Better Tomorrow

Every individual needs to change and mature in some area of their life. Deciding to change is indicative of imperfections and weaknesses. The chance for a new beginning and a fresh start encourages making some needed changes. While the past may have been painful, it doesn't have to determine your future.

Faith and hope for a better tomorrow give life vitality. Seeing change though to fruition is dependent on believing your efforts are blessed by God. How can this be known? If what you are attempting brings honor to God and you give him credit for what is accomplished, then he will bless your hard work.

So change must be a commitment to God’s purposes for you. Sabotaging yourself is difficult to avoid, but as you continually permit God to empower you to make a new start, success can be achieved. The Apostle Paul proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.” This can be your confidence.        

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The Lord said: Forget what happened long ago! Don’t think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands.

~Isaiah 43:18-19 Contemporary English Version

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Transitions that Provide Hope for a New Life

Addressing some aspect of life that needs either a minor adjustment or a critical makeover is common to all of us. There are times when critical change is needed to modify or eradicate what is unhealthy, unproductive, and detrimental. God is faithful in providing moments when important transitions can be made.

It goes without saying that this is a significant task. Merely turning over a new leaf is inadequate for healing a gashing wound in one’s heart and soul. A new passion for living that gives rise to purpose, direction, and hope can be found only in Jesus Christ, who has the capacity to create and give new life.

The Apostle Paul correlates this to becoming a new person, created in Christ Jesus for beneficial change. The righteousness of Christ, passed on to you, becomes motivation for making significant modifications in your life. Have you asked Christ Jesus to empower you with his righteousness? This is a sure way to be empowered for a life-changing transition.                            

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Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

~Colossians 2: 20 The Message 

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A Step to Healthy Change

Hindrances to your happiness and well-being, whether personal or relational, will eventually arise. Changes that require attention may go back decades or may be recent arrivals. God gives you wisdom and knowledge to sense when change is needed, and then he provides help to ensure it happens.

Still, we become burdened down or even enslaved by our thinking patterns, infirmities, and habits. Making a commitment to get beyond these is the first step to health and freedom. The key to successful change is being firm in your commitment and taking predictable steps that are absolutely doable.

Virgil, the Roman poet, noted one practical step that ensures change will succeed: "I shall not hesitate to ask for help wherever help can be found." The Lord Jesus Christ is your source for strength and wisdom for keeping focused on your objective. Jesus promised to send the counselor to encourage, guide and comfort you, so take advantage of his help.                    

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Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

~Deuteronomy 31:8 New Living Translation

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Finding Meaning and and Purpose for Your Life

Numerous books have been written on man’s search for meaning and purpose that give us a reason to make the most of our time here on earth. Yet we encounter hindrances designed to prevent us from achieving those objectives. The desire to do better stimulates the will to strive for a healthier and happier life.

This is not easy. It requires dedication and commitment. Bob Woodward in writing about President Richard Nixon defined Nixon’s infamous struggles: "I am hurt, but I am not slain! I will lie down and bleed. Then I will rise up and fight again.” The Apostle Paul knew God’s purpose for himself, so he persistently pressed onward in the high calling of Christ Jesus.

Don't be surprised if obstacles from within and without rise up against you. The gospel hymn encourages you to “Take the name of Jesus with you” as protection wherever you go. If temptations gather around you, call out to Jesus for deliverance. So press on, do not give up, for God will help you.  

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…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 3:13-14  English Standard Version

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Modifications or a Complete Makeover?

The chance for a new beginning is often longed for when life does not meet our expectations. In the early days of our country, individuals would pack up and move to a new frontier in search of a better life. While a new beginning may be desired, it is possible to make modifications rather than going for a complete makeover. 

Modifications are needed when life is not as it should or could be. While old habits are hard to give up, it can be done when strong conviction exists to do it. With God creating that conviction, then determination, wisdom and power are available to make needed change.

In Genesis 2:4 God’s name appears as Lord and means "to be", "to live", or "life." Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” By giving Jesus preeminence in your life, he will provide meaning and purpose that will enhance your well-being. The love of the Lord Jesus Christ will empower you to make either needed modifications or a complete makeover.                     

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The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Lord, your faithful love endures forever; do not abandon the work of your hands.

~Psalm 138:8 Christian Standard Bible 

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The Necessity for Realistic Expectations

It's exciting to go shopping for something new. After everything’s been signed, sealed and delivered, what may come as a surprise is buyer's remorse expressed in the form of sadness, anxiety, and worry. Happiness with events and purchases tends to wear off rather quickly as life returns to a normal, everyday pace.

If we expect a buying spree to close the gap in our relationships or within oneself, we’re soon disappointed that the emotional distance still exists. Not only disappointment, but anger or resentment may hang like a dark cloud overshadowing the happiness, joy, and peace we expected. So what is the solution?

Begin by realizing that inner peace and happiness can only be achieved by ridding oneself of all unrealistic expectations. Peace with others is achieved by accepting them as they are, including their limitations. Jesus asked you to forgive others so that you could enjoy the benefits of his forgiveness.  

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If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

~Romans 12:18 New International Version

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 Christian Standard Bible 

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Solutions for Conflict

Many families today are split up for numerous reasons including conflicts over selective lifestyles, recent graduations and employment, marriages and divorce, or hurt feelings that haven’t healed. Some family members just don't like each other. Witness Cain and Able, Jacob and Esau, the younger prodigal son and his older brother.

So what is a possible solution for these situations? Begin by asking yourself, is this what God expects of me? Depression may be linked to anger and bitterness turned inward with nowhere to go. Taking ownership and responsibility for family troubles is an important first step.

Releasing anger, hurt feelings, and resentment depends on a willingness to see your situation from God’s perspective. Realize that while forgiveness is ongoing, it eventually softens your heart toward others and yourself. While this is difficult, all things are possible with commitment and determination to do what God will bless. Ask God for courage to do your part.  

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Get rid of all bitter feelings, temper, anger, yelling, slander, and every way of hurting one another. Be kind to one another and tenderhearted, and forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.

~Ephesians 4:31-32 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today 

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Securing Peace Within

It’s interesting to note that most businesses prepare for the Christmas season by purchasing products well in advance. I know someone who shops for holiday gifts in July. For this person it decreases stress and provides for a consciousness of peace. Being at peace with oneself is a worthy objective.

While securing peace is not always easy, conflict resolution is usually possible. What causes peace to be fragile and tentative is that human nature tends to believe one’s own way of thinking and believing is superior to others. Contentment, joy, and peace come by accepting that all people are created in the image of God.

While this may not totally eliminate disharmony, you can listen to what others believe, think, and feel without arguing. Although difficult, you can conduct yourself on this level. Listen to Philippians 4:7.  “Let the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” That is God's gift to you.

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“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

~John 14:27 New Living Translation 

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