Can Old Behavioral Patterns Be Changed?

“I long for a new beginning in my life because I’ve made too many bad choices. I went with the flow of life so many times, knowing it wasn’t right for me. I seem to be following the same patterns. Is there hope for change?”

We’re all subject to making regrettable choices, as this person exemplifies. Yet it’s facing and living with the consequences that produce sadness and depression. Is it possible to change basic patterns of life that haunt you like a bad dream?

Proverbs 2:3-5 suggests “if you will cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding, if you will seek wisdom and search for it as a hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Did you hear those ifs? “If you cry out... if you lift up your voice... if you seek.” Humble yourself because fear of the Lord breaks old patterns of behavior. 

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“Fear God and give him glory…  Worship and honor God! ... Kneel down before the one who created heaven and earth.” 

~Revelation 14:7 New International Version/Contemporary English Version

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Which of God's Promises Are More Important to You?

“So many unfortunate things happened to me last year, and it’s hard to believe the rapid sequence in which they occurred!” These words came from a positive, energetic believer who is a person of faith. The parade of troubles pushed to the breaking point the person's ability to cope.

When troubles permeate your life, it’s important to believe that God is not necessarily singling you out for punishment. God is not responsible for bringing every bad and painful experience into your life. It may be the result of impulsive choices that would now be judged as inadvisable.

Philippians 2:13 is God’s promise to you: “It is God who works in you, helping you to want to obey him and then helping you to do what is required.” Keep in mind that “all things work together for good to them that love God, who are called according to his purposes.” With this attitude, better choices are possible, so praise God for being active in your life.  

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When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obeyed my Father and live in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy.

~John 15:10-11 The Living Bible

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What Helps Us Remain Steadfast in our Faith?

It’s never been easy to keep a healthy perspective on true and lasting values. The story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10 tells us Martha was upset by all the preparations for meals she planned for Jesus and his disciples, who were guests in their home.

Martha became angry with Mary for listening to what Jesus was teaching rather than helping out in the kitchen. Jesus gently explained to Martha that Mary had chosen the right thing to do at that moment. For Mary, what Jesus was teaching superseded kitchen duties.

Have you allowed yourself to get so caught up with activities that you neglect your relationship with Jesus? Perhaps Jesus is telling you to take an inventory of your lifestyle. Are you out of sync with what truly counts in your relationship with Christ Jesus and your family? Jesus tells you to lay up your treasures in heaven so they’ll remain incorruptible.

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Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me. 

~John 15:4 The Living Bible

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What Makes Jesus' Narrow Gate So Difficult?

How committed are you to becoming the person you know you’re capable of becoming at this moment? Here’s how to do your part. Guard against a negative or pessimistic attitude that’s so discouraging. Jesus points to the narrow way, which guards against discouragement.

David in Psalm 119: 71 said, “When you corrected me, O Lord, it was good for me because it taught me to listen and apply your word to my life.” What is God teaching you and where is he leading you today?

Tragedy befalls each person, but for those who trust in the Lord Jesus, there is hope for help and healing. The worst thing life dishes out will ultimately produce good for those who love God. Listen to his word: “Trust in the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Don’t give in to worry or anger. God will take care of you, so wait patiently for him to provide what you need. 

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Jesus replied, “…I will only reveal myself to those who love me and obey me. The Father will love them too, and we will come to them and live with them.”

~John 14: 23 The Living Bible

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Is It Possible to Change a Pessimistic Attitude?

Are you wishing for a new beginning is some area of your life? While it’s true there are routines that must be followed, each day can bring a sense of newness by permitting yourself to expect it. But what barriers must be hurtled in order to experience the freshness of a new beginning?

One barrier that affects countless individuals is the attitude that life cannot be different. That mindset defines being stuck or trapped with no way to change. Pessimism clouds the mind with distrust and doubt and robs the heart of the joy God intends for you to experience.

Let Psalm 118:24 give you hope for a new beginning. “This is the day Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Say these words until they become true for you. Another way to attack a pessimistic attitude is to “praise God from whom all blessings flow.” God’s word will transform your disposition into a joyful outlook for your life.

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[Your beauty] should be the inner disposition of the heart, consisting in the imperishable quality of a gentle and kind spirit, which God values greatly.

~1 Peter 3:4 International Standard Version

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What Attitude Is Required for Winning with God?

Each day, world news broadcasts the struggle of people seeking their independence from a government that has diminished their freedom. Most people stand ready to encourage those who defend their freedom. We have admiration for all who are brave enough to protect what is good and right.

Change is part of God’s plan, even when it comes so fast that it’s hard to keep up. To make it personal, what do you sense needs to change in your life? Perhaps you have a ready answer and resolutions because God consistently creates in you the desire to change what is not good or right.

Jacob in Genesis 32 wrestled with God throughout a long night. Jacob knew he was ill-equipped for what he must do without God’s blessings and transforming power. In verse 26 Jacob insists, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Can you position yourself before God as Jacob did?

         

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Therefore if anyone is in Christ Jesus, a new creation has come. The old is gone, the new is here.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 New International Version

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What Is God Calling You to Change?

Since the earliest days of recorded history, there has been evidence of man seeking new beginnings. The Bible continuously chronicles God’s calling his people to follow him on new adventures. What could be his reason for this? Whenever we become too dependent on the status quo, we tend to stagnate.

God told Noah to build the ark, for mankind had regressed into a low, decrepit moral state of being. God called Abraham to leave his people and move to a new place. Listen to God’s promise in Genesis 12. “I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and you will be a blessing to others.”

Could God be calling you to make changes? Change is not easy, so consider this one step. Clearly define what has to be done to reach your objective. Then focus on each aspect of the change. Remember, Noah built the ark one board at a time.

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The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. 

~Psalm 9:9-10 New International Version

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