Have you ever tried to start a habit and just couldn’t make yourself do it? Maybe you wanted to start exercising or have a daily quiet time or write 20 minutes a day. But you just couldn’t make yourself do it.
You might think you don’t have enough discipline. You might be right–at least not at the moment! But thankfully you can change.
The Bible tells us we’re transformed by the renewing of the mind–not by self-control. This is comforting to those of us who struggle with discipline.
The truth is that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us–we just need to keep going to Him for the strengthening! This blog will help you with that.
If you’d like to start a new habit, and haven’t been able to do it in your own strength, try these steps:
- Make your plan: have a quiet time every morning, for example.
- Then renew your mind every time you can’t make yourself follow the plan.
For help with the renewing of the mind, check out the “Renewing of the Mind Project” tab on this blog. It has all kinds of ideas that will help you renew your mind and start that habit!
I have purchased many of your books and am starting the journey for weight loss by studying habits, boundaries, renewing my mind and I am doing your study on Renewing the Mind Bible Study. I am so thankful for all of this. I am very obese and at a life-threatening stage. I grew up in an extremely dysfunctional family and here I am at 76 trying to put my life together as it always should have been. I have had many years of counselling; I am a Christian and love my Lord dearly. I believe he has led me to you. It is never too late. God bless you and all the help you are giving me.
Hi Marilyn, I’m so sorry I haven’t responded to this. I didn’t see it until today so I”m hoping you will see this. I agree, it’s never too late!!! It’s always a victory when you begin something new that will be helpful. I just read that Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t start writing her famous books until she was 65! Praying that you will develop a renewing habit and that God will use the truth to set you free! Just remember it’s very hard so don’t beat yourself up when you’re not doing as well as you think – but if you can persevere with renewing, that’s the ticket!
I too have a few of your books and Bible studies. I am out of control with my eating, so here I am weighing in at close to 300 pounds and getting reestablished with creating a habit, working at a goal, renewing the mind and going to God with my faults and weaknesses.
Hi Jennifer, I love that you’re working on creating a habit, working on a goal, and renewing your mind! I’ll pray that God helps you persevere with renewing and transforms you with His truth. I’m excited for your journey!