“If you keep on doing the same things, don’t expect a different result”.
It’s just how it goes. Somewhere, somehow if we want things in our lives to be different we have to change it up, stretch ourselves, be honest about our life, and do something different.
Some of us struggle with that concept more than others. There are people who find it easy to be spontaneous, who love a challenge, and get bored with “sameness”. They are always looking for the next challenge, the “sparkly new thing”. Different is like a breath of fresh air to them.
Then there are others who want all their ducks in a row”, they crave order, predictability, structure, and knowing what is ahead. Change threatens them, and they go into defense mode at the mere thought of different.
Finally are those people who just can’t be bothered with any of it. They have the attitude of just ”calm your farm”, stop rushing about, and relax. We are all at times a mixture of these characteristics; perhaps you recognize yourself in some characteristics more than others. Usually in a family or group of friends you’ll find a cross section of people all trying to navigate through life. Hey, it would be boring if we were all the same.
The thing is, to keep growing; to do something different so we get a different result, to be all that we were made to be, it is wise to have check points stationed in our life. We stop and check how we are going, how we are managing our work, our family commitments, our stress levels. To evaluate the health of our relationships, the vitality and depth of our inner and spiritual world, and our mental, physical and emotional health.
Without these checkpoints, where we stop, honestly evaluate, reflect pray, and seek God’s wisdom and direction, we can unknowingly be headed for serious trouble. The challenging part of this process is that when we do stop at a checkpoint we may not like what we find. Unfortunately the fear or mere thought of dealing with what we may discover puts us off. But if are to lead healthy, whole vital lives we must have the courage to face these issues, and then make the necessary changes.
We have to face where we need to change. If we don’t like the outcomes in our lives, seek God for what you can do to bring change.
If you recognize your relationships have grown stale, or communication is lacking; dedicate time to discover how to connect again. Seek God, He will help.
If you recognize you are struggling with anxiety or depression take the steps to alleviate stress, get help with the root of how you feel. Take time to examine your lifestyle, work, diet, exercise and who is influencing your thought patterns. There is help. The decision to do something positively different will lead to change and breakthrough.
If you aren’t happy with how you look, or feel; you hate looking in the mirror, and shopping for a new wardrobe is like getting a “tooth pulled”, take the first steps to get help to shift those feelings.
Jesus loves us, and wants us to enjoy our life (John 10:10), not have it diminished by self loathing and lack of confidence. He says you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and precious in His sight. If you ask for His help. He promises He will give you strength, wisdom, and place others in your world to help and encourage you.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)
No matter who we are we are, everyone has their struggles.But God is so loving and compassionate to all He has made. Yes, we do have to do something different if we want a different result, but thankfully He pledges that He will be there to strengthen and assist us every step of the way.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Today make the life changing step to stop at a checkpoint, listen to God’s guidance, be honest with yourself and then step out and “do something different”. You’ll look back and be so glad you did.
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