KEYS TO LIFE

How do you change bad habits for good? Stephen Covey in his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People reminds us that there are three things to consider when developing habits. You need to know what to do, you need to know how to do it, and you need to be motivated to do it. And there is one more vital element: You need the power to do it.

What’s the piece that’s missing for you? Do you know what you need to do to break free from your bad habit or addiction? Perhaps you know what you need to do but you don’t know how to do it. You try and try but nothing seems to be working. Or perhaps you know what to do and how to do it, but you just don’t have the passion or motivation to stick with it.

One of the keys that is a source for motivation and power in forming new habits is:

CREATE A CONNECTION

A. Embrace God

One of the hardest struggles of the human heart is to realize the need of a power outside of oneself. It is natural to be independent; to try to solve all of life’s perplexities without help. But God, who created us, knows we need His help, power, and guidance in order to successfully manage ourselves and our life situation. We need to let God have control in our lives.

B. Connect with God through Prayer

Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. There is no being in the universe more personally interested in you than God. Prayer opens your heart to hear His voice and receive His love, power, and guidance.

Modern science is beginning to recognize that “prayer is an integral component of the spiritual life of mankind. Clients in crisis may need prayer for encouragement, comfort, and support.” In addition, “prayer allows people to express themselves during crisis and emotional turmoil. It can serve as an important source of personal strength and as a foundation for self-resilience during times of adversity.”

C. Connect with God through Study of the Word

Have you ever been hopelessly lost on a trip, with no map and no one around who seemed to know your destination? You drive around and around and get nothing but frustration and an empty tank of gas. In a similar way, people try to fix their problems, find happiness, and forge a future without seeking God or reading His Word. It doesn’t take long to wind up empty and frustrated.

God’s Word, the Bible, provides instruction for living. It gives insight and understanding for the big picture in life as well as the details

In the same way that we can’t survive physically by having an occasional meal, we can’t survive spiritually by listening to an occasional sermon or having an occasional Bible study. Transformation, growth, and maturity in our thinking and lifestyle involve a process, not an event.

Excerpted from Vicky Griffin's seminar included in the packet, Thinking Well, Living Well. To order, call GCWM, 301-680-6636 or email, [email protected]

The packet is available for purchase through GC Women's Ministries for $10 each. For more information, call 1 (301) 680-6636 or email, [email protected].
The packet is available for purchase through GC Women's Ministries for $10 each. For more information, call 1 (301) 680-6636 or email, [email protected].