A new year usually causes us to reflect on the past and determine to start over and do things differently. So, what are some things we can do to get different results in our life? The only way to do that is to change the things that are a problem to you. You need to place safeguards in your life to help you. You need to eliminate other things. You need to figure out a way to make it difficult for you to fail. The best way to do that is to set a plan.
First, memorize scripture that deals with your situation.
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
This verse teaches us that when we memorize scripture it will help us to refrain from sinning. We give the Holy Spirit ammunition. He will bring it to our memory when we need it. If you are having a hard time memorizing the verse, copy it and place it in areas where you will see it often. If it’s about overeating, put it on the front of your refrigerator so you’ll make the right choices. Tape it to your bathroom mirror for encouragement when seeing your flaws, or your steering wheel, when you’re tempted to drive through and indulge in the wrong foods. When temptations come we need to fight, and the greatest weapon is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Second, pray for wisdom and strength to be disciplined. God always promises to answer when we are living in obedience to His word.
John 15:7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Third, place safeguards in your life that will help you to avoid failing.
For instance, if your resolution is to be healthy and not overeat. Determine you will not be controlled by food.
I Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
Several verses in the Bible speak about gluttony as a sin. One, in particular, is Proverbs 23:21.
Proverbs 23:21 “For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
Help yourself by cleaning out the refrigerator and cabinets. Remove things that tempt you that you shouldn’t eat. Plan your meals ahead of time and have healthy snacks available so you don’t get too hungry and binge on the wrong foods. Plan activities and ways to keep your hands busy, and pray for discipline.
Fourth, be patient. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Psalm 37:7a “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:”
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Fifth, when you fail don’t wallow in self-pity, but get up and start over. The man who fails is the one who refuses to get up!
These steps to success can be used for any area of your life that you want to change. Don’t give up!
Hebrews 12:1-3 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
