“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLT
When you look back at the early part of this year, are you content with the progress you’ve made? If so, it is time to celebrate. Don’t forget to do that! Celebration is an important part of reaching your goals and motivates you to keep moving forward.
But if you are not pleased with your progress, it is not too late. You can take stock of where you are and start now to change your outcomes. You can make a fresh start right now.
So, what elements are part of making a fresh start now? How do you know you are on the right track?
A fresh start must happen intentionally. Change is always happening. It’s true that you can’t get away from change. Your cells are replenishing without your awareness. Your body is processing energy from your food without your awareness. Your car is deteriorating daily. Suddenly, the child in your life is taller than you. In the spring, all that snow finally melts, and the trees start to leaf out. If you don’t pay attention to the trees, all of a sudden, you see the leaves have returned! You get the picture. Change will happen with or without your intention. However, a fresh start requires intention. Purposeful change only happens when you decide to change.
You can intentionally change much about yourself. You can change your attitudes and behaviors. You can change on the outside. That kind of change is easier than the change you want on the inside. Internal change starts with introspection and decision.
New behavior begins with new thinking. You can’t develop new behaviors without recognizing your current behavior. And you can’t change the way you act without recognizing how you think. You live according to patterns, whether you acknowledge them or not. To develop new patterns, you must identify the old ones. The old ones are rooted in patterns of thought that become patterns of behavior. That kind of change is only possible as you slow down and consider. Take a hard look at yourself now, so you can become the person you desire to become in the future.
I have been wrestling with some thinking patterns recently. I haven’t gotten to the root yet, but I am wrestling through it with Jesus. He knows me inside and out. He understands what motivates the thinking that leads to anxiety and fear-based behaviors. I am not out of the woods on this yet. One thing I am doing to combat these thinking patterns is to counter them with scriptural truth. Even though I may not fully understand why I respond the way I do, I recognize that it’s not God’s best for me. I may fear failure, but the truth is God is with me to strengthen me and help me in difficult situations. (Isaiah 41:10) Things may not turn out as planned, but God works all things together for good because I love Him and am called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Over time, my thinking pattern will change, leading to a better behavior pattern.
Here are some things to consider as you evaluate how you want to change.
What to examine when you want a fresh start:
Attitudes – How are you thinking about your daily life? What is your self-talk?
Habits – What are you doing regularly? Are those habits serving you well? What do you need to adjust?
Relationships – How do you approach your closest relationships? Do you give them proper attention? Do you have healthy boundaries? Are there any relationships that draw you away from God and His purposes for you?
Commitments – What are you committed to outside your home? Are those commitments leading you closer to God and deeper relationships with others?
Dear friend, you can’t change what you do not recognize. You must know where you are to change your direction and head where you want to go. As you intentionally stop, evaluate your thinking, and change your behavior, you can begin to progress toward your desired destination. Ultimately, a fresh start is about developing your character. Thoughts lead to actions lead to patterns lead to character. Character is what other people see when they see you. You want to look more like Jesus. You want to become a better representative of His Kingdom. So, take the time to stop, review your thought patterns, and let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.(Romans 12:2) As you do, your behavior will change, and you will become the person you desire.
It takes time, my friend. It doesn’t just happen, but it will happen.
Key Question: How do I make a fresh start?
A Scripture to Consider: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLT
A YES Challenge: Open a digital document or a blank page in your journal. List areas you want to examine for current behavior patterns. Sit with each of those areas and prayerfully consider your current patterns. Write down what you want to change and why. Note what new behavior or attitude you want to develop and the actions you will take to change. Give yourself plenty of time for this process. Pray over one area you want God to change and let Him show you where to change your thinking so that you can change your behavior.
Prayer: Father, I see so much in me that needs to change so I can become the person I know You want me to be. At times, I am overwhelmed. I can’t change on my own. I need You. Guide me as I consider my current patterns. Show me what You want to change and lead me into the new behaviors that will better represent You. My life is Yours. Amen.
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