So, let me ask, how are things going for you? Do you feel like it’s Ground Hog Day; same story, different day? Do you feel as though you are in and endless circle of wake up, go to work, eat, go to bed? Do you want to put new life into your life?
It is human nature to get into habits. Those habits oftentimes become ruts. Let’s be honest here a moment. Those ruts we are in are self-made. We did something some time ago, liked it, continued it, and it became a habit, which became a rut. We get rather bored in those ruts and we can get depressed in them as well.
Let’s walk through a normal day for most folks. We get up when our alarm goes off at 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning. We get a shower, a cup of coffee, and a bite of breakfast just in the nick of time to head out the door for work. We go to work, and it seems as though we’re doing the same tasks we did yesterday, and, in fact, we might be. We get off work at 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon and head home. Perhaps we make supper or our spouse does or we get take out. Once supper is over, we quickly clean up and sit down to watch some TV. Next thing we know it’s time to go to bed. And the cycle will repeat tomorrow. Sound familiar?
We may be able to point some differences to the above scenario, but by and large it’s probably what the majority experience. We wonder why it’s the same ole thing every day. We look to find a better way, a more exciting way. We want to change our life so we don’t feel like we are just sleepwalking through it.
May I make a suggestion? Turn off the TV. Pick up a book. Go for a walk. Have a real conversation with your spouse and children. Perhaps you read a short passage from the Bible and ask what it means to your family. Might I suggest you spend time in prayer with the entire family. Ask each person what should be prayed for. You might even have each person say a prayer for those things that are important to them. Don’t make the prayer about all the “right stuff” we think we should pray about. Pray about what is really going on in your lives and what’s important at the moment. Make it real and honest.
Folks, we need to recognize we all have been blessed by Almighty God. We need to lift our hands, our hearts, and our minds to Him. When we decide to focus on Him, our ruts, habits, and false righteousness disappears. We are once again free from those chains.
I pray we all focus on God to get out of our ruts. I pray we purposely step out of our habits to focus on God’s blessings. I pray we allow God to change our hearts and minds so we can experience the wonder of each new day. Step out in faith. Change your focus. Allow the Holy Spirit to take over. Get out of your rut. Live an abundant life.
James 1:16-18 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Marty Pressey 