Do you feel stuck? So many times I feel like I am in a rut, I get caught up in my routines. I go to work, go to my daughter’s activities, go to bed, only to get up and do it all over again.
Do you feel like you have lost yourself in the shuffle of your everyday life?
I have shared in the past that I went on a journey of self-discovery a few years ago. That journey began when I assessed my life. I was unhappy, unhealthy, and on a path to nowhere. Before jumping into 2022, I recommend that you take some time to assess your life. Maybe you need to go on a journey of self-discovery, or maybe you just need refreshing.
Let me share with you things that helped me turn my life around.
#1 Experience spiritual renewal.
This is critical!
Ephesians 4:23 “ be renewed in the spirit of your mind”
Are you dry spiritually? It is easy to get that way from time to time.
So, how do we experience spiritual renewal? Here are some things I did. Spend quiet time alone with God and prayerfully reflect on your walk with Him.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Reflect on what you’re are happy with in your life, or what needs to be changed.
#2 Be mindful of the little things and allow joy to fill your heart.
Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Finding joy in the every day can change your perspective.
Journaling is a great way to reflect on God’s blessings. Find small things that you are grateful for during the day and write them down. Gratitude lifts our spirits and refocuses our thoughts with positivity.
Rejoice and be thankful for all of the blessings in your life, no matter how small. You will be more appreciative and you may be able to find blessings even in the things that don’t seem to be a blessing.
#3 Refocus
After reflecting, you may need to refocus your purpose.
What is your passion, your calling, your goal? Make sure that everything falls in line with your purpose or vision. Some people choose a word or scripture for the year. This may help you focus on your purpose. Looking back, I laugh, but I remember that my word for 2020 was peace. 2020 may have not seemed peaceful to most, but I saw blessing in the chaos. The Lord revealed to me my purpose in those days that I spent at home when I was working from home. He was stirring my passion during those many days that I was able to spend alone with Him.
#4 Rest...
There are so many scriptures on rest. Matthew 11:28-30 says 28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened.” Rest refreshes the soul. Rest calms the mind and quiets distractions. Rest beings renewal. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF!
#5 Recharge
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) ”24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” God intended for us to do life as a team. We need to surround ourselves with others that can encourage us and build us up. How can you give your relationships a recharge? This is especially helpful in a marriage relationship, but we need many different types of relationships in our lives. Schedule relational time. Do you need girl time? Do you need a date night with your husband? What about scheduling time with your kids?
#6 Declutter
This could be your calendar, your home, or your relationships. Your calendar could be filled with “good” things, but that doesn’t mean they are good for you. If your schedule is too full for a date night with your husband, something needs to be canceled. If you are stressed that you can’t find time for something you enjoy, something else needs to go. A full schedule can often result in not having enough time with God. Do you have a toxic person in your life? Strategically prioritize your life. Get rid of the “stuff” that is holding you back. Get rid of the things that distract you from your purpose. Having a full calendar does NOT equal success! It usually equals burnout, stress, and having an unbalanced life.
I hope you find these things helpful, they really put my life back in focus. I encourage you to not only do things now but as often as you can. Ask yourself how you can begin incorporating these things into your life.
Lord, I pray that you bring to light anything in my life that needs to change. Even good things can distract me from my priorities. Help me o find spiritual renewal, clarity, and rest. Lord help me to make you, myself, and my relationships priorities. Help me to remove distractions so that I can have a clear focus. Lord, I pray that I may experience renewal and be brought back to the center of your will. Amen
コメント