Jennifer Heeren
When the second half of the year rolls around, it may be time to dust off some of those resolutions that you wished for back in January. Time hasn’t run out. There is still time to do something about them. It’s always good to make the most of every opportunity, act purposefully, and understand what the Lord wants you to do (Ephesians 5:16-17).
Here are five habits that God will always help you to accomplish.
1. Bible Reading
God will always help you to read more of His word. Even a chapter a day will increase your hope and joy. Sometimes even one line of scripture can pierce your heart and teach you something. Begin each bible reading session with a prayer like this: Teach me some of your thoughts, Lord. Show me your ways. I desire to know more about You, Lord.
2. Consistency
Ask the Lord to help you be consistent in the steps you know you should do for a better life. Consistency in good habits can give you the energy to fulfill God’s will for your life. Performing good habits as regularly as possible will take you from point A to point B before you know it. You might ask God for help with reading His word daily. You could ask Him for help eating healthfully most of the time. Sometimes it’s helpful to wake up at the same time every day so you have plenty of time to read your bible, pray, and be ready for the day.
Actions consistent with beliefs are a beautiful thing. Obedience is an everlasting virtue to pursue. Choose to be faithful and pray for God to help you along the way.
3. Prayer Walks
Prayer walking is a great way to combine worship, prayer, and exercise into one glorious activity. When you’re walking outside, nature is all around you. This leads to worship of the One who created all of that beauty. The act of walking stretches and strengthens your whole body in one of the best workouts that you can get. As you walk you can meditate on God’s goodness. You can pray over any worry that is clouding your mind. You can pray for people that you see. God may lead you to speak to them sometime in the future. An open heart can be used mightily by God.
4. Slow to Speak
Another good habit to practice is being slow to speak. (James 1:19) tells us we must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. And (Luke 6:36) speaks of being compassionate just as your Father in heaven is compassionate.
Don’t be quick to vocalize your own opinion. There is a place for that later, but the first step when conversing with another is to listen with your heart as well as your mind. Ask them questions to get at the heart of what they’re saying. The root of most opinions can be understood by all, even though the initial words may be off-putting and seem very far from your own opinion. After you fully listen to what they’re saying, pray that they will listen to your side as well. You just might come to a peaceful understanding of each other and be able to work together.
