It takes a habit to have a holy habit…

For the past few weeks, I have been studying the book of Daniel. It amazes me how steadfast Daniel, and even Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in their faith. They all had holy habits that enabled them to stand firm despite various circumstances they found themselves in. Their holy habits enabled them to preserver in a foreign land under captivity. Their holy habits enabled them to eat right even when lavish foods were at their beck and call. Their holy habits enabled them to stand firm in their faith in God even when those around them were bowing down and served other gods. Their holy habits allowed them to trust God despite consequences – firey furnace and the lions’ den. Their holy habits allowed them high ranking positions and when those positions were taken away, they still had holy habits of going to God in prayer which enabled them to live by faith and not by sight.

Holy Habits - First, let me say that that I believe holy habits can only come from God. They are not just a list of “To Do’s.” If we do our part in making it a habit of seeking God, knowing God, following hard after God, obeying God etc. – He will do He part in making us holy. Holiness is the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. The habits I am referring to are simply the vehicle that allows God to change us.

So with that said, I wish holy habits came easily for me… Phil 4:8 has been and will continue to be my life verse and was the reason why I started this blog in the first place. When considering this verse, one should review the verses that surround it.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9

Paul is writing these words while in prison. He knew what it was like to be anxious. He was in a foreign place, separated from family and friends and persecuted for his faith. (Sounds a lot like Daniel!) However in the midst of this, he says “Do not be anxious about ANYTHING…” Anything… Anything means no matter what, absolutely nothing, to any extent and in no degree must we be anxious. What Paul is saying is that we can be 100% free from worry and anxiety. How?

Rejoicing in the Lord always – ALWAYS. Have you ever noticed that you can’t rejoice and worry at the same time? I was an event planner for several years and as a result I tend to think of an anxious bride when I think of anxiety. An anxious bride is not focused on the bridegroom but on all the details that surround the event. A bride that is focused on her bridegroom is relaxed and enjoys the day, rejoices in the fact that she is marrying her soul mate. If you worry, you are taking your mind off of rejoicing. The first step to rid anxiety is to rejoice in the Lord. It takes a holy habit to rejoice in the Lord always...

Knowing God is near – Life is short and His return is near. This acknowledgement gives us new perspective on what really matters in life. It puts things into perspective and allows you to not waste energy worrying on things that really do not matter. This is the only life we have to live, therefore live it unto the Lord and don’t let your mind focus on the things that won’t count in eternity. It takes a holy habit to acknowledge God is near and life is short…

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God. He wants us to seek Him in prayer with a thankful heart. God wants us to pour out our hearts and souls to Him and tell Him all of our worries, hurts and needs. We are to have a constant conversation with God. Inviting God into every situation is the beginning of freedom from anxiety. God knows our hearts and he knows our circumstances. He even knows why we are going through hard times and He knows what the outcome will be. All our days are numbered before one of them came to be. Rest in the truth that God is in control and He knows the plans He has for you. It takes a holy habit to constantly converse with God in everything!

Think about such things - Focusing your mind on what is true takes a holy habit of taking thoughts captive and realigning your thoughts to the boundaries of God’s word.

As a result, the Peace of God will rule and reign in your life. Supernatural peace can override reality! Oh, God, let me hear these word in my inner man; let me believe I can apply it and that it will become life to me.

Oswalk Chambers says, “The one thing that keeps the conscience sensitive to Him is the continual habit of being open to God on the inside.” Greater things require deeper relationships!

“The constant flow of river water dances against the glacial rocks…"

A friend wrote that quote in her blog titled “I come from God” where she refers to life being like a flow of river water. The river has a greater source that forces the water downstream, with the river’s twists and turns, the water is forced around, through and over rugged rocks, broken branches and varies forms of debris. Parts of the river flow smoothly while other parts form white water rapids. It is with those thoughts that I pondered God’s reference to peace being like a river…

IS 48:18 “If only you had paid attention to my commands; your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.”

Few circumstances “rock” my world but when they do, they seem to hit me in one key area of my life. My thoughts. For the most part, I am content with where God has me in life. I am independent and self-sufficient but from time to time a circumstance will take me for a loop and I find myself caught up in the twist and turn of the “river” and I focus on the “glacial rocks” before and around me. I get scared and my unhealthy thoughts dwell on lies... For me those lies trigger a deep sense of feeling forsaken, deserted, abandoned, isolated and alone.
In His loving ways, God has beautifully reminded me that He Is Enough and I am NOT alone.

• He has lovingly reminded me to pay attention to His commands and keep my mind within the boundaries of His word. Phil 4:8 says “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy – think on such things.
• He has lovingly reminded me that just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - I can be delivered from the fire, I can be delivered through the fire or I can be delivered by the fire. The same is true for those “glacial rocks” in the river beds of life.
• He has lovingly reminded me that just like Daniel in the lions’ den - I am not alone. 2 Tim 4: 16 - 18 "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed... I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.”
• He has lovingly reminded me that just as the Lord ’s Prayer says “Give us today our daily bread” God will meet ALL my needs for today. I am not to focus on tomorrow but just keep my mind focused on today.

My friend ended her blog with the following quote “I wonder what it would be like if more of us dared to relax into the current of the River, to trust where the flow carried us as the exact place where God desires us to go? I think my life would be less about trying to do the work of God and more about enjoying the ride all the while glorifying God.”

My focus shouldn’t be on the twists and turns or glacial rocks but the greater source of the river - The Great I AM is in control and He is enough!

Oh may I learn to relax and go with the current. May I learn to kick up my heels and enjoy the ride.  May I learn to enjoy both the smooth river waters as well as the white water rapids on this journey called life.

Footnote:  The quote is from Charlotte Ferris' blog posted on Eagles Wings Ministries.