Breaking Bad habits like French fries on the tips of greasy fingers

Bad habits sneak into our lives like a cute stray kitten. The first time it comes around it doesn’t seem so bad, it’s harmless and somewhat nice to have around. Then you do what someone who doesn’t want to own a cat should ever do; YOU FEED IT.

Yikes.

Every morning the door swings open and there it is, sometimes even before that; scratching at the door. Similarly, at the start, your bad habit doesn’t seem so dangerous, it’s just a small lie, one puff, one more cheesecake, it’s not like you will keep sucking thumb or biting your nails right?

And now here you are, feeding a cat you don’t own. So what  you gonna do about it?

1. Give it to God.

This first step may seem easy to some but for most it is not. It may also be seen as unnecessary, however not everything is as it seems. Often times we pray, spilling our hearts, baring our souls, allowing our raw emotions to run amok inside our heads; asking fervently for the strength and willpower to break a bad habit. Sadly in the folds of the cerebral cortex we harbor the belief it is impossible. And it is that belief that may hold us back like fish in a tank. So, I guess this first step  is really saying burst forth like a tree too big for its plastic container, and disabuse yourself that there is a problem too big in your life for God banish. Don’t limit God’s power in your life when he is so eager to help.

2. It’s not over till you’re free

At the time it will feel like nothing can be more discouraging, crushing and soul draining as a relapse. After giving in to your bad habit and watching the destruction it has yielded in your life or the life of others, it can make a person want to give up.

Don’t.

Despite feeling like a failure, despite the gripping ache in your heart, despite the hot tears sashaying on the tortured surface of your skin……don’t lose hope. The bible says in Hebrews 11:1 “faith is a substance of things hoped for evidence of things not seen”. Therefore even if you can’t see yourself free of the bad habit keep hoping one day you will be. Because the HOPE is the EVIDENCE you will peel off the Bad habit like a snake grown too big for its skin.

3. The battle is not yours; the battle is the Lord’s

You are not fighting alone. In his love letter to us (the bible) the Lord says I will never leave you nor forsake you. Sometimes you may not feel his presence, but do not mistake the numbness brought about by your pain as his absence. When you are too weak to hold on to God close your eyes and ask him to hold onto you. He is strong enough to hold you forever.

4. You have what it takes.

My dearest darling you have got everything you need to cut yourself free. You don’t believe me? Philippians 4:13 says “can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I whisper this verse to myself every time I face a task I feel I can’t conquer and it empowers me. It helps me develop the backbone I need to tackle the job. Straighten your back and accept the power the Lord has bestowed upon each and every one of us. Not some of his children but ALL. Don’t call you diamond a rock. Don’t label a power filled being weak. Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Lord and he dwells within you?

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, ”there is no temptation you experience that is not common to man but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear, but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”. Translation: There isn’t a bad habit you can’t break with God in your corner.  Be encouraged from me, your friend afar because I had a bad habit I thought I couldn’t break but God is good and his love endureth forever.

Much love, eternal peace and continuous happiness.