Saturday, January 16, 2016

ME23: 6 Steps to Turn Your Resolutions Into Your Revolution (Part 2)

photo courtesy of memrise.com


Welcome to Part 2 of ME23! My new 6-week blog series that puts a new twist on Psalm 23. 

Each week, I'm offering a new building block based on one of the six verses in Psalm 23. If you haven't already done so, you can catch up with Week 1 here

Now, let's open up the goodies nestled inside of verse 2!


"He lets me REST in green meadows; he leads me beside PEACEFUL streams."
Psalm 23:2 (NLT)

Principal #2: Never Forfeit Your Benefits

A couple of months ago, I received an email notification from my insurance company reminding me to use my 2015 dental benefits before the end of the year or else lose them. That little reminder prompted me to set aside some time to take advantage of those benefits.

Think of verse 2 that way; a reminder of about your unused benefits - REST and PEACE. 

Fortunately, these benefits come from God, so they are always available. There's no expiration date. But what good is it to have benefits that you never actually use?

If you're being pulled in too many directions these days, it's a good bet that you haven't been resting. And if you're haven't resting, you're probably not at peace. And if you're not at peace, chances are you won't stick to any plan that will lead to the results you desire in your life.

Now, I'm not telling you to chuck all of your responsibilities and run off into the wild blue yonder (although that may sound mighty good to you right now). I'm simply telling you that REST IS A CHOICE. 

You don't have to accept all the drama that is randomly tossed at your feet.  

  • Your co-worker has an attitude with you and you don't even know why
  • The cashier at the fast-food restaurant gave you the wrong order then took forever to correct her mistake
  • Your sisters asked you to help plan the family reunion, but you've been doing most of the work by yourself

I've got many more examples, but I'm sure you get the picture. Quite frankly, do you really have any more room for unnecessary distractions?

What's the takeaway?

You've got a BETTER option. But it only benefits you if you use it.  So, GO GREEN! Accept God's open invitation to step out of the chaos and into the green meadows and peaceful streams He has waiting for you.

Action Step

You can't always retreat from certain issues or circumstances and go get your head together. But that doesn't stop your soul from crying out for relief, does it?

Start practicing the habit of SELF-SANCTUARY. This is when you designate guarded time every day, 5 to 10 minutes to begin with, to unplug. I'm not just talking about vegging out. It's a matter of focus; not on the things that drain you of life, but on the things that give you life.

You may not even be sure of what those things are, but that's where self-sanctuary shines. It gives you an exit lane so that you can identify and connect with what you actually need.

Leave me a comment telling me what you're discovering about yourself as you put this into action. And if you're enjoying this blog series so far, share the link with a friend. :)

Until next week, D-Viners!










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