Our goal in renewing our minds is to tip the scales in favor of a life filled with more fruit of the spirit. Too often in life the suffering side of the scale seems to outweigh the opposite. God wants us to have a life filled with an abundant amount of joy, pleasure, gratification, satisfaction, courage and Faith. Often, when we do overcome spiritual and emotional obstacles we fail to savor them long enough to really put weight into the victory. Savoring your victories is a powerful last step. When you overcome anything, take time to feel the energy you get from the success. There is always an experience of feeling energized by even the smallest victories. You feel empowered, hopeful, more self-confident, and more optimistic. Let me give you some examples: If you resist the temptation to overeat, drink, smoke, or do any kind of harmful behavior, notice how much better you feel immediately after walking away! Notice that you feel a little stronger, a little more hopeful, more encouraged about future success and your ability to control yourself. Think to yourself: this proves I can do it!, I am in control of my life, I am a strong person, and any other thoughts that help you to celebrate this victory. Languish in the positive results, enjoy basking in the energy that comes from your success, congratulate yourself and praise God profusely. Your victory glorifies Him as well as you. Relish these feelings and make them last as long as possible. Cement them in your memory so they are available the next time you run into a similar situation. Making a habit of this process will begin to tip your scales of experience in favor of the abundant life Christ promises is available to all of us! http://www.RenewingYourMind.US |
