Planning to Slip Up
The Paul Simon song “Slip Slidin’ Away” is the perfect soundtrack for my new eating plan. Don’t want to call it a diet. It’s a lifestyle change based on psychology and behavior modifications. I have tried other methods and apps, but I eventually fall back into my old unhealthy habits.
This plan’s app provides daily advice to help with the weight loss journey. A recent article outlined the various stages of lifestyle changes — the excitement at the beginning, followed by the honeymoon period when everything is wonderful. After the honeymoon is the plummet, as we fall back to our old habits. The plummet could lead to a lapse, which is followed by the roller coaster ride of surges and slips. The point is to be prepared for these slips and not let them discourage us into quitting.
Working the Faith Muscle
My faith walk has been a roller coaster ride. I have had my share of plummets and felt as though I was slip-sliding away. I am not talking about missing a day in the YouVersion app. I am talking about hanging out in the lapse phase, with no surges in sight.
For years I only prayed when I needed help. And I only thanked God when I believed my prayer was answered. I was not exactly working my faith muscle.
I recently completed a reading plan titled “Renew Rebuild Restore.” It reminded me that I shouldn’t let my faith take care of itself.
If we ignore our faith in God, we risk slipping away from him and placing our faith somewhere else – work, family, friends, and ourselves.
By putting more faith in others than in Christ, we are placing them above Him and setting ourselves up for failure and disappointment. When we eventually stumble and fall, remember, we will find love and comfort when we put our full faith in Him.
Daily Prayer
Prayer and spending time in God’s word are two ways to strengthen your faith. Ask the Lord, through your daily prayers, to rebuild and grow your faith. Try to spend more time in prayer, pausing to meditate on the word, and feel His presence.
Lord,
Today I place all my faith in You. I seek your guidance and plan for my life. Let me see others through your eyes and share your love with all I meet.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
