Hey guys!! Happy 2023! It feels so weird to say 2023. Or in this case write. Since it is 2023, I thought why not start the new year with new habits? But to do that we have to stop bad habits. We can do that by replacing them with better ones and praying to the Lord to give you strength to. I’ll admit, I am trying to also break bad habits and start these new ones.
Some bad habits
- Bad hygiene/dental hygiene (not taking care of yourself)
- Cussing/swearing
- Saying the Lord’s name in vain
- Eating A LOT of junk food ( I’m not saying you can’t eat junk food, you still can, I’m saying that eating a lot of it every day might make you feel sick)
- Too much electronics
- Bad anger management ( this one can be a bit harder to do)
Habits to start
- Moving your body around
- Eating healthy food
- Praying throughout the day
- Controlling your words
- Reading the Bible daily
- Plan your day
- Wake up earlier to spend time with God and read the Bible
When I was reading James in the Bible, I wrote down life principles: Control your words, be selfless, don’t just listen-do. I recommend reading James 3:1-12 for controlling words, it takes about taming the tongue and how out of the same mouth we praise and curse. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” Lift others up with your words, don’t drag them down.
Not showering or lack of dental hygiene is an habit that can make you sick. God gave us these bodies, I feel like we should take care of them to glorify the Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Saying the Lord’s name in vain is a bad habit. ” You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuse his name.” Exodus 20:7. That was actually part of the Ten Commandments. People might say it when someone or when they get hurt like when they stub their toe or when they are stressed and angry. My idea for this is to find a substitute word like “Jimmy Cricket” “Oh my goodness”
So like what I said earlier, you can eat junk food still, but eating a lot of it every single day can make you feel sick. Eating a lot of junk food feels good in the short moment but not in the long run, I feel like we can agree a bit on that. Nourish the body that the Lord gave you. :)
Too much electronics can also make you feel very sick. It’s also bad for your eyes. I don’t know about you, but when I’m on electronics for a long time I get really grumpy and angry and dizzy. And my mood can affect others as well. So I’m also trying to work on this too.
Bad Anger management. I struggle with this sometimes. Underneath anger is stress. Underneath stress is fear. Isaiah 41:13, “So do not fear, for I am with you; so not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” Here, it says it in the Bible, don’t fear God is with you, He is your strength and hope! When I get angry, I can start to bring others down which is something I don’t want to do but my anger and stress just make it harder. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, Slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Ask Him for the strength to control it. Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:6-7, Isaac 41:13. He will give it to you, and don’t forget to thank him.
Now into starting better habits, moving your body around. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Exercise and stretch your body to honor and glorify God. I recommend going on a daily walk with family, friends or pets. Just listened to worship music, talk about the goodness of God, and talk to God on that walk.
Eating healthy. Ever notice how eating chips or a lot of chocolate kinda makes your head or stomach hurt? And make you feel tired? If I eat yogurt, a banana, or a salad, I feel more refreshed, positive and uplifted. It is because it’s coming from God’s green Earth. 1 Corinthians 10:31.””Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I’m not saying you can’t eat chips or chocolate you totally still can I’m just trying to say how eating food from God’s green Earth is more refreshing.
Praying everyday. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ” Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” I pray everyday before bed and in the mornings and sometimes in between. I feel like it’s not enough time praying so I want to try to pray more throughout the day. My goal for that is to go on daily walks where I just talk to God.
Reading the Bible daily. I always read the Bible before bed and when I wake up. It’s a great way to get closer to God, understand His heart more, and hear what He is trying to tell you.
Waking up early ( around 7 or 8). This can help you achieve reading the Bible in the morning and getting closer to God. At that time you wake up, pray, and ask yourself ” How can I serve God today?” and then read the Bible. In a notebook/paper/in your mind write down the scripture you just read ( verses) and think about them. What did you observe? How can you apply it to your life? Then pray. “Lord thank you for giving me this opportunity to read the word. Help me to understand you and the Bible more clearly.Help me apply it to my life.” You can add or take away or start a whole new prayer.
I want to thank you all for reading this. I hope it has sparked something in you. I also hope y’all have had a great start to 2023. But before you go you can pray this prayer with me.
” Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for helping me make it to 2023. I put my trust in you Lord. Guide me to become the best version of my self this year, Jesus you are my inspiration, my role model. With the strength that you give me I know this will be my best year spiritually. Amen.”
Thank you guys so much for staying! Have a great day!
AJ's Happy Bees 