Have you ever suddenly realized that your life is not going the way you’d like? It could be something small, like feeling overwhelmed by your schedule. Or you could realize you don’t like the way you’re thinking or treating others. These moments of dissatisfaction are an amazing opportunity to change your routine.
The Bible talks a lot about the principle of reaping and sowing. In Galatians 6:8, Paul wrote, “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Here are five ways you can sow differently and change the direction of your life.
1. Schedule Daily Devotions
When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the Jewish temple ripped from top to the bottom. This curtain divided God and his worshipers, keeping them separate so they wouldn’t die because of their sin. However, Jesus’ work of repayment means that nothing now separates us from closeness with God.
One of the most life-changing things you can do is to spend time with God on a daily basis. This can look like studying Scripture, reading devotionals or theology books, praying and worshiping. There is no formula you have to follow other than making time to focus on Jesus and asking the Holy Spirit to meet you.
2. Break SM Addiction
Social media is incredibly addicting. If you think you don’t have time for devotions, that might be because you spend so much time on your phone. Social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter take up emotional energy and hours of your day without giving much in return.
If you want to change your life, try fasting from social media for a month. You can decide which platforms are taking up most of your time and then delete them off your phone. Even if you decide to get back on social media after your fast, taking a break will shift your perspective and enrich your life.
3. Organize Your Finances
Finances are another area that can dramatically affect your mindset and daily routine. Financial strain can impact many other areas of your life, including relationships and how you spend your time. In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
Take stock of your financial situation. If you’re in debt, make a plan to start paying it off. For example, if you’re consistently paying off car payments, you may have options that can lower the price you pay every month.
The sooner you can clear debt, the faster you can reach future financial goals through investing. If you don’t have a budget, now is a good time to plan out your monthly expenses. You can use an app or online platform to easily track your spending.
4. Consider Your Relationships
Another way to “clean house” is by refreshing your relationships. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul wrote, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Think about the relationships you have in your life. Is there someone you need to forgive or someone you need to ask for forgiveness?
Bitterness and offense can quickly take root in close relationships if you’re not intentional about discussion and forgiveness. These emotions will color everything you do until they’re resolved. On the other hand, if someone is breaking your trust continually, you may need to stop spending time with them in order to heal.
5. Meditate on Your Identity
It can also be life-changing to spend time considering what God thinks of you. Many Christians haven’t let God’s love for them really sink in. By sending Jesus for you, God both revealed his character and his heart for you. He is both eternally just and eternally kind and his affection is set personally on you.
In 1 John 4:9, John wrote, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” Do you know how much God loves you? Jesus’ actions have removed any power that shame, comparison and self-loathing can have on you. He’s called you to freedom, not fear.
Renewed Day by Day
Life is full of pressures and it’s easy to get discouraged about yourself and where you are in life. However, realizing you’re unhappy is actually a good thing – it gives you a chance to change how you’re living. Different habits can lead to an entirely different outcome.
The number one way to spring clean your routine is by intentionally seeking God every day. In Psalm 34:5, David wrote, “Those who look to [God] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Follow these five tips to organize your life and practice good stewardship of the time you’ve been given.
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