“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
During a recent conversation with a woman in recovery, I asked her to identify the greatest chain breaker to keep out of the addiction cycle. Her response was not shocking and it was completely relatable. “It’s my mentality.”
When she feels shameful about choices she’s made in the past, guilt sets in. The overwhelming guilt forces her to isolate and then she justifies why returning to familiar, unhealthy habits and relationships is acceptable. Upon returning to the familiar, shame returns and the cycle continues.
This conversation encouraged me to dissect the power of self-discipline over the mind and body. Here are three truth bombs to break a destructive cycle.
1. God unleashed His mighty power in us to set us free from destructive cycles
Although His Spirit never leaves us, we must align with Him daily to know His voice, His will and purpose for our lives, and to feel His presence. Create a habit of quiet time with God to be filled with His power, His love, and to understand His will.
Understanding God’s will for our lives comes in different size doses. He doesn’t necessarily give us all we need in one dose immediately but calls us to wait. He provides smaller doses so we continue to return to the Source for the entire prescription.
“But they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength.” -Isaiah 40:31
[Listen to the #230 The Power to Change and The Mind” on the Revelation Wellness Podcast]
2. We are dependent on God for that cycle breaking power.
When you are breaking a destructive cycle, your thoughts, actions, and emotions need a new way to go. That new path can be forged by your limited power or by God’s unlimited, mighty power. Trusting God to forge a new path of life for you takes great faith. But your faith is not in vain.
The God who leads you is the God who created the heavens and the earth. He is the God who knows every hair on your head. He knows that freedom from a destructive cycle doesn’t come from another self-help book, but from a new heart and right worship.
God wants your heart—in the valleys, on the mountaintops, and in the ordinariness of your everyday life. His plans do not fail us, they are timely, and He works all things out for our good.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
3. The Lord directs our steps.
“A man’s heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps.” -Proverbs 16:9
In the valleys of my life, where change is incremental and hope wavers, I’ve learned to press forward in faith. I’ve walked in pain, loneliness, and confusion while depending on God for strength and trusting the Spirit in me.
I have learned to walk in the truth of the gospel with obedience, regardless of how it feels and whether or not it makes sense. It makes sense to God, so let us give Him our hearts and trust He works things for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
I have yet to be disappointed. He’s still rolling stones and working on his masterpiece.
When you walk in obedience with God, I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any power, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus the Lord (Romans 8:38-39).
Are you stuck in a destructive cycle? How is the Lord leading you out of it and into freedom?
Get Free, Stay Free
Jennifer Polman is a disciple of Jesus, wife to Scott, and the mother of boys. She is committed to being a lifelong learner—believing an open mind, knowledge, and determination can influence and create change. Jen is strong, courageous, and does the work. (2 CHR 28:20)
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10 Responses
This is truth! I get stuck in cycles or self destructive behaviors/choices. Thank u for speaking truth to me!! ❤❤❤
I’m so glad this blessed you, Laura! I’m praying for your freedom from these destructive cycles!
Why do I live in defeat and self loathing, when my sweet All Knowing powerful Father has love, power, and self DISCIPLINE for for me and so much more ?
We do have an enemy don/t we? I will run to the Lord for my help. Thank you for this word and especially for the Scriptures Our God is powerful and Strong and full of help and love and has put His Spirit in us to help us. Thank you! For the reminder and encouragement.
You are not alone, Donna! Thank you for sharing your heart. The Lord will meet you there!
Thank you Jennifer! I love this! So much truth in it, along with the feeling of hope that feels like you’ve just been tossed a life saving float. Thanks for all scripture written inside this to back up everything the Lord has promised us, but we sometimes lose sight of. I pray that all who May need a refreshing read this. And be touched like I have. Rev on !!
Thanks for sharing, Lisa! This post is such a blessing, especially when you feel like you have no control. The Lord guides us and comforts us!
Thank you, Jennifer. Your words today encourages me to think about a destructive, not good choice I was going to make today. In bad relationship. Bad Choices. Not Proud to say its with someone I should not be in a relationship with. It has been three years and I want to be free. Freedom would mean making a choice that may affect others bit it is the only way i feel to be set free. Whether destructive or not, I feel it’s destroying me. I am trying to follow in what God is telling me and this is it. I don’t want to hurt other people involved but I’m asking our God for forgiveness. In order for forgiveness to be given I need to confess all wrong choices. Looking for guidance. I hate my self. I want to follow in gods word and be honest. Keeping this lie is killing me. Pray for me and thanks Jennifer.
Heather, I’ll pray for you and for a way out of this destructive relationship. The Lord knows your heart and your situation, He is eager to forgive and He loves you so much. Do not go through this alone, reach out to someone near you.
Absolute truth! Yes and amen! Thank you for
Sharing. Obedience comes before self discipline or self control (one of our gracIous friits of the spirit) and is more powerful than we think. Purposely pause to get filled up while giving thanks!
So true, Amy! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!