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We need help to change

Breaking a bad habit can be difficult or even seem impossible when trying to break it only to find that it's back, worse than before! A habit is a regular practice, or pattern wired deep into our brains, often hard to give up. Some habits can be good for us (like exercise, healthy eating, time in prayer with God) or bad (think of unhealthy patterns that we need to change). Whether it's the bad habit of turning to the fridge, spending too much time in front of the television, or a more deep-rooted, more shameful habit, most of us probably need to break a habit or two. 

So how do we break free?

You need to decide to change your habits, but you'll need help to be successful in doing so. Change can only come by the grace of God and must include renewing our minds. God calls us to turn to Him when we are weak. When our defenses are down, and we feel like giving up, He waits for us to call to Him. He reminds us that His power is perfected in us when we admit our weaknesses.

God has promised never to let us face temptation without providing a way out. We can seek Him in this for the times when we know we'll be tempted to indulge in unhealthy habits.

Romans 12:2 tells us, "do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

Titus 2:11-12 says, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."

Prayer:

"God, I need you. The truth is, you see things in my life that are not your best. And to be honest, God, sometimes I'm discouraged about how often I fail and keep messing up. And I admit I am helpless living in my power alone. But God, I know your potential is unlimited. Would you help me, Jesus? Would you fill me with Your Spirit? Would you help me to abide and walk so close to you that these things lose their grip? Would you teach me how to walk in the Spirit and desire greater and more significant characteristics of the Spirit and not the things my flesh so badly want?

God, will you also give me wisdom and courage to avoid the places, people, and things that I know cause me to stumble and trip me up? God, to get specific, I know that (insert) has been a stronghold in my life. I confess and repent of this and ask You to cleanse me. I commit to bringing this into the light and talking to someone with strong faith about this TODAY. By your grace, I will walk in higher levels of freedom. You said 'who the Son sets free is free indeed!' I declare this by faith over my life. In Jesus' name, Amen."