Isaiah 45
Over and over again, even in the Christian community, the message preached is that behavioral change results permanent change. Can you think of one time in your life this may have been true?
For example, do you know how many times I’ve intentionally woken up earlier to exercise, had been consistent for a season, then one morning I got the flu and it shattered my habits? Or when I vowed not to eat dairy ever again and suddenly we are visiting family and drive by my favorite ice cream shop?
You get the picture. Behavioral change does not result in permanent change. We see this several times throughout scripture; through Job, Martha, Peter, David, Moses, Abraham, Esther… the strive for obedience was simply the start of churning the heart to make something more than just lukewarm milk.
Lately, the most common thing told to me is “Oh Peyton, you are putting way too much pressure on yourself.” It’s been hard for me to admit that. To me, I have these responsibilities and they just need to get done. And when they can’t get done, I blame everything on myself and my current circumstances. Every morning I sit and attempt to do devotions, while my mind races around a potential path for my day… I’ll spend 45 minutes feeding Ryder, then he’ll likely want to play a little and I’ll try to finish my devotions, fill up the dishwasher, and flip the laundry. Around that time he will probably get tired and I can answer some emails. I have a meeting at 9 and he will probably wake up to eat again and then after my meeting I’ll run to the post office quick before his next nap time. Over lunch I’ll get a shower, make a smoothie, eat something filling while I catch up on texts and try to vacuum the first floor. I still have to get groceries and dinner for tonight but I’ll try to find time before lunch to put in a pick up order…
If you’re like me, you may already know, that the day never goes down the way I paved it out to. It actually feels like a chaotic mess, like I never fully accomplished anything, and it always so defeating and tormenting. If you’re like me, you aim to pave your path but ultimately have no control over it.
The Lord is our path-paver.
“I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”
Isaiah 45:2-3 NIV
We see the kindness of God as he invites us into the freedom of walking where He leads. We see the kindness of God in the grace that comes with not completing our own lists of tasks. We see the kindness of God in the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit and the enriching change that takes place in our hearts.
Behavioral change is a worldly effort to improve and grow your present circumstances. But it doesn’t justify your poor behavior. And it doesn’t determine your eternity.
True change happens first in the heart, then seeps and spreads into the brain, the eyes, the ears, the tongue… it determines your soul, and it comes from God. He is the path-paver, and He not only leads us to a fuller life, but riches found in eternal matters.
Step out of your own path in faith…
He is calling you by name.
Go before me, Lord. I don’t want to go my own way.
Image credit: Sydney Kerbyson Photography
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