The Habit Breaker – Ems HancockSample

What is a bad habit?

None of us wantto live a life weighed down by bad habits. This new devotional is an opportunity to leave some of the past behind, as we examine our patterns of thinking and set fresh goals for ourselves.

The word “habit” comes from the Latin “habitus” meaning “condition or appearance”. Our secret habits demonstrate a great deal about the real condition or state of us as people. They often show us something of what is actually going on in our hearts and minds. They also give us an idea of what we fear or worry about.

A bad habit is a regular tendency or practice that has become almost involuntary. (In other words, when we say, “I don’t like it, but I can’t help it!”)

For the purposes of The Habit Breaker book I define a negative habit as a behavior that is detrimental to our physical or mental health – and something that robs us of peace.

A bad habit isn’t always the same as an addiction – although it can definitely be a gateway to one.

The Bible identifies many things that lead us into unhelpful patterns, such as: complaining, over-eating, indulging, poor spending, gossip, malicious talk, gambling, wasting money, criticizing others, over-work, self-gratification and laziness. How many poor habits can you spot in our passage for today?

We are encouraged in Ephesians 4:22 to “throw off” our old sinful nature. The Message version of this verse says that “everything connected with that old way of life has to go.”

I recognize that this is going to be hard. We get attached to our habits, don’t we? But it is so worth letting the Holy Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes and allowing Him to help us, as we put on a new nature.

Whatever your habits today and whatever you are struggling with, know that God understands and has given you all you need to find your freedom.

Write down:

• In what ways do your habits rob you of peace?
• Which habit you would like to be free from this year?
• What three benefits would you experience if you were set free from that habit?

PRAYER:

Father, thank you that you know my heart and the habits I battle with. Please teach me practical and positive things I need to do to break free of my dependencies. Amen.