Committed to Release the Old Habit Patterns

Modern conveniences and technological advances have subtly ensnared many of us with their allure, dazzling us with sophistication while consuming much of our time and energy. In this fast-paced world, we’ve allowed these distractions to interfere with the intimacy in our relationship with God, gradually eroding our morality and stifling our souls. As we become increasingly absorbed in screens and devices, we risk losing sight of what truly matters—our relationship with Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ and our identity in him. It’s crucial to recognize these influences and wholeheartedly seek the presence of God, ensuring that our hearts remain focused on Him amidst the noise.

We need to be constantly mindful of our limited time on earth. This isn’t meant to be morbid. God’s Word tells us in Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT), “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Most do not take these words to heart but choose to spend their days pursuing whatever pleases them, believing that indulging in the world’s pleasures is the best way to maximize life. God has given us the gift of free will, and while He permits us to make our own choices, as His children, we must keep our destiny in focus. Embracing a purpose-driven life means recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from fleeting pleasures, but from aligning our choices with God’s Will and seeking the deeper joy that comes from living for Him.

Psalm 37:4 (NLT) tells us, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Deep down, we know this promise is true, yet often, that joy seems to elude us. We may feel distant from the closeness that God desires for us, but we can be sure that He is inviting us on this journey. Our ultimate destiny is to find our delight in Him. If we’re struggling to reach this place, it may be because our souls are not yet fully aligned with His will and purpose for our lives. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to change this.

As the Holy Spirit guides us through the process of examining our hearts, through prayer and drawing near to God, we begin to recognize these barriers within our souls that are holding us back. If we’re teachable, humility will compel us to truly repent with genuine sorrow and commit to live differently. While the journey toward true healing and repentance isn’t always a straightforward path, the outcome our Heavenly Father requires remains the same: a commitment to avoid the old patterns that once hindered our spiritual growth and maturity.

Beware of Temptations

As we seek to walk in this renewed commitment, we must also be vigilant against the temptations that threaten to pull us back into those old patterns. Temptations are more than just a momentary struggle; they can be significant crossroads in our spiritual journey in Christ. James 1:13-14 (NLT) warns: “13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” These temptations can arise from within—stirred by our own desires—or they can come from external forces, but we must be clear that satan is at the root of them all. Temptation is the enemy’s realm, and we should never think otherwise.

Temptations are sent by the enemy to disrupt our blessings, undermine the power and authority Christ has given us, and weaken our faith in God. After experiencing divine healing and deliverance through repentance, it’s no surprise that the enemy will test our newfound strength. Yet, we have a powerful assurance: through Christ, we are more than conquerors. By the blood of the Lamb, we can stand firm in our victory, refusing to be shaken. We accomplish this by holding firm to God’s Word.

This truth is powerfully illustrated in Matthew 4:1-11, where Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness. Each time the devil tried to lead him astray, Jesus responded with “It is written.” This wasn’t just a clever comeback; it was a declaration of the authority and power of God’s Word. As Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) reminds us, “Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The Scriptures are the Spirit’s sword, and through it we are empowered to fight against temptation. When we boldly declare the Word of God, we activate its power, and the enemy has no choice but to flee. By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that our victory is secure in Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) tells us, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” God assures us that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can endure. No matter what struggles we face—be it addiction, phobias, emotional turmoil, sickness, or any other challenge—His strength through Christ is more than sufficient for our needs. This promise gives us the confidence to confront our battles head-on, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. Victory is not just a possibility; it is guaranteed through our faith in Christ!

God’s faithfulness means He always provides a way of escape, enabling us to overcome the obstacles in our path. We can find peace in this assurance, resting in the knowledge that we have the tools to resist temptation and emerge victorious. With every trial, we are given the opportunity to lean into His empowerment, reminding us that through Him, we can rise above our circumstances and claim the victory that is rightfully ours.

Even with the best intentions, it is all too easy to slip back into old habits. Life often presents challenges that can trigger familiar patterns, making it difficult to maintain the progress we have achieved. As Paul poignantly states in Romans 7:15 (NLT), “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” This inner conflict resonates with many of us, as we may find ourselves gravitating toward past comforts, whether they be unhealthy habits, negative relationships, or destructive thought patterns.

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) tells us, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”  Recognizing these temptations as tricks of the enemy is essential for guarding our hearts, minds, and souls. Our Heavenly Father is faithful to transform us, and through repentance, we partner with His Word to be molded into the image of Christ; however, our vigilance is required. It is important to acknowledge that our struggles do not define us. We are more than conquerors in Christ, and by leaning on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, we can resist the pull of old habits. When faced with the temptation to revert to former behaviors, we must pray, reflect on our identity in Christ, and lean on the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our journey is one of continuous growth, and it is through our confession and faith in God’s Word, along with our humility to submit to Him, that we can resist temptation and continue to live in the liberty of Christ.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Committed to Release the Old Habit Patterns”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.