Field guide · Terrain · “He restores my soul”
Us with Godand Our Habits
Forecast: the same patterns rolling in again, with new mercies expected by morning.
Four tired ways to walk
Each has some truth in it. None of them is the whole story.
Under GodSheep that hide from the Shepherd
If I slip one more time, God will finally give up on me.
Over GodSheep that know the way
This is just a willpower problem. With a better plan I can beat it on my own.
From GodSheep that follow the grass
This habit is how I get through the day. God, please don’t take it away.
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdog
I can’t be useful to God until I fix this, so I’ll hide it and keep serving.
The habits that hold us are met with company, and he restores our souls.
Paul knew the struggle: “I do not do what I want” (Rom 7:15–25), and he ended with thanks to God through Jesus. “There is now no condemnation” for those who are in Christ (Rom 8:1). We don’t have to white-knuckle it alone. We can confess to one another and pray for each other (James 5:16), and Us with God and Sin can help you start. If a habit has become an addiction, please reach out for real help too, like a counselor, a recovery group, or a doctor; asking is brave and faithful, and he goes with you.
Where the Shepherd isHe came to set captives free. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Gal 5:1).
Tell one trusted person the truth about one habit this week, and let them pray for you.
Jesus, will you meet me right here, in the middle of this, again?
Fellow travelers
People in Scripture who walked this ground before us.
- David brought his failure into the open and asked God to create a clean heart in him (Ps 51:10).
- The younger son came home rehearsing a speech, and his father ran to meet him first (Luke 15:20–24).
Keep walking
- With God: Sheep that know his voicethe posture every entry points to
- Which Way Are You Walking?a short self-check
- The Field Guideevery entry, by terrain, weather and crossing