Favorite Spot
FAVORITE SPOT
SPOTLIGHT
Life can be hard. We all experience seasons of increased stress and have learned ways to manage it. Some of those management tactics are healthy, others are not. Either way, whatever it is we reach for during those times is our Favorite Spot.
Our brains are hardwired for pleasure. Without getting too “sciency,” the limbic system in your brain is the area that releases the “feel good” chemicals. It is also responsible for creating addictions. Exercise does it. Grounding and meditating in nature does it. Spending time with family will too. As do drugs. And sugar. (Cue the ominous doom music.)
So, wait! Are we saying that eating a king-sized Snickers instead of praying when I’m stressed
or sad is a sin?! Maybe. Maybe not. But, examining our hearts and our motivation for turning to our Favorite Spot instead of God is a worthwhile endeavor. Cravings aren’t bad. Sometimes it’s
our body communicating we need a specific nourishment. Other times it’s our spirit communicating we need more of the One who created our ability to crave.
LOOK IT UP
“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”— but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.”
1 Corinthians 6:12
“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening — it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.”
Hebrews 12:11-13
KEYWORDS
- discipline
- priorities
- mindfulness
- satisfied
BLINDSPOTS
Let’s reprogram our minds from some distorted perspectives we’ve latched onto over the years.
- Ask yourself if you’re feeling unfulfilled in any area of your life. Are you craving attention, affection, physical movement, hydration or time with God?
- “Healthy” does not always equal weight loss. In what ways can you improve your wellness without being ruled by the number on the scale?
- Instead of defaulting to thoughts such as, “I failed again. I’ll never get this right”, try, “I don’t like how that choice made me feel. I’ll choose differently next time by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
PUT IT INTO ACTION
BODY
Instead of focusing on unhealthy habits you want to remove, try focusing on things you can add to your daily routine. Make a list. Then choose one to add in each week. Pretty soon, you’ll be filling up on healthy choices and won’t have room for the others.
MIND
Identify your untrue and unhelpful rationalizations for your unhealthy choices (aka “Favorite Spots”). Write them down. Then pray and ask for truth to help stop the cycle. For example: “I’ve already messed up this week; I’ll start again Monday.” “This habit isn’t really THAT bad.”
SPIRIT
Ask the Holy Spirit for insight into your Favorite Spots. He’ll guide you and give you spiritual awareness into what spots have taken His place.
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