New habits are about identifying the action you need to take and how you will incorporate it into your life. But just as important, identifying an overwhelmingly strong understanding of Why? this habit will make a difference will fuel the motivation you need to keep following through. For a Christian, that means that most new habits are not spiritually neutral, they point out a character change and making that spiritual connection will make all the difference. The Psalm 112 verses below outline a lot of possible Why?’s.
None of us are righteous. Only when we take on the righteousness of Christ are we right in God’s eyes. That process of change draws others to us and influences them. They are affected because they see Christ’s character standing out in us. They see our contentment with His impact on our life. This is the righteousness that goes before us (Isaiah 58:8).
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the person who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be successful everywhere. An entire generation of godly people will be blessed. Wealth and riches are theirs and their good deeds will have lasting effect. Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are gracious, compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice and fairness. Surely the righteous will never be shaken. Their reputation will be remembered forever. They will not fear bad news, rumors or gossip. Their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. They feel secure and will not fear but will be relaxed around their enemies. They have given freely to those in need, these good deeds will be remembered forever. Their influence will be honored. The godless will see it and be infuriated, they will grind their teeth and hide away. Their hopes will come to nothing. Psalms 112: 1-10
God asks us to do many things in this Psalm that reflect His character,
Which of them have you felt God tugging at your heart to focus on?
Fear the Lord: Honor and understand His authority in your life.
Delight in His commands: Obedience makes life right. And that brings joy.
Do good works: Find good works that have a lasting effect.
Be gracious and compassionate: Share the light and the wealth He gives.
Be generous: Lend and give freely.
Be fair: Consider how your life affect others and be just.
Trust in God: Don’t fear bad news, rumors, or enemies. He will secure you.
What kind of influence might result?
Influence: Our children are successful. Their children are successful. Prosperity. Effectual works. Good reputation. Lasting influence. Understand the godless have no hope.
The kind of influence that is described here is one that has a lasting impact. Not something that is temporary but what counts in His eternal kingdom. We might spend hours toiling away at our jobs without nurturing lasting relationships with the people we work with. We may use our jobs to hide from our families. We can easily spend vast amounts of time exercising and poring over details on our food plan, and barely minutes meeting with Jesus in the morning. Our budget needs to be tight sometimes, because we make frivolous purchases instead of investing where the return has an eternal impact. It’s not a bad thing to give to charities at the grocery store or to a mailed-out plea for help, but instead, we might find a way to give and get more involved in our community.
Ask God for a spiritual connection that will ground your new habit in Him and His Word. Use this inspiration from Psalms or do your own Bible search and find a verse that speaks to you more clearly.
Evaluate your temporal activities and good works. What could you prioritize that needs changing (adding or subtracting) as a result of your fast that will reflect Christ’s character and promote the eternal?
Everlasting God, clarify my Why’s and ground my new habits in You. Bring people, investments and activities into my life that promote Your eternal kingdom. Don’t let me put them down until I take action. Amen.
happy hunger 
Leave a comment