For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…
Proverbs 23:7
Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life
Proverbs 4:23 (CEV)
Melissa Hartwig Urban, the CEO and founder of the Whole30Ⓡ Program shares this sentiment in her “It’s For Your Own Good” section and she calls it “tough love” when she speaks about beginning a strict program like this:
This is not hard. Fighting cancer is hard. Birthing a baby is hard. Losing a parent is hard. Drinking your coffee black. Is. Not. Hard. You have done harder things than this. It’s only thirty days, and it’s for the most important health cause on earth—the only physical body you will ever have in this lifetime. Hear me now: The Whole30 is exactly as hard as you decide it’s going to be, so repeat after me: “This is not hard.”
And she’s right; the plan is not difficult to comprehend, it’s straightforward, clear, and the system is orderly. It is not a hard plan. That’s not to say that it doesn’t require WORK. It requires effort and force to upend the apple cart; and it may not be pleasant. However, it’s not hard. This was kind of a mind-blower for me because when I talk to my friends about making changes like this, we frequently throw these thoughts around with our words.
- Eating well is so hard!!
- Breaking habits is so hard!!
- It’s HARD to say no to that treat/social eating opportunity/holiday foods!!
Are you guilty of saying these things as well, in the face of your adversities?
We need to STOP telling ourselves how hard some things are in our lives, if we are ever going to budge. We need acknowledge there will be work involved, and when we feel like we lack the strength to push forward we pray and trust in the power of Christ and that’s when He steps in to cover our weaknesses and bridge the gap between where we want to be and where we find ourselves.
Try this alternative soon: Next time you encounter something you would formerly call “HARD” say out loud to it, “You are not hard. There will be work involved on my part, and it may take longer than I expect. Sacrifices will be made, tears may be shed, and sweat will definitely happen. However, it’s worth it, and you can be moved. I have the mind and the power of Christ at work within me and you are no match for my God!!” MOVE.
Change your thoughts, change your life! God, help us to appropriately guard our hearts and thoughts so that we do not inflict more burden upon the tasks assigned to us by calling them hard; instead, help us to rely on Your power and strength to do all things and to believe through faith that we have everything we need to succeed against the obstacles of life.