What Shapes My Life? — Morning Devotions

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Transcript

Layne Beachley is a sports personality who is well-known in Australia for winning World Championships in surfing. She is also a gifted motivational speaker.

I was reading something about her recently. At one of her public appearances, she quoted the writer Bill George, and his book Discover Your True North. Bill George wrote these words: “Your life story is your foundation. It shapes how you, as a human being, see the world”. Layne Beachley emphasised the importance of his words by sharing how she has changed her attitude as she grew into adulthood. She was fiercely competitive and hated people who got in her way – but now it’s a different story:

“Today I have matured into a person who is more self-aware, compassionate and proud of the life I have lived. Admittedly, I have made my fair share of mistakes, and I have chosen to learn from them, let them go and move on. I am not defined by my mistakes, nor am I defined by my success – I am only defined by the person I choose to be…Your most deeply held beliefs, your values and the principles you live your life by ultimately determine the life you live.’

I think Layne Beachley’s comments make a lot of sense. When you reflect on your life, what has shaped it? Every single relationship we have shapes our lives. Shapes who we are. There are no neutral relationships. Every relationship either adds value to us or has a negative impact. This is not limited to close family relationships but includes distant relationships as well. If we are not intentional about the relationships that we allow into our life, we will find ourselves being shaped in ways that may not be healthy.

There is your career, hobbies, and entertainment – they are part and parcel of your life, plus many more. Music, books, social media, television, and movies all have a significant impact on the person we will be. I came across The Message translation of Psalm 119, verse 41: “Let your love, God, shape my life”

It was the Psalmist’s prayer and includes the words “unfailing love”. God’s unfailing love is the best thing to help shape your life. Do you know that God is actively seeking a relationship with you that can be literally life-changing? He wants you to know that you’re special – you were made in God’s image – and you are the most valuable thing in the world – because He knows and loves you. After all, relationships define who we really are – let’s make sure you’re in touch with your Heavenly Father. If you are, He will influence every part of your life – your marriage, family, and circle of friends.

You don’t have to be worried about making a decision like this. God knows you better than you know yourself, and He wants the best for you today and every day. I reckon the struggle to trust God with life can be a big issue. But the thing to remember is that our God is a very big God and has all things under His control. That includes big things and the little things like how we live our lives. You might have heard the phrase, “let go and let God”.

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It’s a very simple concept and does work as you learn to trust in God and His Son Jesus Christ. It’s letting God’s plans and purposes shape the things we do. Our minds aren’t switched off, but rather transformed and renewed by God, and so we become aware of the new way God wants us to live. This takes self-control and action.

When you decide to serve God with your whole heart and make Him first in your life, your soul will prosper, and your joy and peace will increase. Remember to lean on Him more than anything else, and tell Him, “God, I want to do this, but I can’t do it without You.” He doesn’t expect you to live for Him in your own strength or ability, and He understands when you make mistakes.

So, if you mess up, don’t be discouraged and let it hold you back. Confess it and keep going. God will give you grace to do what you need to do. One day at a time, you and God together can do anything! Because the indwelling Holy Spirit will guide and help you. Get a modern version of the Bible and start reading the gospels to discover Jesus. You will be amazed at His teachings.

God has something good in store for you. Life is meant to be more than work, home, sleep, holidays – there can be a purpose in each day which will make you a joyful person. Psalm 57:2 says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” This is key in understanding God’s purpose for your life. God has numbered your days and will fulfill every purpose He has for you.

In his classic book The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a poem that included the line, “Not all who wander are lost.” The same applies to you. Even though you feel like you’re wandering without any true purpose, that doesn’t mean you’re lost.

You can regain your sense of purpose and discover what God has for your life. Just do a check – who or what is shaping your life?

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