“This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” Isaiah 48:17 (NLT)

What if you and I became tone deaf to the lies of the World and solely listened to the only truth that exists, the truth of God’s redeeming, never-ending, never changing, steadfast truth and love?

I have had several friends over the past few years take the step of silencing 24/7 news, minimizing their social media exposure, guarding their inner circle of trusted friends, while expanding their time and focus on reading God’s Word and talking with Him through prayer. They universally found that more joy, more peace, greater optimism and expectation of the future grew within them, showed through them and outwardly they became a source of optimism and encouragement to people that God placed in their path.

Habits, good and bad, are formed over lifetimes. I tell our kids constantly the phrase “junk in, junk out,” to which I receive eye rolls with an every now and then comment of “you’re right dad” when some junk causes pain or confusion. We don’t put on an extra 30 lbs during a single weekend of bad eating habits. We allow bad habits to become lifestyles and lifestyles that allow junk in, begin to produce junk going out.

I encourage you to choose deliberate living. To live a life of in all things placing Christ first. Accept who God says you are and remove those voices and channels that tell you otherwise. I encourage you to get up every morning, look in the mirror and affirm that you are God’s beloved daughter or son, who He created for significant purpose every day. I encourage you to walk with head held high and hands held out in faith and serving.

Take some small steps this week to begin walking into the example, influence and impact that your were created by the Creator of all things to contribute:

• Wake up 20 minutes earlier and read your Bible for 15 minutes.
• Pray for 5 minutes with focus on thanking God for this day, for your Christian sisters and brothers and for the opportunity of a new morning.
• Minimize your exposure to 24/7 news and all media channels spewing the lies and anger of a broken World.
• Tell one new person every day this week that your are thankful for them and grateful to them…and why you are.
• Pray for 5 minutes mid-day, thanking God for the morning (good or bad) that you have had and for the opportunities coming this afternoon. (We’re working towards 1 Thessalonians 5:18.)
• Finish your day by reflecting on things that occurred this day that you are thankful for and earnestly pray for the things God is placing in your path tomorrow.
• As you lie down, read a chapter in Proverbs and pray expectantly that the wisdom of these passages become the expectations of your heart. Replace fatigue of what has occurred with rest that comes from our Savior.
• Each next, new morning, make Psalm 118:24 the mantra of your life.

Prepare for the battle that will rage inside you as you become the positive, influential, encouraging, loving and serving person that God designed each of us to be. Satan does not surrender. He just unleashes different tactics to drive us down. Remind yourself that Satan has no power where doubt, darkness and secrets do not exist. He has lost you (if you are a Believer in Jesus) for eternity. Every day he is one day closer to ultimate defeat. His desperation grows while you walk more boldly as the daughter or son of the only Truth. Surround yourself with Believers who encourage you, walk with you, stand in the gap for you and love you.

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? ¹⁵ What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:

“I will live in them
    and walk among them.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
¹⁷ Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,
    and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.
Don’t touch their filthy things,
    and I will welcome you.
¹⁸ And I will be your Father,
    and you will be my sons and daughters,
    says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

You’ve got this.