Overcoming Laziness & Finding Freedom in Discipline
Hi sweet friends, Lanissa here! If you've been following along with us on Insta @becomingministries this month, you'll know that I've been sharing my recent struggle with being undisciplined. About 2 years ago, after I graduated College (& a strict ministry school)- I found myself in a rut. Spiritually. Physically. It felt as if instead of my life moving forward, I was just... spinning. Ever been there? I've grown in different areas since then, but this year the Lord spoke very clearly to my heart that it was time to seriously focus on becoming a disciplined woman of God. (fun, right?) It was no surprise. I had gone years, YEARS, with being undisciplined in different areas of my life. Life went on, I even accomplished some dreams of mine, but I wasn't experiencing God fully like I knew I was created to.
This year was different. A dissatisfaction bearing so heavily on my soul that I couldn't look away- "It's time to get serious", He said. Maybe He's saying that for you too.
He said there was freedom that came from being disciplined instead of being enslaved by indulging in too much of something. That because I had become enslaved to laziness, I was missing out on experiencing God's richness in my now. Missing out on experiencing His faithfulness because I wasn't taking any steps of faith. There's so much more He has for me,for you, and I don't want to miss it simply because I'm not being disciplined.
For me, today, being disciplined looks like sticking to a morning routine, intentionally studying the Word of God & spending more time alone with Him, separating myself from scrolling on Social Media while I could be doing things that enrich my life. What does it look like for you?
I want to experience freedom from being undisciplined, and I'm done just talking about it. Today is our day. We have everything we need. So HOW are we going to overcome being lazy & become a steadfast, disciplined woman of God?!
Below are some things I've learned from the Lord & walked through that have helped me come to a place of overcoming (I hope they encourage you to do the same!):
I realized that things like scrolling through Social Media & even laying on my couch were becoming a form of Slavery!
These were things that were causing me to be lazy. When I would get home at night & land in my couch, it's like any chance of being productive (or even washing my face) was gone! I had become enslaved to something that God actually gave me to enjoy, because I was over indulging in it.
I had taken rest & completely abused it. What is that for you? Maybe your schedule is too full or closet too crowded. But when I realized that indulging in these things, as silly as it sounds, was actually a form of slavery- it lit a fire under my bones to become free.
Laziness was holding me back from spending time with God & family, pursuing dreams and enjoying the things that mattered. & I was tired of it. What's the point in receiving freedom if I keep sitting in bondage? It is for FREEDOM that Christ came to set us free (Gal 5:1)
I shared my struggle with people who were in my corner & let shame fade!
This has has helped me so much not only with accountability but by letting my struggles land on safe ears instead of locked up in my mind. A war can so easily rage within us, when we feel too much shame to be vulnerable about what we're going through.
Find friends or mentors who are for you- and open up. Don't let the enemy have a stronghold over your mind, but instead let other's help you to speak love & truth over your circumstances! If you need a safe place, we are here for you!
I found a routine that was realistic & sometimes swam upstream!
For me, finding gym classes that I actually enjoyed, creating a manageable morning routine full of things that enriched me & even buying an alarm so I didn't need to have my phone by me at night helped me successfully start the process of being more disciplined.
The truth? It's a journey, I WILL be lazy somedays and that's OKAY. Rest is healthy! Conquering not being enslaved to laziness is the goal, freedom is where our eyes are set! And on the days where I feel the tension between freedom & bondage, I choose to swim upstream and be disciplined the best that I can anyway!
I had to be intentional about renewing my mind.
Intentionally studying the Word of God, for me, is mixed in with this undisciplined struggle. But in order to overcome my laziness I HAVE to be in the word, letting it renew my mind. Reminding me that I'm not a failure, that I have everything I need to be free from bondage & that the HE will be my strength. Get in the word however you can.
Today is our day, friends. To overcome laziness & become steadfast women of God in our physical and spiritual lives. New mercies, the Holy Spirit closer than our next breath & the power of resurrection in our bones.
Today is YOUR day! Join me? Let's CHAT BELOW!
