Christian Counseling: A Life of Peace = Living on Purpose

I want to challenge this a little bit.  We do need to find more balance and margin in our lives – without a doubt!  But living a life of peace really means you’re living your life on purpose.  It’s more about making conscious choices rather than being swept up by the tide of life.

It’s about looking at who God uniquely created you to be and what He is asking you to do and saying “yes”.  If you’re constantly running, with your whole day scheduled, it’s a little hard to think consciously about anything.

This topic is the most common reason my clients hire me for Christian counseling.  

They are exhausted and want to live their life differently.  They recognize they aren’t doing the Kingdom work they were created for.  They recognize that all the “stuff” they’re doing isn’t allowing them to have the kind of relationships they desire with the people who mean the most to them.  But as silly as it sounds, once we dig in and start taking a hard look at the choices they’ve been making and discuss other opportunities they might try, it’s typical for them to dig their heels in and refuse to see other options.  Why is this?

It’s because we get stuck in our old habits.  

No, I don’t just mean the actions – the errands and responsibilities.  I mean the old ways of thinking.  It’s the beliefs that get us every time!!!  “I have to do this”.  “There aren’t any other options.”  “It has to be done this way.”

Once we really start to drill down and look at these beliefs we peel away the layers and get to the heart of it all – fear.  Yep, it’s our good old friend – fear.  Fear is what holds us back and tries to keep the status quo.  We like to say we like change, but the truth is, it terrifies us!

That life of peace doesn’t feel so enticing once it’s time to really take a hard look at what we need to do different.  

No matter how miserable we may be feeling, at least what we’re doing is a known entity.  Doing something different isn’t!  What if it makes things worse?  What if people get mad at me?  What if I disappoint someone?

Yep, trust me – I know!  These were we just a few of the thoughts that raged through my body as I worked my way through making a very big decision to do something different over this past month.  Here’s a sampling of my own thoughts along those lines:

• What if people think I’m getting too big for my britches?
• What if I hurt my family?
• What if people don’t understand my motives and judge me?

They are legitimate fears.  It can be painful to have people mad at you.  The unknown IS scary.  But the truth is…

If God is calling you to make a change, it’s time.  

You have to trust Him (have faith) that He will equip you to step into what He’s calling you toward.

Does that mean it will be perfectly smooth sailing all the way?  Nope.  There will probably be lessons that need to be learned along the way, but if you refuse to even take a step because of fear, you’ll never be fully living.  A half life is also a half death.

Here’s your Vibrantly Live Challenge:  

What are your biggest fears?  C’mon and get real with yourself.  How have those fears kept you small?  If you truly want to live a life of peace, what’s one small change you’re going to have to make outside your comfort zone to move in that direction?

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone either!  If you’d like support, we’d love to discuss our Christian counseling services with you.