This Time, Do It Right

"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Proverbs 26:12

The book of Proverbs, aka the book of wisdom.  Thirty-one chapters of practical knowledge.  One for each day of the month. Wise sayings are scattered throughout designed to guide the reader in the right direction and down the right path in life.  Chapter twenty-six is a perfect example.  If you want to know what a fool looks like,
let me introduce you to verse eleven;
"Like a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."
Maybe too much of a visual if you ask me, but you get the picture.  
Quit repeating the same mistakes again and again, and again.
Quit responding to stressful situations with anger and eating.
Quit isolating when you feel guilt or shame.
Quit living living your life in fear and anxiety.
And please.......
Quit trying to lose weight the same way year after year after year.

I can only share the above examples out of experience.  I've struggled with all of them at one time or another.  I still fight demons in some of those areas.  Often in the past I would ask God,
"How can I change?  I don't want to respond in anger.  I hate that I isolate.  I'm tired of fear gripping my life, and Yes! I am so over attempting to lose weight the same way year after year.  Only to gain everything (and then some) back!  But how can I change?"

I found the answer one short verse later.  Verse 12 reads,
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a fool than for him."  
This was me.  
Constantly seeking ways to change on my own.  Looking for things "I" could do to fix my problems, and lose fifty pounds overnight.  Realizing after reading these scriptures that I was literally a fool.  I was like a dog returning to it's vomit.  Constantly trying to fix my problems by approaching them the same way I had for years; just expecting a different result because "I prayed about it."  
At some point we have to realize that even fools pray.  
Wise people change.
The reason what we do at Equipped4More works has nothing to do with me or a secret eating plan, or a pill, or any other juice, smoothie etc.  It works, because we realize that only God can change what, when and why we eat.  Any meal plan can help you lose weight, but only God can change how you look at food forever.  Only God can change how you deal with anger.  Only God can keep you from running away and isolating.  And only God can give you the courage to forgive the unforgivable.  
Only God can help us.  
David, the man after God's own heart realized this.  Not a perfect man by any stretch, but wise, nonetheless.
 In Psalm 25:4-6 he says,
"Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.  Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day."
If you are desperate to make some changes in the new year, if you want to finally do it right this time, it will take one thing;  trusting God with everything.  God must be at the center of your emotions, your meals, your wallet, your marriage, your job etc., if you want the new year to be successful.  We all have hopes, dreams, aspirations and resolutions.  
But this time, let's do it right.  
Let us not be wise in our own eyes.  
Take God on this journey, and always remember,
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.  He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.  Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him."
This time, let's do it right!

Let's Pray.
Dear God,
I want this wisdom.  I am desperate to make changes in so many areas of my life.  Weight loss is at the top, but I need to change how I interact with my loved ones, respond to situations, and deal with anxiety and fear.  I know my ways have not worked in the past.  Please help me seek You for wisdom and direction.  Help me place You at the center of everything I do in the new year.  Help me start today!
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen

E4M DAILY STRATEGY
This Time, Do It Right!
The book of Proverbs spends much time on the topic of wisdom.  Read the scriptures and answer the following questions to better understand how wisdom can bless your life (and your wellness journey.)
 
1. " For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Proverbs 2:6
Where does wisdom come from? ________________________________

2. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7
What is the beginning of our knowledge?  ___________________________
note: fear defined here means an awesome respect and reverence.

3.  "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver."  Proverbs 16:16
Why do you think wisdom is seen as better than silver or gold? _______________________________________________________________

4. "The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper." Proverbs 19:8
What is the result of gaining wisdom? _____________________________________________________