Breaking Dysfunctional Cycles as a Christian

When you first became a Christian, you may have intended to change your behaviors so that your life would please God. So why is it so easy to fall back into dysfunctional cycles? It's easy to go back to our normal ways of living and thinking instead of being renewed through the Spirit of God. On today's episode of the Joie Miller Podcast, let's talk about the keys to identifying and breaking dysfunctional cycles as a Christians so that we can experience God in His fullness!

First, take responsibility for the role you play. You may have experienced trauma or had a difficult childhood, but you have a choice in what actions you take today. Ask God to help you identify and overcome each negative cycle.

Start by identifying your triggers. Is it a certain person? Situation? A comment that people try to make about you? When you know what triggers you, you can mount a defense!

David had been looked down on my his brothers. He had some dysfunctional family patterns and was looked down on by his brothers. Look what happened when his brother heard him asking about Goliath.

When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” 1 Samuel 17:28

David knew his identity and who God had called him to be, so he was able to stay away from what used to be normal and set his eyes on God!

Arm yourself with prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit. Remember that you are fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to break these negative cycles!

Pray this: Father God, help me to break negative cycles. I want my life to reflect your goodness and your nature. Teach me your ways, because I know they are higher than mine. Help me not to be triggered, but to keep my eyes on who I am in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.