Yield. | A Weekly Word 2022
When we’re behind the wheel, a yield sign tells us to stay out of the way to make room for someone else. And just as when we’re on the road, there are situations in our lives where we find ourselves in the way of our own potential, progress, and purpose. Standing in our own way, otherwise known as self-defeating behavior, is when our behaviors and actions interfere with our intentions and goals – whether consciously or subconsciously.
This is a fear-based reaction that typically develops in response to some loss, failure, or rejection that we’ve experienced over the course of our lives. Self-defeating behavior can manifest in a number of ways including negative self-talk, lack of discipline or consistency, and procrastination. Sometimes, even our well-intentioned patterns of behavior – like perfectionism and rigidity in our plans for the future – end up being the very things that keep us from God’s true purpose for our lives. While these behaviors may be all too common, there are several intentional actions that we can implement to help us step out of our own way and yield to God’s direction and authority.
Trust the journey. Remind yourself that God can see the entire story.
Get over it. Stop beating yourself up over past patterns of behavior or inaction.
Affirm your actions. Speak life into your work, relationships, and goals.
Break bad habits. Be intentional about not doing the things that hold you back.
Get into the community. Find and connect with like-minded people on your journey.
Stop comparing. Someone else’s success or failure has nothing to do with you.
Pray. Ask God for clarity and guidance. Thank God for blessings and progress.
Shut down perfectionism. There is no such thing as perfect. Leave well enough alone.
Overcome challenges. Accept that it will not be a straight line to your destination.
Be grateful. Know that the good, the bad and even the ugly all serve a purpose.
Consider a situation where you can yield to God. Do you have a checklist for the perfect partner or unrealistic expectations of your friends or family? Does the ideal of a dream job leave you dissatisfied and disillusioned with the job that you have? Or – like too many of us – do you have a dream or vision that you’ve been too scared to bring to fruition because you can’t stand the idea of failure? Whatever your scenario, make a commitment to get out of your own way and live out the life that you’ve been purposed to live.
Passage
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Prayer
God, thank you for reminding us that while we may make our plans, you establish the journey. Thank you for ordering our steps with your divine direction. Thank you, Lord, for the ability to yield to you in situations where I may stand my own way. Help me to face my fears. Help me to stop making excuses. Help me to trust you with all that I am and all that I have. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Practice
This week, I will consider a situation where I can get out of my own way. I will take one of the steps outlined to begin to yield to God in my journey.