Take a look at where you are.
Not necessarily where you're currently standing or sitting, although that could be of significance, but the current place you find yourself in life.
Is this where you want to be?
Is this where you should be?
I've noticed some locations where many people find themselves. I'll give you three main places.
1. Tomb of Distraction
Many things vie for our attention and the majority have nothing to do with our responsibilities or desired destination. There is nothing inherently wrong or evil about most of these but too often they lure us into a place where our focus is on things that do not bring progress or purpose and suck away our most precious asset, time. Sometimes we use these things to avoid problems or areas where we're uncomfortable and tell ourselves that this is actually helping us. I call this place a tomb because it's a place where dreams die.
2. Pit of Self Pity
I've heard many people talk about how bad their situation is and how it never gets better and never will, how things always happen to them, how others should feel bad for them and help them. Every challenge in life is seen as a problem. Their focus is continually on their problems and how theirs are the worst. It's easy to fall into this pit and get stuck there. Other people will come along with the same kind of thinking and convince you it's right to feel this way. They resent you and make you feel bad if you try to escape the pit.
3. Rut of Complacency/Indifference
In this place every day just brings more of the same old things over and over. You go with the flow and do what you've always done so you can just get through the day and move on to the next one. Rinse and repeat. The general feeling in this place can be "whatever, I don't care anymore".
In 1 Samuel 17 when the Israelites faced the Philistines, Goliath came forward and taunted them for 40 days. Each time the army of Israel did the same thing. Nothing. They were "dismayed and terrified", afraid to act.
David shows up and does something different. He uses the abilities he has and his trust in God to attack the enemy that is blaspheming his God and stopping the Kingdom of Israel from advancing. He takes down Goliath and the army of Israel chases the enemy and destroys them.
It wasn't until there was a change in action that the circumstances changed. David acted in faith and believed his God would see him through even though from outward appearances it looked like an overwhelming and impossible task.
Also notice that David's actions not only affected Goliath and himself but two armies as well. All who were standing around him were impacted. It also had impact on both nations.
Our choice to continue on the current course or to take a different action has an effect on everything around us.
If you want to see something different,
you've got to do something different.
Sometimes it only takes one different course of action to bring about change but more often it's consistent effort that pays off. Day after day taking steps towards where you want be. It's a journey.
Why was David different than the Israelite army?
David frequently and consistently developed his relationship with God. Whether he was in the field tending sheep, in the home, or wherever, he worshiped God. David didn't stop at just believing in God but followed his instruction and took action knowing that God would do all he said that he would.
Another question:
Are you frequently and consistently taking in God's word?
If not, you should start today.
Romans 12:2 tells us "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Because it is alive and active (Heb. 4:12), the word of God will change the way you think and therefore the way you act.
Change your behavior, change your life.
Plus, having God's word in you will cause His anointing to flow through you and do the impossible (Matt. 19:26, Phil. 4:13).
So back to the questions from earlier:
Is this where you want to be? Is this where you should be?
If the answer is no then you need to do something different in order to go in a different direction.
Start with inputting God's word from the Bible. Not just reading and covering ground but taking it in to gain understanding and letting it speak to you. Do it every day and follow his instruction.
This will put you on the path to a different place.
"he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6