Alignment

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Throughout the day I find that we have many opportunities to align with various thoughts, opinions and directions. On a good day, we can set ourself up for success by meditating on the word, spending time in the Lord's presence, worshiping Him and prioritizing our day. Then life happens. Frustration after frustration builds up and then we find ourself overcome with negative emotions to the point where we withdraw or lash back.

This was my story yesterday. I honestly didn't notice the frustrations building up and then bam I was aligning with fear without even realizing it. It dawned on me that because I failed to choose sides and declare the Lord's truth and promises over a certain stressor, by default I was aligning with flesh. Our flesh is fear based when we really boil it down. And just like anything in life when left alone and not tended to, we typically go into a metaphorical ditch.

The awesome part of falling out of alignment is that we are designed to be put back into alignment. I often think of cars and our backs when I think of the word alignment. We have mechanics, doctors and engineers that specialize in alignment (and realigning). Another aspect I think about is how our alignments show our allies. When in war we have allies and we can pivot and change who we decide to be aligned with. It might be difficult but it can be done.

My church years ago had a sermon series called Metanoia. Metanoia is the Greek word used in the Bible for repent. Metanoia simply means to change your direction, your way, the alignment of your heart. In these moments when we realize our alignment is off, all we need to do is go the the Lord in prayer and change our direction.

What are some areas of your life that you have taken your hand off the wheel?

Are there things you're aligning with that aren't of God's character or God's best for you?