One of the hardest truths for me to believe is that I am not alone. There are moments when I know and believe it but I think more times than not, I forget. My forgetfulness of the truth is mostly seen in my actions. I don't always ask for help when I need it. I do things on my own. I make decisions without consulting others first. While this is not something that happens all of the time, it is something that happens more than I would like to admit. The fact remains, in order for change to occur one must first acknowledge change is needed, then identify where the change should occur and why, and finally take the steps to make said change.

This is my admittance. I need change. I need to change my mindset that I am alone, more specifically that I need to have control over all things in my life.Why, because I only have control of myself and isolating myself when surrounded by those who love me, pushes them away and feeds the lie that I am alone.

My action steps will be:

1. asking for help (especially when I feel I do not need it)

2. refuting the lies in my mind with the truth (there are people in my life who love and care for me, they are with me)

3. intentionally reminding myself of who is around me that I trust and love (there are many)

4. reminding myself daily that the Lord is with me and with me ALWAYS (if i don't feel comfortable reaching out around me I can always pray)

Every time I feel I am overwhelmed or like something is out of my control; repeating "I am not alone. God is in control" could be very helpful for me. I think repeating "I am not alone. It's okay to ask for help." could also be very helpful.

I would like to challenge you to examine yourself and see where change can be made in your life. Once you have identified an area, when you find yourself ready, admit you need change, identify the thing(s) that need to change and why, then jot down some action steps. I believe it is most important to have that moment of admittance with self first, after admitting to yourself and accepting it, then I encourage reaching out to someone else and letting them know, accountability is key. Mastery is not what should be aspired. Instead aspire to accept truth. In accepting the truth, it will be hard for lies to remain.

I will leave us with a prayer,

Father I thank you for your word that tells me I am not alone. I thank you for your word that tells me you will never leave me nor forsake me (Joshua 1:9). I thank you for the truth of your word and that you are not a man that should lie (Numbers 23:19), so whatever you have said and written is true and shall come to pass (Numbers 23:19). Thank you for your faithfulness to me and for making me a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). In making me a new creation I acknowledge there must be old things that need to be done away with, I ask that you would bring those things to my attention. Whatever is important to you now, I ask that you would show me. I ask that I would not spend time self deprecating as I think about where I need change, but that your Holy Spirit would guide my heart and thoughts as I sit in prayer with you. I ask for forgiveness, for thinking I can do life on my own. For believing lies as opposed to truth. For walking as if I am on my own and for only reaching out when I have exhausted myself. Forgive me Lord, for the pride that tells me I have to be in control. I ask your forgiveness for not allowing you to make me new in this area. Holy Spirit, have your way in me. amen