Sinning Like David: Prevention

We’ve talked about the progression of sin, and the beautiful picture of repentance that Jesus gives us, but the third leg of this bar stool is prevention.  Wouldn’t it be better to avoid the spiral and just not do the thing?  Obviously we’re not going to get it right every time, but let’s bulk up on some tools that can tighten the screws for us a bit.

Psalm 119 doesn’t identify it’s author, but it’s generally believed among Bible scholars that David wrote it.  It’s the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses) and the whole thing is dedicated to describing the value of God’s words.  

David’s Thoughts

Here are some action steps that (probably) David gives us for preventing sin:

See the value of obedience

“How blessed are those whose way is blameless; who walk in the law of the Lord.” Psalm 119:1

Note: in Hebrew the word blessed means happy.

“And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.” (Emphasis is mine, liberty is outrageously important to me.)  Psalm 119:45

Build habits

“Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes!” Psalm 119:5

What if we created rhythms and habits in our lives that made obedience easier?  Daily quiet times, choosing to wait before speaking, evaluating a feeling before acting on it.

Memorize

“Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

What better way to equip yourself for battling bad behavior than to memorize true and healthy words from God?

Meditate on truth

The Hebrew word for meditate means to ponder, converse, declare, pray, speak, talk, contemplation, communication, reflection, devotion (Strong’s H7878 for my Bible nerds out there).  It’s used nine times in this chapter- you think he means it?  Being intentional about how we think and where we linger has great impact on the action we take.  That’s why meditation matters.

Go all in

Seek Him with your whole heart, meditate all day and night, find purest delight in truth, rejoice like you’ve won the lottery, hope in the promises.  I love that the psalmist doesn’t take any baby steps.  There’s no toe dipping; this is straight up cannonball faith.  When we’re steamrolling like this, there’s less leftover for dilly dallying and screw ups.  (Note I said less not nothing.  We’re not Mother Theresa for crying out loud.)

Not David’s Thoughts

Listen, I’ve been sinning a long time.  I’m kind of awesome at it.  Here are a few thoughts that help me when I’m wallowing in whatever mudhole I’ve chosen to take residence in.  

Look Up

So often my nasty behavior happens when I’m staring at a problem too hard and too long.  Mason has left the kitchen cabinet doors open 103 times today, therefore he doesn’t love me and maybe I have to move out because who can live like this?

If I glare at the cabinets too long I become snarky (because I wasn’t before?), biting, and cold.  OR (because we have options) I could LOOK UP and see the bigger picture- kitchen cabinets are not a big deal.  Set your eyes on Jesus, close the cabinets, and move the heck on.

Replace the trigger

If you know that something is going to trigger your rage monster, replace it with something else.  

For example, I KNOW that if I go to WalMart, my attitude will suck and I will be mean to someone.  So I shop elsewhere.  

If HGTV makes you lust after shiplap, change the channel.  

If Instagram models make you less content with your life, put your phone down and go pet your dog.

Bulk up

Find resources that point you to Jesus when you’re fighting the good fight.  It doesn’t do you any good to go to battle unarmed.

Memorize a handful of verses to remind you what is true.

Create a playlist of songs that can be your anthem in the dark.

Keep a journal of things in your life that show how big our God is.

Whatever realigns your heart with Jesus- get more of that in front of your eyes.

What are your triggers?  (If you say you don’t have any, lying is one of your triggers ma’am.) Better yet, what actions do you take to shut them down?  Share with the tribe because we’re in this together!