Routines

I have the inherent need to thrive on routines. I am a lover of consistency, plans, and control. Some may believe this to be both a blessing and a curse, but I choose to see the blessing in it. After all, I am created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Becoming a parent has been my life’s greatest challenge in dealing with routines. From the moment I became pregnant, I entered into a world of unknowns. Without blood tests, ultrasounds, and physical growth, I had to depend heavily on faith. Even after my child was born, I have daily battled with ‘what ifs’.

While pregnant, consistency in doctors appointments helped to relieve my fear of the unknowns. Planning for my child to enter this earth, with all the baby essentials, helped maintain hope for what was to come. Controlling what foods I ate and the environment that I was in helped to increase my faith that he was healthy and thriving.

Since he came and he continually develops, I do my best to provide consistency in routines. I strive to plan ahead for meals, trips, appointments, and activities. I make an effort to control his environments. All to provide a sense of safety, stability, and support.

But, not every routine can have consitency, be planned out, or be controlled. Every day brings a different challenge and possibly a change. And regardless of what my day brings, I can trust in my God who does not change.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.- Hebrews 13:8 (NIV). 

When my flesh comes against the unknowns of this earth, I can spiritually depend on God who fulfills everything that I lack.

God is consistent. “I the Lord do not change…” (Malachi 3:6)

God lays out His plans for me. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

And God is in control. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) 

God is the Author of routines. And, all to provide a sense of safety, stability, and support.

• This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (Psalm 91:2) 
• And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is his treasure. (Isaiah 33:6) 
• You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. (Psalm 18:35) 

God created all things. Even down to the fabric of my being. I am grateful that He revealed to me the blessing in my inherent need to thrive on routines. I wholeheartedly testify of my God-given ability to seek consistency, plans, and control. And when my flesh fails me, I have confidence in my faith that my God will never fail me (Deuteronomy 31:8).

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“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—… Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”- Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT)