Going in Circles
by Annie Yorty ©2022
Have you ever found yourself going in circles?
Directionally challenged. That’s what we would affectionately call my mom. I recall taking a rare road trip from Pennsylvania to Ohio as a teen to visit my brother.
“Oh no!” That exclamation from my mom roused me from sleep. I sensed the car negotiate the sharp curve of an exit. “I think I took a wrong turn.”
Indeed, she had. And it wasn’t the last one. She was trying to cross the Susquehanna River and somehow kept circling back and forth. I’m here to tell this tale, so you correctly conclude we finally made it. But we definitely took the “scenic route.”
As an adult, I’ve driven that highway across the Susquehanna River many times. It’s a straight shot. I have no idea how my mom circled back and forth so many times.
Apostle Paul’s Frustration
Apostle Paul expressed frustration with one of the biggest twists we experience in life. What he describes, though, is beyond a twist. It’s more like going in circles.
I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. (Romans 7:15 NLT)
We think of Paul as the spiritual giant God ordained to write much of the New Testament, not as someone who struggled with the same sins again and again.
My Circles
Long ago the Lord led me to put the rock ‘n roll music of my youth behind me. But I recently happened to hear part of a song I haven’t listened to in many years. Let’s just say the lyrics do not edify. Yet, like muscle memory, my mind recalled every nasty word from that song and replayed them over and over.
I worked to capture my wayward thoughts and change them. I scolded myself, I prayed, and I confessed. When the objectionable song came to mind, I replaced it with a song glorifying God. The redirections worked … in the moment. But my mind kept circling back to repeat those lyrics.
I wanted to scream. At some point, I almost caved. I rationalized that perhaps the thoughts persisted because I concentrated so hard on resistance. Maybe if I give in just once and belt it out …?
I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? (Romans 7:21-24 NLT)
Boy, how I sympathize with Paul!
Going in circles back to the same sin is the human tendency, so don’t be surprised when it happens to you. Click To TweetThe Answer to Going in Circles
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. (Romans 7:25 NLT)
The Bible says the solution to this wretched problem is more of Jesus. Less of me.
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30 NASB)
The best way I know to accomplish this is spend time in Jesus’ presence.
But as for me, the nearness of God is good for me; I have made the Lord God my refuge, so that I may tell of all Your works. (Psalm 73:28 NASB)
Take Heart
Are there any sins to which you keep circling back? Maybe you find yourself reverting to them when you experience stress. Going in circles back to the same sin is the human tendency, so don’t be surprised when it happens to you.
But remember that Jesus is at work within you, to change you from the inside out as you allow His Holy Spirit free reign in your heart. You can read more about some of the attributes of the Spirit within you at my Crosswalk article entitled How to Walk in a Manner Worthy of Your Calling.
Join the conversation:
What tips would you share to increase Jesus and decrease yourself?
I welcome your comments!
22 Comments
Barbara Latta
Annie, the words of Jesus in John 15 help us know how to stay focused on Him. Because you do that is why you were so quick to recognize the destructive words of that song. I can certainly relate to how quickly our minds can divert to negativity when we are exposed to the suggestion. But praise God He rescues us with His more powerful voice.
Annie Yorty
So true, Barbara. Staying connected to the vine keeps us branches sensitive to sin. I thank God with you for His abundant mercy.
J.D. Wininger
Amen Ms. Annie,
Just when I think I’ve broken free of a particular sin from my past, it comes back around and sweeps me up in its wake. Like you, I think a part of my problem is that “I” try and break free rather than “We” break free. It’s when I put my trust and confidence in God to stand with me against the temptations of this life that I have the best chance of overcoming it. What an encouraging post ma’am. Thank you!
Annie Yorty
What you’ve said goes perfectly with Barbara’s comments. Staying connected to God is vital! Thank you, J.D. for the tidbits of wisdom you always add to the conversation.
Yvonne Morgan
I can so relate to your post. I have a couple sins that keep sticking up their heads in my life. I will keep fights to the end. Thanks Annie
Annie Yorty
Thanks for visiting, Yvonne. I suppose it’s the human condition. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory in Christ Jesus.
Nancy E. Head
We each have a sin that easily besets us. Mine may not be yours and yours may not be mine, but Satan works to gain a foothold in every life.
Thanks for your transparency here, Annie. Sharing our struggles helps others admit and deal with theirs. God bless!
Annie Yorty
Satan is on the prowl, for sure. Thankfully, we have an Advocate who helps us resist. Thanks for your comments, Nancy!
Katherine Pasour
I always glean a useful lesson from your messages, Annie, but this one especially spoke to me (probably because I needed it!) Loved your example of those “not so good” lyrics streaming in your head. It’s like when temptation sneaks in on us, it’s everywhere! So often we decide that we must solve the problem ourselves when the solution is Jesus. Thank you, Annie, for your faithfulness and love, for sharing our Lord’s message with us.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Katherine, for adding your comments to our conversation, and for your encouragement. Our fellowship increases my faith.
Barbara Lynn
I think of the desert fathers who left society for isolation but discovered the tendency toward sin remained a battlefield. Whether in society or not this is our human condition as you state. We should not be surprised that we struggle with sin. The best proactive tools we have to break the circle include knowing scriptural truths and surrendering our hearts in prayer both individually and with trusted friends. Thanks for your words today.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Barbara, for adding your insight. You’ve reminded me of James’ admonition: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (5:16 ESV).
Jennifer
So many times I have found myself reading or listening to music and thought is this bringing me any closer to God? When I let the things of this world go to focus on Him everything is so much better
Annie Yorty
Sin can sneak up on us so easily. You’re right, though, that focus on God will give us the sensitivity to notice and reject sin’s influence.
Karen
Going in circles makes me sick. Merry-go-rounds are the worst. But all too often I find myself going in circles spitually. Thank you for reminding me where my center lies – in Jesus and He alone.
Annie Yorty
That’s a great analogy, Karen. Isn’t it sometimes true that if you keep your eyes fixed on one thing while spinning, it keeps you from getting dizzy? In our spiritual spirals, Jesus is always the source of our help. Thanks for visiting!
Janet Ruth
I love your visual of going in circles whlle driving. I’ve done that! And it does seem like trying to change sinful habits is just as frustrating. Thank you for sharing those verses to combat the problem.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Janet. I appreciate your visit!
Gina Castell
I love your message. I often pray, God change me. This gives me hope to continue persevering in faith. God help us all to be doers of the word and not just hearers.
Annie Yorty
Amen, Sister! Without God’s help, we’re hopeless to overcome sin. But His Spirit within us gives us everything we need for godly living. Thanks for visiting!
Jeannie Waters
Annie, thank you so much for this helpful post. Sometimes I wonder why I don’t make progress in a particular areas and repeat the same sinful thoughts or actions. Then I remember that’s the natural tendency we have to fight as Paul did. Thank you for listing verses that lead us to spiritual strength to fight. I think giving my day and agenda to God early in the morning is the best practice to keep my mind focused on Him.
Annie Yorty
Jeannie, thank you for the excellent suggestion of intentionally turning the day over to God in the morning. I know how easily I can jump into life and before I know it, I’m making supper and wondering where the hours went. Blessings!