Doing Our Inner Work

Too frequently when there is a significant problem or issue, we're tempted to want to change our circumstances.  We look for another job, automobile, house, city, spouse, etc.  We may even change the manner in which we dress or fix our hair.  Circumstances are important and sometimes we need to make appropriate adjustments.  However, the most significant change that is probably needed is to change our thoughts, attitude, etc.  This is called doing our "inner work" and it is difficult.  We tend to want to deny or avoid that part of the problem is within our self.  The book of Proverbs says, "As he thinks within himself, so he is." (Proverbs 23:7, NASV)  Other translations will translate this as "inwardly reckoning."  In other words we need to figure out what's happening inside of our mind, heart, thoughts, attitudes, feelings, behaviors, etc.  I believe that if  we do our "inner works" we'll usually figure an appropriate way to deal with the issue.  However if we think we can't, we'll find a reason not to try.