The cold wind whipped my open jacket. Frigid air fought through my thin sweater as I slammed the car door, and hurried into the house. Inside, the curtains were drawn and the lights were off. I busied myself, bolstering the light both in the room and attempting to boost my own spirits. I reminded myself to control my thoughts. I had to be positive.
But it could be so stinking hard sometimes. Lord, I need Your help!
Maybe you’ve been there. The situation around you is not what you would author. You mentally brace yourself, steel yourself to remain upbeat. But, it’s oh, so challenging.
Asking God for help might seem the only thing to do.
And it’s the most powerful thing you and I can do.
If you’re like me, that fact seems forgotten in those moments, doesn’t it?
I often feel like I just don’t have enough strength or stamina to remain cheerful. But I am learning, I don’t have to.
First, when I’m frustrated, instead of ruminating all the facts in my mind, or lamenting the situation’s specifics, I have learned to focus on God and who He is. I have found worship music to do just the trick.
Second, I have learned to ask God to intervene. Because, when I ask, God is there, happy to supply my needs.
It doesn’t necessarily change the situation, no matter how much I pray. But it changes me. Because I allow God to work in me, for me and through me. And I experience first-hand that the joy of the Lord is my strength.
The strength and stamina does not need to flow from me- whew! Instead if freely flows from God. And I am more positive because I’m not relying on me, but on Him, and He does do everything He said He would.
The joy of the Lord is my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Even when bogged down too long by patterns of depression or disbelief, God wants us to trust Him.
I know, it doesn’t feel that easily done. But when we make a habit of turning up the praise and turning down the pessimism, turning up the Scripture and turning down the dampened spirits; light begins to seep through the cracks.
We can fall back on worship.
We can fall back on God.
We can fall back on His promises- because they are true. And He always delivers. He promises to never leave nor forsake us. He promises to supply all our needs. He promises the joy of Him will be our strength.
Even when the wind whipping is freezing and the lies floating are convincing, I need to remember to ask!
How about you? Why don’t we ask Him together for just that?Prayer: Dear Lord, Sometimes, I get bogged down. Circumstances sap my joy. I know You know.. Please help me to change my knee-jerk reaction. When I am sad, or disappointed, or upset, please remind me to carry these things to You. Remind me that You are in control and that You can supply all I need. I need joy infused into my life. A joy that situations can’t erase. Please help me to look for Your joy and focus on you, not my immediate surroundings. Thank you, in Jesus’ names, Amen.