Let's pray more and see transformation happen in ourselves, the people we love, the communities we live in, and around the globe.
It's November, harvest season, leaves are falling off the trees, it's getting dark earlier in the day and easy for me to just cuddle up with a hot cup of tea and read a great book that feeds my soul. It's the month of Thanksgiving where I'm from and many all over social media are taking steps to recognize people and blessings to be thankful for in their lives. It’s the time of year when people are the most compassionate and giving.
But for some the holiday season is the worst time of the year as the painful memories of loss or unreconciled relationships are brought to the forefront of your mind and you emotionally spiral down that dark tunnel of depressive thoughts. Thoughts being the key as to whether you stay down in the dark hole or walk in the light of God’s presence.
A year ago at this time I was staying at a beautiful home in the mountains of New Hampshire resting in the presence of the Father completing my latest book, Talk Less Pray More. It's about the closest experience I could imagine to being in Eden before the fall of man, yet I was grieving before my Father in heaven wondering how I could get the joy back that I once had. I was tired and weary of the spiritual battles that not only I was facing but those around me. I didn't want to fight any more. I just wanted to go away and hide. No more Lord, I cried out to Him!
I reached out to a couple of mighty women of God and asked about regaining joy. Not knowing one another they both gave me the same answer. In order to keep the joy of the Lord one must choose to walk in gratitude. As I worked my way out of the dark hole I made a commitment to ponder each day the things I was grateful for in my life and write them down. From the loving and encouraging people God has blessed me with to random acts of kindness. It might be a phone call from someone calling me to thank me for praying for them and how God did great things or a fellow driver letting me out into traffic. I admit, “it worked.” The more I chose to walk in gratitude the more I experienced the joy of the Lord. I recently heard a pastor say he had experienced more intimacy with God than ever before because he made a commitment to do something each day that would bring joy to the Lord.
This past Sunday during worship the Holy Spirit moved in me as I cried out from the depths, “Bless the Lord oh my soul.” You hear those words all the time in Christian circles don’t you? What does it actually mean? If you define the soul it is a combination of your mind, will and emotions. So imagine how much your life would be transformed if you decided that all throughout your days your mind, will and emotions would bless the Lord. What does that look like in your life? Would there be more love? Would there be more forgiveness? Would there be more grace?
I can attest to the fact that the answer is a big “YES” to each of those questions as I contemplate this journey I’ve been on for the past twelve months. As I intercede for God’s kingdom He’s let me see His heart for the people He loves so deeply and I witness His grace daily. I am forever grateful for His presence and that His burden is light as I chose to bless the Lord with all my soul.
The key component is you determining what you will think about. Will it be praise and thanksgiving toward God in heaven or the temporary setbacks that occurred in your life today. I know it’s difficult during some seasons. The pain can be so deep and heart wrenching, but I dare you to take the first step and decide to walk in gratitude. As you take those steps to recognize the little miracles happening in your day before you know it they will add up to a great, big pile of leaves that you can jump into, roll in and give shouts of enthusiasm as a child would do because it’s a moment of JOY!
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