Are you already burned out with November? Every place you turn someone is talking about the importance of keeping a gratitude journal and why you should be thankful. The month ends with the largest feast day of the year and the family gathering is promising to be just like last year. Dysfunctional family gathering morphs into the longest day.
Every other blog post I see is about how important it is to be thankfully grateful or how to survive the holiday chaos in festive fall splendor.
I almost fell into the trap adding to your November numbness but I stopped in mid-preparation. I thought about what I could offer you, I asked for words of wisdom, searched for a meaningful quote and felt I was empty-handed at the feast table.
That’s when I realized I am never empty-handed.
I always have my faith in God.
My faith is really what I want to share with you the most.
My faith is how I get through a cold Thursday on the 7th of November when I don’t feel energetic and can’t find an escape.
Last year I joined the bandwagon of free gratitude journals and tips on what to be grateful for. Yes, I even told you what you could be grateful for. Disguised as helpful tips, of course!
What I learned over the past twelve months is awareness of the strength of my faith. The words, “Awaken to Awareness” kept popping up in my mind. I realized I had embarked on a journey in hindsight and everyday practices going back six or more years.
At a time in my life when I felt the weight of depression and a disconnection with the Lord. I remember a conscious effort to praise God every day. A dear friend encouraged me to stay with the practice. Praising God eventually became a habit. The string of days would break but, starting again arose naturally because I could tell I was drifting away. Every prayer starts praising the sovereignty of God and my relationships with Him.
May I be your friend encouraging you to start prayers with praise?
You don’t have to make it hard. (But we do, don’t we!) We are aware of God’s creations, love, faithfulness, of Jesus’ sacrifice and defeating death, and appreciate the Holy Spirit who lives deep within our soul. Look at the Psalms and glean from their example.
Awaken to the awareness of praising God.
- Do you feel exhilarated when you praise God? Many of you feel extremely uncomfortable. Take a few phrases that mean praise and try saying the phrase when you start praying.
- Tip: pray and worship with one or two of your favorite worship songs to set a praising mood for the day.
Loved this blog. So helpful to me.
Thank you, for a blessing to know it helped, Lyn