Cure for the Spirit of Heaviness

Sometimes life is overwhelming.

Sad.

Frustrating.

Scarey.

Lonely.

Sometimes these emotions grow up like monsters in the dark, overshadowing all that is good, and right, and true.  Sometimes God seems far away.  Sometimes we doubt His care for us.

His love.

His justice.

His kindness.

Scripture tells us to put on the "garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."  It tells us, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you."

If life seems out of balance and the wave is crashing over you and you cannot seem to catch your breath, employ the power of thankfulness.

Join me as I commit, for the next seven days, to count seven blessings.  It's a baby step in taking God at His word.  "Prove Me this day," says the Lord.

Together let's see if the garment of praise IS the cure for the spirit of heaviness.

Click on the link below and follow the post all the way to the bottom to download and print your baby step toward praise -- the little booklet called "7 Gifts -- Good and Perfect" , a Weekly Gratitude Book from Ann Voskamp.  I have committed to make the listing of 7 gifts each day the first thing I do.  I have invited my family to walk with me down the avenue of praise and thankfulness this week.  Will you walk with us?

Let's meet back here in a week and prove God together.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/05/when-youre-looking-for-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-free-may-gratitude-calendar-printable/

My Dog Praises the Lord!

Ever wonder why God commands everything that has breath to praise Him? And not just people, either. Everything. I actually think I've seen my dog, Winston, praise the Lord. It happens on days when he races around the yard  in wide circles, ears flapping madly, tongue hanging out in a great big doggie grin. He is joyful to be alive, and runs in a fur-covered testimony of God's goodness.

I've seen (or heard) Juliebird the Lovebird praise the Lord. It is the only explanation for the days when she is all alone in the room, sun streaming into her cage, chirping her little heart out. There are no other birds, or humans for that matter, to be her audience, but perhaps she sings for her Maker. He made her to chirp and do other birdie things, and she does them as a testimony of His creative genius.

The Pharisees, in Luke 40, were offended by the praise of Jesus' disciples at his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They challenged Him to rebuke his followers for voicing their praise. Jesus' answer tells us what He thinks of enthusiastic, heartfelt appreciation of Himself. "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."  

I believe that the command to praise is a discipline that God uses to help us remind ourselves of Whom it is that we serve.  If we call out God's attributes, not only does He hear, but we also hear. Hearing how great, mighty, loving, merciful, just, wise, and good God is helps us put our circumstances in their proper perspective.  Just because my circumstances are bad doesn't mean that God is bad.  Praise reminds us of God's attributes regardless of my circumstances. 

     Ruth Myers, in her book Thirty-One Days of Praise, reminded me this morning to praise Him. Listen to her words:  "I praise you for Your sovereignty over the broad events of my life and over the details.With You, nothing is accidental, nothing is incidental, and no experience is wasted. You hold in Your own power my breath of life and all my destiny. And every trial that You allow to happen is a platform on which You reveal Yourself, showing Your love and power both to me and to others looking on.Thank you that I can move into the future non-defensively, with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead, for You hold the future and You will always be with me, even to my old age. . . and through all eternity" (49).

     Will you join me today in praising God?