By Alison Feinauer
Have you ever had those days when you just feel numb, like you are going through the motions just to get through? Nothing super exciting in the near future to look forward to and nothing really horrible to dread or plan for? No big projects and no spectacular parties coming up? Just a lot of flat line living?
I’ve been kind of in a rut lately with the same routine each week. I’ve been asking myself, is this what my life is? I’ve been feeling a little discouraged, and it’s starting to wear on me. Call it the winter blues, a valley, dark days, or a battle in my mind. It’s real, and I feel it.
Each morning I wake up and wonder, what kind of day will today be? Do I have energy to get out of bed? How do I self-motivate when I’m feeling empty? The answer? Worship.
I worship. Worship changes the atmosphere, from the inside out. It reminds the enemy that this body, soul, and spirit are made for worship and he can’t have any part of me.
This song has been my declaration lately. These words from the song Every Beat by North Point put a bounce back in my step:
You make the darkness run and hide
You bring the broken back to life
Only You can, only You can
You set me free from every chain
You fill my heart with songs of praise
Only You can, only You can
Jesus, You’re the only reason
That I’m even breathing
I am wide awake
My heart beats, only for Your glory
My hands reach, up for You to hold me
My soul sings, “Father You are holy”
My feet dance, to Your rhythm, to Your rhythm
Oh, every beat is calling
Every beat is calling out Your name
You left the glory of Your throne
To bring this runaway back home
Only You can, only You can
You give me love, You give me life
You keep me dancing through the night
Only You can, only You can
Here’s a link if you want to feel the beat!
Is there a valley, dessert or circumstance you need to invite the Holy Spirit into? Is there a new dance you want to set your heart beat to? Every beat of your heart is given by God, so let’s worship Him, friends. He is worthy of it all. I encourage you to not let this time pass by, but lean into what God wants to teach you in the dark days, what He wants to be for you. I’m learning that my circumstances don’t have to dictate the Hope and Joy that I find in Jesus.
Father, when I’m tired, discouraged or bored, give me Joy and a new Strength. Help me to get out of the pit and to stand firm in what You did for me on the cross. Thank you for giving me purpose and peace and an overwhelming joy in the darkest of days. Help me to remember each day is a gift and that you want to use me to share your love to others. Lead me, guide me, restore my soul and anoint my head with oil so that my cup runs over like you say in Psalm 23. You are my good shepherd. Help me to hear your voice. I love and trust you, Amen
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)?
I am still confident that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27: 13,14).
Do not grieve, for the Joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
