Thankful Thursday: Be Encouraged

It's Thursday and I'm thankful for this song "Encourage Yourself." Listen via the video below before reading what I have to say...



Beautiful song, isn't it?

It speaks to my reality. Since being laid off from my day job two years ago, I have struggled to find another day job that provides me with a steady and sufficient income. My hunt for a new day job has not landed me in a new career...yet!

I say "yet" because I know that God is in control of my real life story and He will lead me to where He wants me to be.

But some days, the weight of everything related to not having a day job really discourages me. I shared these thoughts with a friend today and as we were talking, God brought this song to my mind and I realized that now is the time for me to encourage myself.

So instead of lamenting over defeat, I'm going to speak victory.

Instead of worrying about my human (and therefore finite) timeline for my own life, I'm going to trust God's Divine (and therefore infinite) timetable for my life.

Instead of rehearsing the difficulties in my mind, I'm going to be still and know that God is God, as He advises me in Psalm 46:10, and use that energy to pray more to Him.

Instead of complaining about the big size of this mountain, I'm going to tell this mountain that my God is bigger and He can move it for me.

Ultimately, I'm going to work on encouraging myself and trusting in God's perfect timing.

If you too are experiencing defeat in any area of your life, I challenge you to bring your concerns to your Creator (God), pour out your heart to Him then listen to this song again and practice the art of encouraging yourself in the Lord.

Know that I'm praying for you too!

God bless your dear heart.

Love,

Alexis

31 Days of Prayer: When you need God's favor

I love this song. It speaks to me in my most disappointed moments. Like today. Earlier this afternoon, I was frustrated, mad and depressed all at once-- at least on the inside. On the outside, I did my best to keep up a positive front. I went through that inner struggle because of personal situations I've been battling for a while now and today it felt like I just could not win. So I contacted one of my pastors who said she'd pray for me. God bless her heart, this pastor reminded me that I need to "be at peace" and realize that I am "loved, no matter what."

Now what do my personal battles have to do with this song, "God's Favor"? Just wait, I will tell you. God speaks to us in a myriad of manners. Sometimes it's in a quiet whisper from God's Holy Spirit that speaks to our souls. Sometimes its through a God-breathed word from a ministry leader, pastor, family member or friend. And sometimes in my own situation, God drops a song into my spirit. Today, the song that arrived in my mind is this one,"God's Favor" as performed by Gospel Artist Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City singers. The first time I heard this song, I was a freshman in college in the process of auditioning for the university's gospel choir and the power of these words, the poignancy of this soulful melody spoke volumes to me. Soon after being accepted into the choir, I bought the CD. Yes, it's been a while (these were the days before iTunes).

God never ceases to amaze me because this is not the first time He's dropped a song that I have not thought of in a long while, into my spirit and encouragement and peace follows. I am grateful that the Creator of the Universe has spoken through this gospel song to remind me that His favor, yes God's favor is more precious and powerful than any battle I'm facing in this life here on Earth. Be it broken dreams or a broken heart, God reigns! And His favor is supreme meaning God is the greatest power in the universe so you can trust that when you have His favor, you can be victorious over any battle you're facing in this life.

So today I want to pray for anyone who is feeling disappointed, discouraged, brokenhearted, mad, frustrated and/or depressed! I pray God will encourage you, support you, carry you and bring you into brighter and happier days filled with His love, His grace, His mercy and yes, His favor.