For Those Who Need Encouragement...

Have you ever gone through a stage of life where you thought, "who am I?!" You felt lost, alone, and useless? The pain and loneliness can become so overwhelming that it becomes difficult to breathe.

God offers us encouragement when we need it most. It's during these times that we have to actively try and find God. That sounds more challenging than it is. Littered through out the bible are passages where God uplifts and brings hope to his faithful. Our God is one of love. In his compassion, he gave his life for us, so that we might have life. Therefore, we need to remember to live for him.

In order to do that, we need to pray. Give your worries, your fear, your pain, anger, loneliness to Jesus. Tell him about why you are feeling the way you are. Ask him to raise you up and give you the grace to get through it to the other side. Recall the blessings he's given you, even during this time of trial. Thank God, and give him your gratitude for his goodness and love. Do this every day. Every time your feelings start to become too much to handle on your own. God promises you aren't on your journey alone, even if it feels like it.

Then, be pro-active. Take steps to remind yourself that God loves you. You will overcome, and be stronger than you were before. Here are a few tips to do this:

Take a dry erase marker and write your favorite bible passage of strength and encouragement on the mirror. If you don't have one, here is a good one to use: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Create an uplifting playlist of Christian music on your streaming app or phone. Music can change your mood, and give you inspiration when you need it. It speaks directly to the soul. So, give your soul the boost you need by listening to songs created to do just that.

Start a gratitude journal. Today's secular society does have a few things right on "gratitude" and "mindfulness". They may not realize it's not 'fate' or 'the universe' that makes things happen in your life, instead of God. But they are correct that changing your focus, helps to change your perspective. Write down all the ways God has blessed you, and the ways you have seen God active in your life each day. By focusing on the good, you give the bad less power over you. God is good. God is love. Focus on him before anything else.

Another way to change your focus, is to do more to help others. When you put someone else's problems before yours, your problems seem to become easier to manage. This could be as simple as taking care of your pets or babysitting. You could help out at a women's shelter or food bank. If you schedule is too busy to add more to it, consider intercessory prayer instead. Pray for others who need God's help.

Surround yourself with bright, happy colors. There is some psychology behind the way humans respond to colors. For example, pink is not only considered feminine in many cultures, but it also is a color of hope and compassion. I know several people who after getting a divorce, gravitated to the color yellow. Yellow is a color of cheerfulness and optimism. Green can connotate growth. Blue is peaceful and relaxing.

Get out. Leave your normal environment for a little while. A change of scenery can do wonders for you. Go outside into the nature that God created. Sit in the sunshine and let it bathe you in warmth. Listen to the birds chirping. Dig your toes into the grass.

We all experience difficulties and hardships in life. God doesn't tell us we will be exempt from them because we are his. He tells us instead that he will give us the grace to get through it, and he will be with us the whole way. What we endure will bring us growth and strength so we may flourish. Have courage knowing He will create beauty from today's pain.