Where can I go from your Spirit?Where can I flee from your presence?8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,if I settle on the far side of the sea,10 even there your hand will guide me,your right hand will hold me fast.”—Psalm 139:7-10
The fact that God is with me and will never forsake me is something to be thankful for in my day. His constant presence never leaves me. No matter how bad my day may seem, it isn’t a bad day because He is with me in it.
Yes, we have days where we feel as if nothing is going right, but no matter what, I have Jesus to lean on and into during these times. I know when you are in the middle of a storm, finding joy in your day isn’t easy. I have a tendency to look at my circumstances instead of God.
However, I have found if I praise God for who He is rather than what I want to happen, it moves the focus off my feelings to who God is. Finding joy in unpredictable seasons of life is not a normal response. I may not find joy in my circumstances, but I can find it in God’s promises during it. He is Almighty. He is All Knowing. He never leaves my side.
It is easy to praise and give God glory when life is going great, but hard to give thanks when we feel as if the world is against us. I’m not going to lie and tell you I am Sunny Susan when my mom is being difficult. I am far from it. However, I am better than I was a year ago.
Praising God during it is what gives me hope. It grounds me and safeguards me against the lies the enemy wants me to believe. He wants me to lose hope knowing my mom’s memory is worsening. Knowing He is and will give me the strength for the days ahead lifts me up bit by bit. Not to mention, I know what I am dealing with is minor in comparison to many others.
When I only focus on my own personal needs or problems, I will lack contentment. But as I start praising God for all of the ways He has provided for me throughout the day, I will find my heart starts to feel more joy and peace.
As I thank God for the sprinkles of joy in my day, I stay in close communication with Him by praising Him for all of the blessings that I take for granted (a roof over my head, electricity, running water, food…) This reminds me of how much He does provide for me.
In fact, the other day (full transparency) I was really dreading going to see my mom. On the way over as I am was praying for God to change my attitude, out of the corner of my eye, I see beams of sunlight coming down through the clouds.
When I saw the beauty of the sun’s rays, I thanked God for that moment. These are the things that bring me awareness of God throughout my day. He was reminding me that I am bathed in His light. Just like Psalm 139:7-10 tells us, He is with us wherever we go. Living close to God brings me joy which in turn blesses both me and others.
Challenging times are opportunities to trust God. With God by my side, nothing is too hard to handle. On my own? Yes, but not when I lean into God for His help.
Father God,
Forgive me when I miss moments of Your light shining on me. Help me to fix my eyes on You not my circumstances. Draw me back to You when I lose my focus. I ask for awareness of Your loving presence throughout my day. Thank You for Your strength and faithfulness. I lift those up to You who are finding it difficult to find joy in their life. May the feel Your Loving Arms holding them up. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
May Verse
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”—James 5:16.
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