Let’s face it, sometimes we can just feel blah, and we’re not as full of energy, positivity and faith as we’d like to be. Some days I think that the old hermits or monks had a great idea and it’ would be quite okay to be away from all the craziness of the world, and live in peaceful oblivion. However that’s not very helpful and most of us know we can't hide away from the world even if we have days when we want to. Fortunately these feelings are usually short lived, and if they aren’t it is a good idea to think about talking to someone and getting some help to out of the doldrums and feeling blah all the time. I have a saying I tell myself when I’m definitely not having fun and feeling discouraged. It’s that “this too must pass, and that if it's not good yet, God's not done yet.” There are also some practical things I do when feeling blah.
Look ahead. Often when we are feeling blah it’s because we are stuck in a rut and don’t have anything to look forward to. However when we start to look and plan ahead it takes our eyes off our current circumstances or problems and onto our dreams and what God has for our future. “Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 5:21) “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13) Do something different; visit a place you haven’t’ been before, even if it’s simply a new coffee shop. Call a friend and go somewhere, take a scenic drive, take a class, try a new food. Break out of your routine and get a fresh perspective. The world really is a wonderful place; we just have to remind ourselves sometimes. Get some fresh air and get your body moving. Exercise elevates our mood, and makes our whole being feel better. Get your heart rate up, the wind or sun on your face and thank God you are alive. Spend some time with God and write down what you are thinking and feeling. Get it off your mind, and hand over all your burdens to Him. Then listen to what God says, and take some time to read His word and to praise and worship. The good news about when we feel blah is that we don’t have to live in our own strength or wisdom, for the Holy Spirit is our helper and if you know Jesus He dwells within us. You are not alone.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7) “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (John 16:13) Pray and Praise – our secret weapons and connection points with God which activate the supernatural, lift our spirits, and give clarity to our mind. Prayer and praise brings our emotions in line with what God says about our lives and lift our thoughts and focus to him rather than having our flesh and feelings rule the day.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6)
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:11)
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Get around other people who can comfort, encourage and make you laugh. Listen to an encouraging faith-building message; watch a funny movie. A hug, smile, a good laugh, eating something yummy, listening to faith filed words are often just what we need to eradicate “the blah” from our day. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you have been doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Look ahead, make some plans, do something different, get moving, eat some yummy food, talk to God, praise and pray, and get around those who will encourage you and send the blah, blah, blah’s packing today!
Prayer: Lord thank you that you give me strength, that you take my burdens off my back, and that you surround me with positive words and people. Help me to look to you and the amazing day and future you have planned for me. In Jesus name Amen.
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