How to Shift Your Atmosphere in Your Day When Your Day Shifts on You.
If every day could end as it starts, or if every day could start better is always bring a sigh. No matter how we plan, something always comes up in a day. Even when it is not in our day, someone drags his or her problems into our day. These things shift the atmosphere and ultimately shift us. Subsequently, we walk around looking mean, looking zoned out, or not looking at all.
Hit the pause button.
Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue. Prayer is not about words; it is about the condition of your heart. The amount of words is not essential. God knows what is in your heart, even if you cannot find language to express that. Stop rushing around, thinking negative, or pressing your way. Be still, and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)
Many of us approach Prayer as our chance to tell God what we think, but in humility, we should recognize that His words carry a much higher weight than ours do. I believe He wants to hear from us—but because He loves us. He also wants to teach us, guide us, and comfort us. To receive those things, we have to stop and listen. (John 10:27)
Faith does not eliminate problems. However, Faith knows where to take them.
In simple terms, Faith not the absence of doubt but a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). God is big enough, powerful enough, and sure sufficient to lead us to the answers. His gift of Faith takes the pressure off us. Our role is to accept it, use it as a tool to navigate life—and know whom to turn to for answers when we inevitably have questions. Do not try to figure it out; ask God to help you work it out.
Pull off the mask and be real with God.
The church teaches us to be strong. Unfortunately, that is not in the Bible. The Bible says, be strong in the Lord, interpreted, find our strength in the Lord. When we are upset, yell, or scream because of His delay in responding, is that Prayer?" "Absolutely." If Prayer is simply communication with God, then is not any kind of expression of feelings—whether loving or angry, gentle or harsh—a form of Prayer? Authenticity touches the heart of God and reveals just how merciful and generous He is. Honestly, whether we admit anger or not, He already knows what we feel (1 Samuel 16:7). So talk to Him openly and freely without faking.
"Whatever you do, He will make good of it. Just get out of God's way
We have free will. Even though God is present everywhere and nothing happens without His permission, He does not cause the wrong things to happen. There are natural consequences and ramifications to our actions, and we often make poor decisions. What is impressive is the way God can take any situation—betrayal, grief, loss (of health, relationships, security), despair—and bring something good out of it despite us. Nevertheless, imagine how much better life would be if we did not get in His way in the first place. (Romans 8:28).
All you need is love
In the end, love is all that matters. Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our hearts, mind, and strength—but second, we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The Bible says love covers a multitude of sins. It is the assurance, and the very genesis of our Faith and our Faith is a response to the enormous love God offered to us in the beginning. If all the other concepts overwhelm you if you can handle one at a time, focus on this one. The God of love will be more than enough—all that you need. (1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 John 4:7).
"Whatever you do, He will make good of it. Just get out of God's way
We have free will. Even though God is present everywhere and nothing happens without His permission, He does not cause the wrong things to happen. There are natural consequences and ramifications to our actions, and we often make poor decisions. What is impressive is the way God can take any situation—betrayal, grief, loss (of health, relationships, security), despair—and bring something good out of it despite us. Nevertheless, imagine how much better life would be if we did not get in His way in the first place. (Romans 8:28).
Bishop John C. Parks, Th.D, BS, MBA, ESPO.
The Gathering International Network [TGIN]
July 22, 2020