Have you ever been in an ‘existing’ only state of being? This state of being is when you’re merely existing in life and not living.
Joy and happiness is at a low. Your mind is in constant chaos, barely in the present moment; your mind is already trying work things out for the next day, month and year! Existing from pay check to pay check. Existing from day to day and year to year. This can become overwhelming; the need to go into hiding becomes strong.
Yet, there’s family, friends and obligations that requires your attention. Truth be told, those things are really what’s anchoring you from retreating into the shadows of the unknown. Don’t. God didn’t create you to live in the shadows nor to exist in this world.
Life is too big, too bold, and too beautiful, to full of opportunities to hide in the shadows. There are many factors that can cause this dry or empty state, be it the loss of a loved one, your job, the upheaval in your relationships or spiritual, mental and/or physical health. Allow me to encourage you as I speak from experiences and NOT only with words. God is a healer to those who still believes, and it is a choice. Great is God’s faithfulness towards us.
“Sometimes you have to encourage yourself.
Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test.
And no matter how you feel,
Speak the word and you will be healed;
Speak over yourself,
Encourage yourself in the Lord.
Sometimes you have to speak the word over yourself,
The pressure is all around,
But God is present help.
The enemy created walls,
But remember giants, they do fall;
Speak over yourself,
Encourage yourself in the Lord.
As I minister to you, oh I minister to myself,
Life can hurt you so,
‘til you feel there’s nothing left.
No matter how you feel,
Speak the word and you will be healed.”
Once again I allowed those prophetical lyrics of the song “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence (feat. Sheri Jones-Moffett) to seep down into my heart. Those cathartic words flowed like a river soothing and reviving me all over again. The song wasn’t new, but my experience was. I took the time to really listen, tuning out the excessive noises of hurt and rejection. I closed my eyes and began to breathe in and out.
It took a moment for peace to settle in and around me. Doubt was knocking loudly at the doors of my mind, it wanted entrance, and I refused to grant it access. I was not going to be confused that God is truly our peace in the storm of life. There will be a time in everyone life that their faith will be tried. Sometimes in the trying of our faith, we discover our hidden strengths, that we can endure more than what was believed. It’s those silent moment from God, that can prove difficult as it will seem quite real that He’s forsaken you.
Don’t surrender to that falsehood. God will NEVER forsake the ones He loves. Never. He has given you power and authority over every situation in your life. With that knowledge, should come a turnaround in your faith and circumstances. Your faith should allow you to find that inner peace you’ve been seeking so long for in the storm of life.
Speak the word of God over yourself. But, it gets deeper as it’s not just enough to just speak it, you must believe it. Ever so slowly at first you will hear the quiet after the storm. Once at that place of quiet and stillness, rejoice in the fact that you made it over once again. It wasn’t easy… is it ever? Yet, you made it, sometimes, you have to encourage yourself. You are chosen for such a time as this. God knows you. He knows what you can handle and what you cannot handle. Yes, He even knows of your shortcomings.
God doesn’t want to hurt us or see us living in misery. “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. Although we have not met, I have the utmost confidence in you. You have been selected, appointed, and anointed. I can feel your spirit bearing witness now. You will not be overshadowed with fear, self-doubt, and isolation.
You will walk in the power of the Almighty God and you will emerge as the victor you are destined to be. You must understand that the reality is this: Not everyone is going to be supportive of you. You may find yourself being called weird by others. You may be told that your vision is a mission impossible. Don’t give up. Give out, but don’t give up. Had Michelangelo given up, we would not have been blessed with his masterpieces such as: The Kneeling Angel, executed for the grave of St. Dominic, at Bologna, and the Statues of Bacchus and David at Florence.
It is our vision that resides in us, that the devil doesn’t want to see come into manifestation. Others may not share or understand the vision God has placed in us. Those who do not see or believe in our vision, it can be hurtful especially coming from love ones. Although we are hurt, rejection can sometimes be a powerful motivator. Rejection can become your challenger and self-doubt your biggest enemy. It will require indefatigable faith and strong determination from you to emerge the victor.