Perhaps you’ve experienced one of these life-altering moments when:
- A medical diagnosis immediately shifted priorities for the whole family
- Corporate headquarters announced lay-offs; you were one of them
- You realized Mom could no longer live alone
- A spouse announced your marriage was no longer working for them, and they’d found someone else
The first instinct is to shut out the world, pull inward, and allow grief and self-pity full reign.
Yes, grieving is essential, but there comes a time to let go of what was and look to God for what’s next, because:
When we believe God, we move forward.
When we choose to despair, we stay in a pit.
Karol Ladd [1], Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive, 89.
But how do we activate our belief in God in order to combat despair?
Listed below are ten practices for such times. They also provide help when smaller upsets occur and in seasons of spiritual malaise.
Ten Strategies for Forward Momentum:
- Resist looking too far down the road and becoming discouraged by the what-ifs. Focus on just today–even just the next hour [1].
- Spend time reflecting on God’s Word and note the transformation of mind and spirit. From Psalm 119 alone we learn that scripture provides strength (v. 28), preservation of life (v. 50), comfort (v. 52), delight (v. 77), wisdom (v. 98), understanding (v. 104), guidance (v. 105), truth (v. 142), and peace (v. 165). Such entities are always beneficial, but especially in the midst of difficulty.
- Practice gratitude to God frequently throughout the day. Gratitude expands your awareness of his goodness in spite of challenge.
- Practice praise, for each of his attributes you see at work in your life: his attentiveness, faithfulness, wisdom, and more [2].
- Counter the urge to look backward and dwell on the negative. Look upward with worship in order to move forward [3].
- Affirm your confidence in God [4]. You are not alone! You have a trustworthy, all-powerful God working for you and in you. He WILL see you through and bring positive effect out of the situation.
- Pray about the next steps God would have you take. Rest assured that “where God guides, he also provides”—Unknown [5].
- Follow the Apostle Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:8, and fill your mind with profitable input. Read spirit-lifting material, listen to Christian music and sing along, listen to encouraging podcasts.
- Allow others to minister hope and encouragement to you, and be an encourager yourself. That Bible-truth, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”[6] applies to encouragement too.
- Kindness works in similar fashion. Show kindness to others and find the joy of your heart increased [7].
Feed your hope for tomorrow with scripture verses, song lyrics, and uplifting quotes. Copy them in a journal or notebook. You’ll have instant encouragement at your fingertips.
These quotes may offer a starting point:
The first step toward getting somewhere
is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.
–John Pierpont Morgan
* * *
It may support your heart to consider that
in these troubles God is performing that work
in which your soul would rejoice
–if you did see the design of it.
–John Flavel, Keeping the Heart
* * *
* * *
[The road may be rocky] “but with God’s help
the rocks can become stepping stones.”
–Barbara Johnson
Pack Up Your Gloomies in a Great Big Box, 83
* * *
Difficulties are sent to make us grow.
Move from complaining to proclaiming
what God is doing through the problem.
Remind yourself, for every Calvary,
there is an Easter.
–Barbara Johnson (source unknown)
* * *
Lord God, when adversity overwhelms us, we ask that you grant:
- Confidence in you, our wise and trustworthy Shepherd
- Strength and courage to take the next step
- Forward momentum, away from our fears and into the future you’ve lovingly prepared
We look forward to watching you bring miraculous good out of our trials.
In the name of Jesus we pray, AMEN!
(Proverbs 14:16; Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 41:10, 13;
Psalm 139:16; Romans 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Which practices have provided forward momentum for you? Please share in the comment section below!
[1] Matthew 6:34
[2] Psalm 9:1-2
[3] Psalm 121:1-2
[4] 2 Corinthians 3:4-5
[5] Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 58:11
[6] Acts 20:35
[7] Proverbs 11:17a
Image credits: http://www.freerangestock.com; http://www.flickr.com (Kenneth Garcia); http://www.canva.com (3).
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