Do I have enough?
I know this question all too well. There was a season in my life that I was really struggling financially and many times I had to choose between groceries and rent. I had to learn how to repurpose a lot of food and how to live with the very basics. During those times I was constantly hoping and praying nothing will go wrong so we didn't have to tackle extra expenses. We have come a long way from those days; but, I still sometimes get stressed about finances. I think we all at points do! However, the climate we are living in does not cooperate or help us foresee if everything will be ok! All of us have faced difficult and challenging times in the past few months and it looks like we are still a long way to go! I sometimes get stressed and quite frankly perhaps overwhelmed too. It’s normal! We are all going through this but somehow that doesn't make it easier. Each of us has to face our giants and deal with them. I get it, I have mine as well. However, in the midst of the struggle that sustains me and helps me navigate these challenges is gratitude. In the stinkiest of circumstances, if I am grateful, somehow I feel better… I feel more connected to God and that gives me strength! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Melody Beattie describes it this way: Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into Enough ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I think she happens to be right. When we are grateful we shift our mindset from a negative state to a more positive and hopeful place. It allows us to tap into hope instead of fear. This brings peace and clarity to the situation. Also, the Bible tells us that in Christ Jesus there is fullness of joy, and life itself is in Him. (Psalms 16:11, John 1:4) There are many bible verses that talk to us about mindset and how being grateful contributes to set ourselves to overcome the present circumstances. One of my favorite verses about this is in Philippians 4:6-8. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Apostle Paul does a great job describing how being grateful and being thankful will set you up for success even in the direst of circumstances. I mean come on, he was in prison and he encourages us to rejoice always! This man must have tapped into something so powerful that allowed him to reframe this mindset and shift his perspective, which in turn gave him strength and hope for the future! I believe, as Christians, we can also tap into this power as well. As a matter of fact, gratefulness helps us connect with the Spirit of God who is in us; who in turn can bring wisdom to the situation. A New Point of View, God’s… That is Awesome! At this moment you might be wondering where am I going and how is this relevant for you? No worries, I get it! That sounds fantastic! But how do I apply it? In my book, I talk about daily practices and routines that set us for success. I really think discipline and spiritual practices will build the muscle that will sustain you in times of Crisis. One of the things I find helpful when I’m feeling overwhelmed and stressed is to take a moment to center myself. It is as simple as taking a moment! Yes, you can take a moment where you are and breathe! I found if I do a simple breathing exercise it helps me center and refocuses. Once centered, I take a moment to connect with myself, yes, me first! Because, If I don't know what is going on I can address it! Once I have identified what I am feeling. I bring it before God, in prayer and I let it go. Here is the key, I find a verse that I can use to meditate throughout the rest of the day to help me keep my cool and be centered. This shouldn't take you more than 10 to 15 minutes. Throughout the day I purposely find things to be grateful for so I can “flex that mindset muscle” - This keeps me focused and connected. This practice has helped me understand that in Christ I lack nothing (James 1:4) and if I need something he is faithful to provide! (Psalm 23) Well, like Paul, I do not pretend to have attained yet, but I keep moving forward. ( Philippians 3:12-16) I will encourage you today to self-assess. Where are you emotionally today? Are you frustrated or stressed? Do you need to “flex the mindset muscle” in a different way? Once you have done that privately, Find a bible verse that you will use to meditate on! Here is mine: “But my God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:19
Let’s do this! XOXO ~Barb
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