I’ve been thinking recently about the state of depression and brokenness of so many around me and of my own soul. As I pondered where things lie for so many, and as I have started praying for a restoration of the JOY of my salvation, my thoughts have led me to recall the place that GRATITUDE and PRAISE have in my life. To recall the very real fact that CHOOSING to praise can change my attitude, my outlook, my mindset and my strength. It repurposes the energy of doubt, fear, disillusionment, heartache and pain and puts all of that energy into HOPE and into HIM—eyes fixed on His strength and promises even when we are weak or in seasons of long suffering can be such a game changer. Choosing to praise not for good circumstances but for good Promises and trusting the bigger picture of Gods plans not my limited vision.
As I thought about all of that, I was reminded of an AMAZING Sunday activity our church used to do when I was a young kid. We went to Petra Christian Fellowship in New Holland. They led this special Sunday that they called Praise Sunday. Praise Sunday was open mic. Praise Sunday was incredible! Even as a child I looked forward in joyful expectation to that special Sunday. Also, on Praise Sunday it was known you might end up sitting through some of the long-winded silly people who would ramble on and on praise Sunday after praise Sunday. BUT, it was also known that you would sit through some incredible, unbelievable, amazing, encouraging testimonies from people lives about THE WORK OF GOD! I don’t know anything more encouraging then hearing about how God is working in my friends and family’s lives, and in His Church!
And so what do ya know?! It just so happens… (More and more I’m realizing how really nothing is “just so happens”… instead, It’s more and more visible that Gods hand is in every small detail of our lives!) Here I was pondering this the past two weeks and then at church on Sunday my friend and worship leader Lauren decided to prompt us all to SHARE how God is working in our lives recently! What do ya know, PRAISE SUNDAY!! And can I just tell you… I got goosebumps! And I was so encouraged! I was SO ENCOURAGED! I left that room FILLED with HOPE! I needed that! I NEED more of that! And I think truly WE need MORE of that! Can we take time to SHARE more regularly with one another how God is working and speaking to us?! Let’s be intentional to do that with one another! Let’s prompt one another! Let’s ask one another, “How is God working in your life recently? What do you hear God speaking to you recently?”
Also, can we bring back PRAISE SUNDAY?! Who cares about the silly ramblers 😆😂 Even as a child I knew that my spiritual vitality grew from praise Sunday. Even as a child I longed for my cup to be filled and for my hope to abound! Even as a child I looked forward in great joyful anticipation to hearing more about Gods ACTIVE, LIVING role in our broken needy world.
Please share with me how God is working and speaking in your life! I’d LOVE to hear ♥️🙏
Blessings,
Abi
