Today, I intentionally paid attention to the many people that were at the beach. The sun’s dancing rays highlighted the pale blue waves, still, there were no smiles or laughter even among the children playing. As I contemplated on the reason for the somber mood, our time watching the Atlantic’s waves by Patrick AFB was abruptly cut short. The sirens blared as a robotic voice gave warnings of a pending storm with severe activity including lightning strikes.
I folded my chair and walked slowly down the walkway when a young woman turned her head to the left. As our eyes met, the sadness of her soul was reflected in her eyes. Yes, the same brokenness that I saw in my patients on the Behavioral Health Unit was evidenced in another victim to their circumstances. I decided to interrupt the melancholy mood that was prevalent among the beachgoers packing up to leave. I stopped, looked at the ocean and said, “Isn’t she beautiful?” to which she replied, “Yes, and the breeze makes it perfect.”
We smiled. But, before we could continue our conversation, again the siren sounded loud, ending all thoughts of watching the serene waves become angry and forceful. The young woman left quickly with tears streaming down her face, entered her vehicle, held the steering wheel with both hands, placing her head into her arms. As my friends and I drove away, I whispered a prayer asking God to heal the stranger’s broken heart.
We live in a time where advancements in technology have soared along with the statistics for suicide, depression, anxiety, and worries because love is running on empty. I invite you to look outside of yourself and speak to someone with eyes that reveal “all is not well.” Just a simple “How are you ?” may provide a calm moment in their stormy sea of mental, emotional, and spiritual anguish.
Prayer: God, we pray for the broken hearted, for the weary, and the individuals who feel life is not worth living. We ask you, Holy Spirit to provide comfort for those who are grieving and provide a way of escape for the abused, and the neglected. Help us to pay attention to the people surrounding us that know nothing about your love. Jesus, fill our hearts with the love and compassion that you have for all of humanity. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Have you experienced loss within the past sixteen months? What are some recent or lingering changes or losses [death and dying are the exceptions]you are still facing? Two losses, which really hit hard during the pandemic are the loss of our jobs and relationships. And yes, our reaction to grief is huge and rightly so because we face financial instability and/or the abrupt change in the status of “us” becoming “me.”
We may view our loss as the end of our dreams or as new beginnings. Our perception of the change determines whether or not we will move forward to pursue new and exciting opportunities for growth. If we view ourselves as having great potential, then we may cry, but we will take baby steps [some individuals can take giant leaps] to pursue another path. Still, we cannot utilize a cookie-cutter approach to rebuilding our lives. Every situation is unique, along with various factors that determine the strategies to move forward.
Identify your resources:
God: Always approach Our Heavenly Father–Jehovah Jireh when the “Restart” button is pushed. Daily we must pray, God, not my will, but Your will be done. When we give God permission to initiate His plans for us, remember that we may endure hardships at any point in our lives. Because God knows the beginning to the end, we must trust His process. Admit in your prayers that you are not feeling your best, yet, you fully trust Him.
Study the biblical stories of victory: When defeat appears to be our only option, trust that God has you in His hands. God delivered the Israelites from enslavement in Egypt, opened and closed the Red Sea, destroying Pharoah and his army [Exodus 14], David, a shepherd boy, took Goliath down with a slingshot [1 Samuel 17], and Joshua marched around Jericho [Joshua 6]. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
Spiritual Support: Speaking to your pastor, a prayer warrior, community resources leader, or even joining a support group is vital to prevent depression or hopelessness.
Family and friends: Identify the friends and family who you can trust to provide emotional and/or financial support during the transitional period. Do not isolate. Satan can present our challenges as overwhelming or cause us to see ourselves as victims. Often the break-up or unemployment is not our fault. Someone else made the choice that would change our lives. Still, we must not harbor or allow negative emotions to overtake us, or we will never move forward. Live one day at a time.
Pray for God to reveal your spiritual gifts, talents, and develop hobbies.
Research and identify your community resources.
There is another scenario that I must mention: What if you are without friends or family you can present your situation too, or you do not have a church home? Seek God in prayer, and thank Him for sustaining you. Establish a daily schedule. Get out of the bed or off the sofa. Go outside at least once a day for a walk. We may live alone, but God is always near.
Whether we are the only person in our home, have children, or extended family members living with us, never forget, our Father cares. God says He knows the number of hairs on our head. It is our trials and sorrows that build our faith. No, it does not feel good. Even so, God knows our circumstances before they happen. Trust Him to see you through.
Bible study: Matthew 6
Prayer: God, we are not feeling our best right now and we pray that you will comfort us and reveal your plans for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
When we decide to serve God, we make a covenant vow to serve Him by putting God first. Often our desires get in the way and we focus on people, places, and things. We fail to put God first. It is then that He begins house-cleaning. The relationship that prevented you from obeying God, He removed the person from your life, God did it for His glory and your good.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Prayer: God, thank you for your divine intervention to remove obstacles from our lives. Please help us to always put you first. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
For the next 30 days, we will commune with God through prayer. Our goal is to establish and build an up-close, and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.
We will pray individually in our homes every day for 30 days. Try to find a quiet place away from distractions. Sing, study the Bible, or listen to inspirational music to enhance your worship experience. Invite God into your heart and your life.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Prayer is communication with the God of this universe. He loves for us to take the time to approach Him with prayers of gratitude, repentance, intercession, for protection, to request healing, to ask for strength, resolve our challenges, help with big or small decisions, to provide basic necessities, give finances for unpaid bills, complete school assignments, give us a job, and to receive comfort when grieving. The list is endless.
Always thank God throughout your day. Prayers asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and spiritual discernment when studying the Bible prevent us from accepting false teachings and doctrines from deceptive sources. Remember who our greatest enemy is…Get behind us, Satan.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
God, we ask you to hear our prayer and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life for our sins. We acknowledge that we are blessed to be counted as the redeemed of the Lord. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.
During the past six years, I lived the small-town life, which allowed me to speak or talk to strangers and my neighbors every day. Because of a large shade tree and a house facing east with a country-living sized porch and a screen door, I was able to enjoy the fresh air and birds tweeting their songs. One of the daily highlights was to hear Roger, our postman, talking and laughing to someone on the phone as he delivered our mail. I often wondered who is the person on the other end that could make this man have this level of happiness.
Then I noticed that we had a substitute postman for two weeks. Something was not right. Roger could be on vacation, but it was during the school year, and he had two daughters. My first concern was that he may have contracted the Coronavirus (my nursing thoughts). One day, I noticed that Roger returned, but the talking and laughter had ceased. As the mail truck neared my home, I walked to the end of the driveway. When I saw Roger, his face was etched with sadness. I relayed that all of us really missed his laughter. At that point, he told me that his mother, the love of his life, had passed away.
I expressed condolences, and asked him, “If you could share something about your mother that you would want the world to know about your mom, what would it be?” Roger responded, “that she loved everyone.” But then he expressed that although he was sad about her death, the inheritance that he received caused his siblings to have bitter feelings against him and their parents. Roger’s mother had remarried, and he was the only child from her second marriage. His father, who passed away many years ago, stated explicitly in his will that if Roger’s mother passed away that he was to receive 100% of his estate. But life is not that simple.
Roger had two sisters from his mother’s first marriage [who he loved] demanding that he sell the house and divide the estate equally among the three of them. Although he offered to give them the entire contents of the house, they refused to accept his offer and were leaving daily voicemails stating, “you were always the favorite child.” And now the twist, “Miss Sonya, what would you do in this situation? I know that you are a Christian, and you will tell me the right thing to do.” I mentally prayed, “Holy Spirit, help me.” To make a long story short, I asked him to express his desires regarding the situation and make a final decision based on his morals and values. The dilemma involved emotional turmoil because he loved his sisters, yet, he wanted to honor his parents’ wishes for him to receive the house, and to keep as part of their legacy.
We are familiar with the story of the prodigal son: To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.'” So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. Luke 15:11-12
The youngest son had plans that were in opposition of his father’s plans. He was restless. Why should he live as his father desired? No, he would demand his inheritance! After all, he was young and couldn’t see himself living this boring lifestyle, not one more day. Because the father had the greatest love for his son, he would not force his principles, values, or morals on him, so He willingly granted his request.
What do you think of the youngest son? Selfish, ungrateful, or he didn’t really love his father? Maybe. But we are the youngest son. God tells us, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. Because God is a fair and just Father, He gives us free will, as he watches us choose the prodigal’s path.
We desperately seek after our desires, regardless of the consequences. Our dilemma is that we cannot wait for God to fulfill His perfect plans, we demand our inheritance now, and we are willing to disobey God to get what we desire.
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:17
Self-reveal: Yes, I have family and friends who love me, and I love myself. But are my thoughts precious about myself when I step outside of the will of God? No, I would readily admit that I frequently play the game of chance. Yes, I become a player by making plans based on my desires and creating strategies to get what I want.
In Psalm 139, verse 17, David tells us: How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I invite you to change your perception of God, the Father who willingly gave Jesus, His only Son, to suffer and die for us, loves us unconditionally. And His plans never have consequences!
Bible Reading: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:1-3
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for the desire to make this covenant with you, “Not our will, but God, your will be done in our lives.” In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
God is Omniscient–all knowing. Nothing that happens in our lives comes as a surprise to Him. Did you know that God is aware of every trial and sorrow that we will face [present and future]? He also knows how we will react to each challenge. It is by faith that we can grasp His promise to never leave or forsake us. And it by faith, that we can have the reassurance that He will bring us through as victorious overcomers.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Prayer: God, we thank you for loving us. We are overwhelmed by the hardships that we are going through and ask you to give us peace while we endure suffering. God, our confidence is in you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
“Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” Luke 14:33
Discipleship: Our commitment to following Jesus means that we abandon all of our desires to obey God faithfully.
Satan’s deception: The Garden of Eden had countless trees that Adam and Eve could eat from (God gives us free will). There was only one tree that God commanded Adam and Eve that God instructed them not to touch. Yet, the desire to eat from that one tree caused the fall of humanity. Eve was deceived because she chose to involve herself in a lose-lose conversation with Satan. But it didn’t take any effort for Adam. He intentionally chose to disobey God by just taking and eating the fruit. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:6
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matthew 6:24
Jesus tells us that it is not possible to live a double life. And this is an ongoing struggle. Our hearts pull us in the opposite direction of God’s plans. We are encouraged to follow our dreams. “Success” is aggressively promoted by our society. Where do we turn? Everyone else is achieving their goals, and we feel as if we have nothing. Praying for God to reveal His plans opens the door for many wonderful blessings that God is waiting to give to us.
The Controversy: Yes, I love God, but…
Fixated on loving ourselves causes us to have minimal love for Jesus Christ. Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37. Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord of our lives means that we must renounce [to abandon all] our pursuits, our will, and our desires. So, does that mean that we cannot have dreams or goals?
God created us with a sound mind. He gave us talents, gifts, and abilities that we use to glorify Him first. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11. Yes, God desires that we reach for the dreams that are part of His plans for us. As disciples, we present our goals and dreams to God in prayer. And we wait for God to reveal His purpose for our lives.
Answer to the dilemma: For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38. We are Jesus’ disciples. When we wait on God, He will reward us for our faithfulness.
God’s Omnipotence: Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us–none can compare to You–if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. Psalm 40:5
Peace and joy are fruits of obedience. Can our plans compare to the plans that God has for us? Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
Bible study: Matthew 6
Prayer: God, we confess that we have not put you first. We ask forgiveness for attempting to live double lives. Let your will be done in our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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