As we bring Thanksgiving to a close and open up the Christmas season, you’re likely feeling a mix of emotions—excitement, hurry, joy, overwhelm, anticipation or even sadness. This time of year brings about different feelings for different people. Realizing that, I asked the Lord how to encourage you this week. He lovingly brought me to Colossians 4:2.
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
A few things stand out as I read this verse:
DEVOTION
To what are you devoted this month? Your job? Your calendar? Your to-do list? If, in years past, you’ve found the holiday season catapults you out of your regular routine of prayer and quiet time with the Lord (in addition to other healthy habits such as workouts, nutrition or sleep) now is the time to recenter and reflect on how this season can be different. Sit down this evening or tomorrow morning and ask the Lord to place a few things on your heart to focus on over the next month. Keeping your devotion on the important, not the urgent, will do wonders for your health—body, soul and Spirit.
PRAYER
It may be redundant but it bears repeating—are you setting aside quiet time to rest, reflect, dialogue with the Lord and most importantly, listen to Him? Prayer takes many forms: getting in the quiet to create space to sit in God’s presence, talking with Him just as you would a friend, journaling your prayers, asking for help and making requests to align with His will, being still with a listening ear . . . your heart will crave the way in which you’ll best connect with the Lord in prayer. Make time for it and you’ll surely feel more peace in the midst of an often-chaotic season.
ALERT MIND
No matter what emotions resonated with you as you read the start of this post, there’s a temptation to “numb” this time of year. Maybe your spouse passed away and you’re left longing for the years of celebrating together. Or you get caught up in the excitement of the season and find yourself overindulging or financially burdened before the celebration even starts. You may even find that living in an overly nostalgic (idealistic) mindset is preventing you from living in the present and creating new memories with loved ones. All emotions can lead to behaviors that promise an “escape” from reality. Recognize them and ask the Lord to help you resist temptations to numb. Whether it’s food, co-dependency, avoidance or isolation, alcohol, shopping . . . pray for an alert mind—a clear mind—and wisdom to navigate the season. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
THANKFUL HEART
A prayerful heart leads to a thankful heart. One habit I began about 10 years ago was keeping a prayer journal. Each month, I write down people to pray for each day. As people report back and give praise reports, the answered prayers get circled. This makes it easy to remember to thank God for how He shows up in others’ lives as well as my own. And what a blessing it must be for our Father to hear grateful shouts from His children! Whether you choose to write prayers down, share testimonies with your family and friends, or simply whisper a “thank you Lord” as blessings come your way, a thankful heart is good medicine for your health—body, soul and Spirit.
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE AND BE THE LIGHT
I pray something was highlighted to you as you reflected on Colossians 4:2. And if, instead of something—someone—was highlighted to you, forward this to them with a personal note letting them know how the Lord spoke to you. Maybe you’ll encourage. Maybe you’ll affirm. Maybe you’ll remind. Whatever the result of your connection, it’s sure to bring light to their life through the simple act of pursuing someone in relationship.
May your season be lovely and bright!
