My wife was getting desperate. It had been two weeks since I had worked out at our club, and since I either work out there or sit around the house and mildew, I was becoming a downer who didn’t even shave. I was sleeping more and very happy to do so.
She was right, so I made myself pick up my car keys and head toward the gym. “See ya later.” As I kissed her, I heard a sigh of relief. On my fifteen-minute drive to the club, I felt life was jaded and dull. Tiring of feeling puny, I decided to thank the Lord no matter how I felt. I remembered He had told me to always rejoice and be thankful regardless of how I felt. I began filling my mind with what He had told me to do, repeating over and over, “Thank you, Lord, for my family and all You give me every day.” Even though I didn’t feel thankful at first. I praised the Lord and thanked Him. I admit I wasn’t up to rejoicing yet. Still, I started feeling better.
I began my workout. Halfway through my power walk, I felt the tension leave my muscles. But my mind refused to take a nap and began to think about that morning. Here’s what it told me (I’ve learned to just listen as it is going to tell me anyway): Christians look for relief but often don’t use the free ticket given at the new birth window that lifts above depression and boredom. Exercise relieves muscular pressures. Food satisfies many physical and emotional needs. Sexual attraction brings a sense of stimulation. Buying new items makes a person feel successful. These areas help, but a person who doesn’t know Jesus uses these things to feel better. And so do Christians, often before thankfulness and praising the Lord. My insistent mind reminded me this must be a matter of priorities and choices.
Praise is an airplane that flies upward through the darkest clouds into the sunshine that is always waiting. Take time to review your blessings and praise God through every moment.
(Photo courtesy of office.microsoft.com.)
(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions.us.)
The Rev. Dr. Bob Segress served as a licensed psychological clinician for twenty-five years. Upon retiring, he served for fifteen years as a prison minister. Retiring again, he began writing full-time after a period of boredom. He has written: The Biblical Approach To Psychology while serving as a college educator, The Shelton Series, and, in 2012, Ten Years Inside Shelton Prison. Currently, he writes for several publications such as Halo Magazine.