I don’t know if this ever happens to you, but sometimes my weekends end up sort of funky. Like I’m not sure whether to work or rest, be busy or slow down, engage or escape. More than I’d like to admit, I end up in a funk-zone somewhere in between, and often my mind can drift into neutral…which isn’t actually neutral, it’s negative. 

And with everything happening in the world right now, if we don’t keep our minds looking up and forward and in a positive direction…they will drift into unproductive or even destructive territory. 

This long-winded intro is simply to paint a backdrop of why this message mattered so much this morning. 

God showed me that: gratitude is the way to keep the funk away. (I’m really sorry that rhymed…but that’s how it came out…)

The problem with being in a mental funk (or a spiritual, emotional, physical, relational one…) is that we can slip into self-pity, self-sabotage and self-condemning mindsets very quickly! Especially under a steady stream of negativity, fear and worry we are living with in the world. The reality is we are in a bit of a battle and we need to keep ourselves funk-free to have any hope for peace, joy and victory in this season! 

So, here’s the deal: we have to harness the power of gratitude. Gratitude connects us to the power we need to overcome in this difficult time. If we forget to put this into practice, we will drift and find ourselves in yet another funk. 

Being grateful, like actually actively choosing to thank God, Creation, the universe, heaven, people for the amazing things we have, desire and dream of, releases tremendous positive energy into our lives. 

It’s not just a nice attitude to have; it’s an inspired action we can take ANY TIME we need to pop out of the funk and get into a positive flow again. 

Maybe you are sick of hearing about gratitude. Maybe this seems like another feel-good message. But I’m telling you, this is one specific action or practice you can use every day to get yourself in a different mental (emotional, spiritual, etc…) space. 

Gratitude…

• Elevates your thoughts
• Lowers your blood pressure
• Increases circulation
• Clears your mind
• Gets you in the moment
• Taps into spiritual power and the presence of God
• Raises your energy level
• Puts you in a good mood. 

Literally, this is a heart practice that has tangible results in the natural realm, not to mention all that’s happening in the spiritual realm at the same time. 

Here are some ways I put this into practice:

Find a private place (or use your journal) and start thanking God for everything that you have, want, need, desire; whatever makes you happy, past, present, future. 

Make a daily gratitude list of things, people, events and experiences you are grateful for. Include items from now AND in the future. 

If you are in a relationship funk, thank God for the good you see in that person, how they made/make you feel, how you connected in the first place and what a blessing/help/support/joy they have been in your life. Thank him for how much he loves them, his plans for them and how he sees that person. 

We can redeem this week, and be funk-free, if we will commit to these actions every day, as many times a day as Holy Spirit prompts. 

Not only will you feel more powerful and hopeful, you will have more energy and excitement and you will absolutely enjoy life more. If you are skeptical, I sort of dare you to just try it. See what happens. Write in your journal each day and then review at the end of the week. I can almost guarantee you will see a HUGE difference! 

Ok, that’s it for today friends! I may pop in a few more times to see how we are doing and encourage you to live from this place this week. 

Hope this helps,

Sue