Not Just January

Monday, January 6, 2014
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "We're Marching To Zion"1 (Lyrics)

I guess you've never experienced the January blahs, but I am well acquainted with them, and not just in January. They come on when we least expect it and eat up all our joy. They strand us in an ocean of tears so thick that we can't swim to shore.

Everyone has their own method for getting rid of them. Praise and prayer are great, but sometimes, they need an extra shove.

Are you familiar with the walking cure? It's rather simple, really. You just get up and put one foot in front of another. Endorphins (or some such thing) click in when we move our bodies. The first few minutes may seem like torture, but after a while, you will sense your mood lightening, your heart lifting, and your smile re-appearing. Making motions creates better emotions. (Even as I write this line, I recognize its corniness, but it is true!)

"One step at a time takes you forward in life. Each step you take inspires others to do the same." – Patricia Day, author of Eleanor, A Stolen Childhood.

That applies to our spiritual walk, too. We may not be able to walk on water like Jesus did, but we can surely walk by faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight. (KJV)

Prayer: Lord, when we get hung up on ourselves, remind us to get on our running shoes, get off the couch, and move into physical and spiritual wellness. Amen.

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About the author:

Brenda Wood <brenda.w@nextcom.ca>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Good one, Brenda.


    Great devotional Brenda.


    Good advice Brenda. Have a Happy New Year.


    Thank you Brenda…needed prompting. Blessings.


    Very uplifting and timely. Thank-you and blessings!


    Thanks for this … perfect timing for my own situation!


    A big amen sister!
    Happy New Year.


    “Making motions creates better emotions”. I like that. Great devotional, Thank you.


    I read you devotional today and it is not only timely but true!
    Blessings to you.


    Thank you for this encouragement – my daughter is struggling with post-stroke depression & will read your words when she gets up. Blessings.


    Thanks Brenda for sharing. Happy New Year to you! We are going to be “more than conquerors through Him who loved us!”.
    May God continue to bless you as you live/move/run for Him!


    Thanks for a great devotional and if we ever get out of this deep freeze and snow I will follow your walking advice. I do love to walk especially with my little dog.


    Dear Brenda,
    Thank you for the “Get up and go”… “Walk by faith not by sight” devotional. I needed it in more ways than one.


    Good message Brenda. Every new year I feel a little sad when I hear the song “Auld Lang Syne” but as you say, its time to move forward in faith, one step at a time.
    Blessings.


    My blahs aren’t obvious but I sure felt proud of myself when I walked 3 miles with my grandchildren New Year’s Day. It must do what you said because except for painful feet I felt better about myself. I hope to do more in my physical and spiritual walk. This morning I’m supposed to go out for a walk with a friend. I’m going to go now to read more of the scriptures and spend time with Jesus. I was glad to hear from you.


    Brenda: Your lesson for this day, having been read by me, was well said in written form. It was the truth and yet so simple. Taking primary care of my loved and loveable one and married over 60 years, feel some moments to be more difficult than others. Then one feels the ‘push’ from Him and you strike out for another day feeling privileged that you have been given the physical & emotional & mental strength to continue … for her present life and welfare are depending on you (me).
    I simply had to take a few moments before my day begins to say, “Thank you Brenda.”


    Thanks Brenda for the devotional. I have been having Dec. Jan. blahs & maybe even earlier than that. Walking I know is supposed to be a great help, but when it is difficult to even walk, from aches & pains, that is not always the answer. But praise God, I got the best uplifting help night before last when God spoke to me in response to a prayer when I was having continual difficulty getting to sleep. I clearly heard his still small voice saying “The peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus”, suddenly my spirit was uplifted. This was first heard in my left (better hearing ear), then later in my almost totally deaf right ear. Then even more biblical passages were brought to my mind.
    Praise God.


    You are so right Brenda. That walk every morning is so important!! I have missed it over the busy time of visiting grandchildren & their families during the Christmas ‘holidays’. It seems a holiday for everyone but Grandma!
    I usually meet up on my morning walks with another Christian grandma who lives farther down our beautiful ‘dead end’ road. Nothing dead about it!!
    It’s a beautiful walk!! especially when the overhanging trees are snow covered.
    We thank the Lord for placing us here. Our neighbourhood dogs love it too.
    Thank you for so beautifully speaking my thoughts this morning.
    God bless.

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