Identify Your “Why”
There isn’t a single person who really wants to spend their days feeling frustrated and upset (although some people seem to fuel their own misery!) The truth is, we’d all like a more relaxed and comfortable life, but the reason behind what you’re looking for in life makes all of the difference.
If, like me, you have a nagging sense of unfulfillment – especially if you are frustrated because you feel that you should be doing something but don’t quite know what that something is, this is the post for you.
Developing a life full of real joy and peace requires that we trust in our Maker to have a plan and a design for our life. (Spoiler alert – He does!)
It also takes a commitment, a decision, if you will, to follow His plan. No matter how fulfilling or worthwhile our best life may be we are never excused from being active participants in it.
You can’t just wait for God to make you happy in life – you must discern his will, and take steps to get there.
Let Go
You have to let go. Let go of your frustrations, your resentment, and maybe of certain expectations. One of the great things about trusting an all powerful creator who loves us and cares about us each individually is that we do not have to be in control of everything. Letting go of those areas brings you peace, whereas a struggle will only exhaust and defeat you.
What are we trying to let go of? It is different for every person, but in general, you are looking for those things that make you feel weak. The things that frustrate you, make you angry, get you in a funk and hold you back. if there is a negative connotation to the emotion that you have then it is something you want to let go of.
I do want to be clear that there is nothing wrong with experiencing negative emotions. We all do! It would be a pretty sad and silly world if we did not get sad or angry about some of the things that happen.
And if you do find yourself overwhelmed by powerful emotions – particularly from trauma or loss, please seek counseling (Christian counseling, where your faith is considered, is especially good if you can find it). As with any medicine or assistance in times of need, consider it necessary self-care!
That being said, in order to develop a joyful and purposeful life, we still have to let go of – or at least loosen our grip on – those negative emotions before we can truly move forward.
Use Your Thankful List
Your thankful list is a powerful tool for helping you get out of your head and focus on what you need to do here and now. If you don’t have a thankful list written out, get ready to be inspired. I’ve got your back on this one!
Reviewing your thankful list every morning before you start your day and/or in the evening when you’re winding down will distract you from any negative thinking. You’ll be more alert to what you can accomplish, instead of worrying about the things you can’t control. And you’ll be more likely to come up with some problem-solving or strategic planning that propel you foward.
Now, if what I’m saying, sounds overly aggressive for simply having a joyful, peaceful, fulfilled life, please know that I am not suggesting you need to do anything big or difficult to achieve that life. In fact so many times we find that focusing on “simple” things like having time to spend with family and friends and staying healthy and creating a beautiful home creates a much better life than any amount of wealth or success ever could.
Even so, those so-called simple things still require intention and planning. If you want to make the best use of your life, then you definitely owe it to yourself to figure out what those important things are and how to achieve them.
For instance? Let’s say I am a homemaker with children and my goal is to allocate my time wisely to keep my family healthy and to keep my home as beautiful and comfortable as possible. These goals require planning! Never let anyone convince you that a “simple” life is any less challenging then a chaotic, frazzled one. Both take effort. One simply more peaceful and intentional outcome.
Active Listening
Listening, as you’ve probably guessed by now, is not as simple as a sounds. When we are listening for what the Father has to tell us, we first have to clear a lot of junk out of our minds. (one of the things our thankful list helps with). It’s also important to spend time reading the Word and praying, because that’s actually how we hear most of what He says to us.
When I say reading the Word, I of course mean studying the Bible, but neither “reading” nor “studying” actually conveys what I mean. T
The best way – for me, and maybe this will help you – to get into the Word is to read a little each day and take time to reflect on it. Regardless of the version you’re reading, many passages have more than one thing to say to us, and they are seldom straightforward.
Taking time to mull over it can lead to a sudden revelation ( like your brain, saying “oh – here’s an idea!”)
Prayer, of course, is the other great way people “hear” what God says to them. Now I do want to caution you that I don’t mean you should pray “God tell me what to do!” I mean, I do that all the time – I think many of us do – but I promise it’s not the most effective way (usually) for you to discern His plan for your life.
Prayer – done consistently (like every night, or I’m just on a regular basis) is an opportunity for you to reflect on your thoughts as you share them with the Lord, and compare them to what you know is true about God and what you should be doing. Reflecting on thoughts that are usually just lurking in the background Kenley to some pretty fascinating insights.
I for one have spoken prayers aloud before out loud (when I was driving in the car by myself or sitting in the living room alone) and as I heard the words come out of my mouth I knew what the answer was.
Of course there are times when we pray and really do feel a response from God. It’s a little hard to explain, but the few times I’ve experienced it, it was a feeling so strong in my heart (or brain) – it felt almost as though I had heard the words poken out loud.
Those times are few and far between, but I would never want to discourage anyone from believing it can happen. It absolutely can!
Finally, just realize that learning to listen for the Father’s plan for your life – and to trust Him as it unfolds – is an ongoing process. It’s not a one time fix. You don’t trust God and suddenly become worry-free for the rest of your life. But you will experience moments of great joy and great freedom. Let’s let that freedom begin!