by Kathy Lay
Verse of the Week: Isaiah 61:3--"...the garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness..."
I had a conversation with a dear friend that went something like this:
Me: And how are you today, Love?
Her: Oh I don’t know. I just feel like I’m in a funk. I can’t get excited about anything and I just feel apathetic.
Me: I’ve been going through a little something like that too. It’s like I’m just going through the motions…
I had another conversation with another dear friend that went something like this:
Me: How’s it going, Babe?
Her: Oh, I just feel funky lately, kind of numb, but like the littlest thing could set me off into tears.
Me: That’s strange. It seems there are several of us going through the same funk.
A third conversation that was strikingly similar confirmed it—does that qualify as an epidemic? Present in each of these conversations was the word “funk.” Definitions of this term (yes, I really looked) include “a depressed state of mind,” “to shrink back from undertaking or facing something,” and a sense of “dread.” Actually, I could check off each of those definitions as a symptom I’m experiencing, and it sounds like a lot of others could too. Girls, we’re being robbed! Our joy has been stolen! How can we get it back?
Praise the Lord that he thinks of everything, even restoring our joy--even when we settle into our funk so deeply that we’re not sure we can or even want to come out. His remedy is simple. Not necessarily easy, mind you, but simple: praise him. Isaiah 61:3 describes God’s promise “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning,” and “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;” (NKJV). We just have to choose to be obedient and put it on.
David wrote in Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” The man after God’s own heart didn’t only praise when things were rosy, he continually praised. Even in a funk. We know God doesn’t need us to put on the garment of praise for him, so it must be for our own good. Become undignified before your Lord (2 Samuel 6:22) and let him fill you with his joy. Let your praise be your "disinfunktant."
Father God, we lay our funk at your feet. We want to be effective for you and we need your power to sustain us in that. Accept our praise as a fragrant offering that pleases you and unleashes your oil of joy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Application: Be alone with God and put on your garment of praise. Pick out a praise song you love and belt it out at the top of your lungs.
Power Verses:
Hebrews 1:9—“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." (NIV)
Psalm 9:2—“I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. (NLT)
6 comments:
Kathy,
That was awesome. A timely word for me, and I'm sure many others who will read it. Thanks for the reminder to "put on the garment of praise"
I, too, have been in a "funk" lately - but I am been referring to myself as a "goof". I feel as a goof because I have been unsatisfied with many simple things, judging too quickly, then making decisions I regret seconds later. Thank you for helping me remember that other Christian women can feel the same and it is okay. Lord, help me to have trust in you and then all these goofy ways of mine will be nothing compared to your awesome love.
I am glad to know I am not the only one who feels this way. However, I must say ... my funk got a little less funky once I visited this site!!! Thanks so much for providing encouragment to women!
I've been in a real funk lately, and I allow myself to wallow in it sometimes. It's nice to be reminded that our God is just waiting - just like a gentleman - to pick us up and carry us right through our struggles. And isn't it amazing how much better things seem when we begin to praise Him - the troubles just seem to be lifted away, and the day seems a little brighter!
When you start praising God for all he has done the things that bothered you before seem to have less and less meaning. It is cool how the concept of praising the Father brings so many blessings.
Kath'
Yeah, well, did you have to tell EVERYBODY about our conversation? LOL! I definitely need to put on the garment of praise! And I have sooooo much to praise Him for! And you're one of them!!!
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