AMEN! I whole heartedly believe this because I have experienced it first hand over and over again in my life. I’ve often been asked how I keep from getting burnt out in ministry. How I keep singing the same songs passionately. I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve felt discouraged, tired, beat down and frustrated in the hours before I’ve had to take the stage and lead people in worship. Like the quotes in the images above say, prayers of gratitude have become my weapon against the discouragement. They are often the key that unlocks my soul’s response of Joy and celebration for all that God has done for me. Those kinds of prayers get my eyes off of my own feelings and burdens, and set my heart on His kindness, grace, goodness, generosity, and love. And what is worship if not response to these aspects of who our God in heaven is?🙌🏼 I specifically try to do it out loud. As if I’m literally preaching to myself the same way David did. “Why are you downcast oh my soul? Place your Hope in God!” In these moments I try not to for anything. I just start saying Thank You for anything and everything that comes to mind. Often the prayers seem shallow and rehearsed at first. But as I continue to say “thank you” I am gradually reminded of His goodness in my life, and the fire begins to rekindled. The anxiety loses power. The weariness turns to worship🙌🏼So I encourage you today. If you’re feeling downcast, lost, burdened, distant, discouraged, depressed.... Take a walk or sit alone in your car. Just get somewhere your ears can hear you own voice speak out prayers of thankfulness. Take 10, 20, 30 minutes and just praise Him for it all, whatever comes to mind. Dwell upon the times he provided. The grace he has shown. The debt he has paid on the cross. The future in Heaven he won for you. All of it. It’s ok if you’re not even feeling it. That’s what faith is. I’m going to believe regardless of feeling cause I KNOW these things to be true. May the the joy of Jesus flood your hearts and lives. As you do your perspective go from the situation around to the King above! - “On Our Knees” is available now at philwickham.com or wherever you get your books online.