“When the oil in your lamp runs low”

Your alarm goes off. You give yourself a few extra moments to gather your thoughts before rising. “And so it begins” you mumble to yourself, “just another day, same old, same old.  Not much to look forward to because it’s bound to be precisely as it was yesterday, the day before and the day before that……..  so why should this day be any different?”

Why indeed! It should be very different from previous days because it’s not yesterday – it is “today” – a brand new day! It is in fact a “yes-today”!

Getting out of bed each morning with the exact same dismal expectations of how you will get through the day based on the past is a dreadful way to view your future. This is limiting your growth and your plans and goals. Your hopes for anything new and exciting will cease to exist simply because you continuously tell yourself “today will be just the same as yesterday”. By the mere fact that you arose this morning should tell you that you have another chance to change your outlook and seek out new possibilities, friends, promotion or even a new address! Shift your mind-set away from the humdrum of boredom. Don’t become stale. So what if life is short; lengthen yours by spicing it up with good wholesome fun and refreshing thrilling new ideas.  It’s never too late to begin again. It’s up to you however to start the process, don’t wait for someone else to get you going – you could very well wait for ever!

There is nothing worse than ending your day feeling exhausted from the way you were thinking rather than from what you were physically doing. If you are tired from working this means you were being productive but if it’s due to the fact that you were reminding yourself repeatedly about how bleak and drab you view everything, you will simply exist in a state of mortal dread with very little to envisage. You are not being fair to you. Fears bring about irrational thoughts and 2 Timothy 1:7 says this “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” While some fears are very real, make sure you are interpreting yours correctly and not just using them as excuses to keep you living in a place called “stuck” because if they are, it’s time to move! Keep the oil of your inner lamp constantly topped up so that you ceaselessly burn with an insatiable desire to better your life and situation. Face your day with enthusiasm, optimism and hope – these glad tidings belong to you just as much as they do to anyone else. When the oil in your lamp runs low you will feel your oomph and aspirations start to fade – fill it up as quickly as you can – re-energise! There’s no place whatsoever in your mind for destructive and negative thoughts – you are so much stronger than you realise! In times of despair ponder on this verse: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24. The book of Psalms is full of heart-warming advice; read through them, write a few down and keep them with you.

If circumstances have placed you in the predicament you are in, search for ways to get into a healthier manner of living and thinking. Perhaps a mentor or confidant could get you on your way to everlasting peace. Maybe joining groups (or start one) with people who share similar interests as yours could be the key to opening doors to new beginnings. Be in the company of people who are contagious in their laughter and joy. Let their delightful ways rub off onto you so you too can enjoy every moment of every day. Try everything you possibly can – and don’t give up till you find a solution!  Everyone deserves complete and utter happiness in their life. God has His eyes and heart set on you and therefore you are never alone. Psalm 16:11 tells us this:  “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever”.

May each of you be blessed with blissful cheerfulness – every day!

Love Avy