There’s a realization that sets in when you’ve been in a hard time for a while and it seems the difficulties aren’t ending any time soon.

So, what does this mean?

How can you move forward when the storm is still raging around you?

My message to you today is that you’re blessed even in the mess. And you’re too blessed to be stressed!

Here are a few tips to help you keep moving forward—little-by-little and bit-by-bit!

Develop good habits

People often don’t like repetition. Many of us want life to be new and exciting, but that’s hard when you’re dealing with something like a global pandemic. So how do you get through the day-to-day without losing your hope?

I find that there is both power and peace in developing a routine.

For example, Jesus made it a regular practice to pray. In fact, He also taught His followers how to pray, “Give us each day our daily bread …” (Luke 11:3).

This shows us that Jesus (and His followers) had a regular habit (routine) of prayer. Talking to God daily gave them what they needed.

What habits do you need to incorporate into your daily life? How will you keep yourself accountable to remain consistent?

Practice “catch-and-release”

When you are walking through difficult seasons, negative thoughts of doubt or fear may bombard you. When this happens, it is important to remember that you are not defined by the negative thoughts you think.

Negative thoughts may enter your mind sometimes, but that doesn’t mean that you are a negative person. You can change your thoughts!

Practice catching and releasing your thoughts.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

Release the negative thoughts, then replace them with good thoughts. The more you practice this, the easier it becomes. It won’t always feel impossible!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

Make a list of what you’re thankful for. Count your blessings one by one. It really does help!

Remember, this isn’t the end of the story

It can feel natural to start believing that your bad time will never end. When your hope for better times seems out of reach—don’t give up!

This isn’t the end of the line for you. Your story is still being written. You just may need to adjust some expectations to get you through today. Most of all, remember, we are in a season of new joy.

Keep pressing forward because it’s all about to break open for you!

Seeing beyond the natural is a special skill that’s developed over time. It can help you see what God is doing behind the scenes! My new online workshop, The Seer Gift: How to Activate Your Prophetic Vision, will help you develop the tools you need to unlock what’s going on in the spiritual realm!

Remember, you’re too blessed to be stressed—and you’re blessed even in the mess!

Blessings,

Doug Addison

DougAddison.com

Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast and blog. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts, entertainment and media industries.