Feelin' Funky

Do you get in a season of being "in a funk"? Like you're just kinda moping around, going day by day, not really feeling motivated in any sort of way? If that hasn't been me lately... ya'll. Going through a breakup, getting a health diagnosis, having a difficult conversation with a parent that took a full year to process, and a door shutting in my face with a career I was certain was for me - all happening within A WEEK was no easy feat to handle. And it put me in a FUNK forreal. Add on the fall weather and pumpkin spice everything... all I have wanted to do lately is consume copious amounts of pastries and sip lattes (and I'm sure my waist is telling of the decisions I've made recently) while cuddling up with my pooch (I mean my dog, not the one on my stomach that has recently made a reappearance to due to my overindulgence of fall goodies). But when going through these seasons, how do we get out of them?

I've taken note of some things that have helped me. Now I'm not gonna lie, it's not like I am ardent about making these choices, but I know that they are beneficial to me at the end of the day and if you are facing a similar struggle, perhaps they can help you along the way, too.

• Prayer Some days it is so dang hard to do this. I know I have struggled with going to people about my problems/difficulties rather than immediately seeking our all-knowing Father, which when you think about it makes no sense whatsoever (and is a form of idolatry, so you can imagine it's definitely not a healthy practice). But I have seen recently how when I seek Him first and am open and honest with my thoughts and feelings, it gives me a freedom like I have never been able to experience in talking with others - even if it's telling Him how upset you are with Him (which is something I recently had to open up and expose this vulnerability). It's liberating beyond compare. >Scriptural reference: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" Matthew 6:6-9 (NIV). >Additional references: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 1 Chronicles 16:11, Luke 18:13- 14, Mark 11:24-25, James 5:16, Psalm 66:17-19, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 5:14-16, Philippians 4:6-7

• Fasting For some reason, fasting isn't something I practiced regularly throughout my spiritual walk up until recently. I was unaware and perhaps neglectfully oblivious at the impact of this action. But boy, let me tell you the difference it's made in my life! Every time I have fasted (abstaining from food for an extended period of time), I get so many revelations and I am able to hear God's voice so clearly. If you are in need of a breakthrough, I highly encourage you to fast. As for length of time, I feel that it is something you should pray into and see where God leads you. >Scriptural reference: "Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" Matthew 4:4 (NIV). >Additional references: Daniel 1:8-14, Daniel 10:2-3, Luke 4:2, Acts 9:9, Matthew 6:16-18

• Exercise I'm sure if you're aware of who Elle Woods is, you've heard the saying, “Exercise creates endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t kill their husbands.” So basically, exercise because it is good for you. It's good not only for your body, but also for your mind. It will make you happy. And in doing so, you won't kill your spouse (though I can't promise the desire to at times will go away). >Scriptural reference: "You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who is in you. You have received the Holy Spirit from God" 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NCV). >Additional references: Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 10:31

• Staying off social media Anybody else feel depressed when spending hours scrolling through photos and videos, looking at how great everyone's life is, how much prettier/skinnier other girls are than you, how much money people are making, etc.? Just me? Naw... I know I'm not the only one. Like the late and great Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." I know I tend to lose my inner joy when I spend more time on social media platforms, so I make a conscious effort to delete apps when I feel like I'm spending too much time scrolling or when I can identify that my mood has changed because I've allowed social media to have more of my time than God (idolatry, again). Just like with any fast, for me, the first three days are the toughest. But once you get over the hump, it's so much easier - and worth it! >Scriptural reference: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV). >Additional references: 1 Corinthains 15:33, Colossians 4:6, Matthew 6:1, James 1:19, Philippians 4:8

• Reading I know sometimes it feels like the least appealing way to pass time is to spend hours reading a book, but with all the books I've been able to thumb through this year, I can tell you I've grown significantly - with much attribute to this particular pastime. Reading Christian-based or self-care books have really seemed to help me acquire more knowledge and wisdom while growing and developing in my own identity (found in Christ). I also feel so much more accomplished once I am able to close the back cover of a book rather than like or comment on a post on Facebook. >Scriptural reference: "As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom..." Daniel 1:17 (ESV). >Additional references: Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 15:14, Psalm 19:2, Isaiah 11:2

• Getting outside One of my favorite ways to get closer to God is by being out in nature. Just last week I ended up going on yet another solo camping trip (accompanied by my pup) to be able to limit myself of distractions. I ended up being blessed with a view of the sun rising over the Tetons (one of my favorite mountain ranges) while I drove eastward into Driggs, Idaho. In that moment I had to pull over and just stare in awe at the heavens declaring the glory of The Lord. It was hands-down one of the most beautiful and magnificent sights I have ever had the privilege of witnessing (see the photo below and you'll get a glimpse into what I am talking about - though obviously the photo does not do justice to what I experienced in person). I just kept repeating, "Thank you, Lord," while I was incredulously staring at the heady view. >Scriptural reference: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork" Psalm 19:1 (ESV). >Additional references: Genesis 1:1, Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:16, Isaiah 55:12

• Spending time with The Lord Believe it or not, the most important relationship for us is that with God; everything else falls into place when we put Him first. Think about the greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" Mark 12:30 (NIV). Then second line after Jesus' words says, "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these” Mark 12:31 (NIV). You're not able to do part two until you do part one. We simply cannot love others properly until we love God first and foremost. And when you love someone, you want to spend time with them. If spending time with God isn't something you're doing or desiring, ask God to give you that desire. I know that's something I have to constantly pray because it's part of dying to the flesh and sometimes my selfish desires get in the way of longing Him, but it is so important to prioritize time with Him. >Scriptural reference: "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world" James 4:8 (NLT). >Additional references: Psalm 61:10, Luke 10:38-42

• Praising/Worshiping There are so many ways to praise and worship The Lord. One of my favorite ways is through music. I am able to extol Him when I fully embrace the lyrics of Christian songs and hymns that glorify Him. There are so many passages in the Bible about how music is used as a form of worship, but there are also other ways in which we can praise Him. Dancing, kneeling, lifting hands, and bowing are all physical attributes that can be used to bring glory God. Find what speaks to your heart the most and make it a point to do that throughout the day - even if it's blasting "Good Morning" by Mandisa first thing to get your body moving and blood flowing (*guilty*). >Scriptural reference: "Ascribe to The Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship The Lord in the splendor of his holiness" 1 Chronicles 16:29 (NIV). >Additional references: Acts 2:1-2, Exodus 33:10, 1 Kings 18:39, 2 Chronicles 29:30, Psalm 13:6, Psalm 29:2, Psalm 47:1-2, Psalm 95:6, Psalm 98:4-6, Psalm 150:6, 2 Chronicles 29:28

• Reading scripture Of course, one of the amazing gifts God left to us is the living, breathing truth: the Bible. Therefore, we need to take advantage of using this gift regularly by studying it constantly. It not only helps us gain insight into who Jesus is, but it also allows us to draw closer to Him. It's been incredible seeing how much my mindset changes when I am actively reading and studying scripture. I can definitely tell a difference in my attitude when I skip a day of engaging this way - especially when I start driving the Utah roads (Can you say, "road rage"?)! God bless those I encounter when I have neglected my Bible study... >Scriptural reference: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of The Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night" Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV). >Additional references: Ezra 7:10, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16

These are just some ways I am able to get out of the funk I'm feeling. I encourage you to try out some of them for yourself when you feel like you're in the pit of despair, but above all else: seek God. Don't stop pursuing Him above all else.