Process
“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
The easiest way our dreams to be stolen is when we focus on what we see instead of on what can be.
My friends can attest, most years, I make a vision board. Unfortunately, when 2020 got started, I put off making one. As the year got progressively worse, I found myself flailing about without my usual ‘dream anchor’, realizing its importance a little too late.
I’m a creative dreamer and when I lose my dreams, I tend to lose my way; if I don’t quickly catch myself, I can easily be swept in a downward spiral of dark thoughts and deep emotions.
As co-heirs with Christ, we are commanded to take dominion of the earth. But in order to do that, we must first take dominion of our thoughts. For someone with a strong emotional bent, this can feel impossible.
Emotional folks tend to focus on the past or dramatize ‘what might happen’ in the future but this only robs the present moment and pilfers creative energy.
When I find myself looped into toxic thinking, I STOP, take a deep breath, and remind myself not to waste my powerful creative energy. The truth is, nothing can be done about the past and the future is not mine to touch. I can only create in the NOW!
Besides, isn’t it much healthier and more exciting to partner with God’s possibilities? Why should I limit my creative vision to only see what can be captured in the natural? This is so limiting to both me AND God!
I’ve learned to journal through depression and want to share the prompts that have helped pull me out:
Anchoring Journal prompts for depression:
Journal to yourself:
- List FIVE things you’re thankful for. (Could be as simple as the un-obstructed use of your lungs.)
- List FIVE activities you’re looking forward to. (Could be as simple as your next meal.)
- If you’re feeling sad, find one thing that gives you hope.
- Once you feel hope, find one thing that makes you excited.
- Once you feel excited, anchor onto one activity that makes you happy.
- Define what JOY means to you. (Do not attach this to another person or activity.)
*I define joy as being fully present and grateful for the moment. Joy is a choice we make when we focus on our blessings.
Journal to God:
Write the Lord a thank you letter for those ten things.
Prayer for fresh vision:
“Lord,
I’ve felt the sting of this truth: without a vision, your people perish.
I reject a life without beauty or purpose.
Restore my vision. Let your hope be my anchor. Fill my lungs with your creative breath so I can partner with you.
Forgive me for allowing the realities of life to siphon the dreams you’ve placed in my heart.
Bless my path and light the way by removing all distortions.
Today I choose to be grateful for the blessings you’ve given and the ones that are on their way. My heart is expanding in expectation for great things because I know you are a great God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2-3
