Do you tend to get stuck in negative thoughts or feelings? I have good news for you. The antidote to negativity is found in prayer. Truly. We are welcome into God’s presence with any kind of desperation. Transformation happens when our feelings meet the Holy Spirit in prayer. So it’s not us, it’s the Holy Spirit. And that’s why it is so effective. The journey from desperation to transformation is short. It’s only a prayer away.

So don’t try to fix yourself or your situation so you could pray. Instead, just come to Jesus as you are and experience this transformation yourself. And if you’re not quite convinced yet, compare the first and last 10 verses of Psalm 77 and you will see the difference. Or just these two verses:

Has God forgotten to be gracious?
    Has he in anger shut up his compassion?
(Ps. 77:9, NRSV,*)

You are the God who works wonders;
    you have displayed your might among the peoples.
(Ps.77:14, NRSV,*)

From desperation to transformation

What happened? How did the psalmist move from self-pity to worship, from desperation to transformation so quickly? By entering into God’s presence in prayer, letting God know how he is feeling and what he is experiencing while allowing the Holy Spirit to work in him.

You see, God is in the business of transformation. And grace is the method of this transformation. God has been fighting for his people from day one. And today he is fighting for you and me.

Prayer is an awesome way to receive God’s amazing grace and experience being lifted from desperation to transformation. So don’t shy away from prayer for any reason. Learn to pray your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Let God in on everything in your life. And you will be lifted from desperation to transformation.

Gracious God,
You’re so good to us.
Thank you for always welcoming us to you as we are.
We give you our feelings of desperation and fear.
Please, do transform them to peace and hope.
Thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Help us to live our lives with you and for your glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Have you been transformed by the Holy Spirit?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you pour out your heart to God and let God lift you from desperation to transformation!

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash.