Matters of the Heart
Season 1
by Kimberly S. Davis, Ed.D.
Comparison is the "silent thief" of joy, gratitude, faith, peace, confidence, contentment, productivity, etc.; and often leads to depression and the feeling of inadequacy. Who are you comparing yourself with? Who are you comparing your race with? Who are you competing with? What/Who are you coveting? Stop competing and comparing yourself with others. Choose contentment. Focus on what God has placed in your hands and use it.
What season are you currently in? We live our lives in seasons; therefore, it is important to identify the season we are in so that we can align with what God has appointed. Remove expectations, stop trying to force things, and seek Him for guidance. Every season is significant and has a purpose...Are you aligned?
Who or what we surround ourselves with determines who/what we become, the path we take, what we do or don't do, and how we do it. Create a support system (surroundings) that support, encourage, uplift, provide ideas, make you feel inspired and confident, and bring peace, joy, and spiritual growth. Check Your Surroundings and make any necessary adjustments!
Who/What have you given power in your life? What we entertain daily is influencing us so we have to be mindful of what we are giving access to us. Everything we listen to, watch, or read has the power to shift our mindset. What are you allowing to influence the way you live and think? Time for a Self-Awareness Check! Let God's word be the power that frame your thoughts and influence your heart. Read Romans 12:2 (MSG) and James 1:8
God gives us the free gift of grace, that divine enabling power to do or to be what we cannot on our own. Receive God's grace and extend it to others. It is about showing compassion, kindness, and love to someone even if they may not deserve it, appreciate it, or return it. Read Colossians 4:6 | 1 Peter 4:10
It is time to release the spirt of fear that is working to hinder and distract you from your destiny. Filter your thoughts through God's word and believe what He says about you, what you have, and what you can do. Shift your perspective and stop believing the lies. Cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5: 7
Take time to conduct a self-assessment and determine where you are and where you want to be? Are you prepared for your next? Are you rejecting growth? Who/what has your attention? Have you been distracted from your goals, your vision, your dreams? Life happens and we can get sidetracked sometimes, but if you make adjustments where needed, recharge, refuel, and "RESET", you can get back to business and in alignment.
What is the driving force of your life? What gives you meaning and purpose? Our PURPOSE is the reason for our creation, our existence, who God designed us to BE. Purpose is who we become. When people get you, who do they get? There are different roles, positions, seasons, etc. that God has called us to be in purpose. He has also graced us all differently to fulfill our purpose in this world.
Thriving and living a passionately life starts with our hearts so let's do a heart check. What is the condition of your heart? What are your priorities? How often do you spend time with God? It is time to step into a life of adventure with God.
God wants us to live a joyful and abundant life so start thriving, start living passionately. However, we must check the condition of our heart first and live from a healthy heart. Identify and remove any toxicity that hinders, delays, taints, distracts, destroys, etc. It is time to plant God’s word in our hearts so we can touch, help, serve, and impact those around us because living a passionate life is not just about self.