I had lunch with a friend last week and, in the course of our discussion, she told me she’d been listening to podcasts by Shauna Niequist. Shauna had been asking each of her guests this question: “What is one spiritual practice you’ve been doing that is helping or healing you in this season of your life?” So, my friend asked that of me. I was thrilled to have an answer because if I’m being totally honest here, there have been times when I wouldn’t have had one. Sometimes I seem to just sit around and dwell in my own little pity party.

When the weather got warmer last spring, I decided to move from my treadmill to the local walking trail for my daily walk. When I’m on the treadmill, I read books to make the time pass a little more quickly. But, obviously, I can’t do that when I’m outside. I would surely trip and fall, or worse, suddenly look up into the eyes of some burly many I’ve just run into. It wouldn’t be safe. In the past, I’ve listened to podcasts to keep my mind off the fact that I really don’t enjoy walking all that much, but this summer I decided to try something different. Instead of listening to podcasts of sermons, I decided to spend my time listening to praise music and just praising God. I figured this would help me get my focus off my problems and turn my eyes towards the Problem Solver.

The Bible says that the Lord inhabits the praises of his people (Psalm 22:3). And there’s nothing I want more than the Lord to be involved and in charge of my life, so I praise him. If Paul and Silas could sing God’s praises as they sat in a dungeon prison cell (Acts 16:25), then how much more should I be able to praise him while I walk freely around my little town? There is so much to praise God for: health, his protection over my life, the beauty of nature, but mainly just for who he is and that he’s chosen me as his child.

And you know what? It’s changed me. I don’t hate walking quite as much as I used to and my problems don’t seem so big any more. I look forward to my time with Jesus every day. I feel like I’m walking with my best friend and know that, even without me asking, he’s taking care of my needs. Because that’s the kind of God we serve!

What about you? What are you doing that is helping or healing you during this season in your life?

“…I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalms 34:1).

Nancy Holte

Nancy loves to laugh and considers laughter a critical part of human survival. If you were to ask, most days she would say her glass is half full but when it starts reaching the half-empty level, she reaches for a funny book or movie knowing that indeed “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Nancy has three married sons and five grandchildren. To read more from Nancy find her at www.nancyholte.com.

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