Let’s Say Grace

For many, the holidays are the best time of the year. But for some, they’re the most difficult, draining, and depressing, especially this year.

In Zechariah 4, the one faced with an overwhelming situation was told the way to deal with it was not in his own strength, but in God’s. He was told that to accomplish everything in front of him, he should begin by declaring “grace, grace” over all of it.

Say those words over your life. Not as some religious incantation, but as a declaration from God’s presence—from his love, mercy, peace, joy, and strength. In the overflow of his grace, speak them over your heart and mind, over all your relationships, and over all your circumstances.

Speak “grace, grace,” over yourself until you can breathe again. Say it until you can feel God’s peace in your heart and mind. Say it until grace becomes the core of your thankfulness. Say it until the joy in you grows into a genuine smile.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield, and I trust my life to him. He is always with me, which fills my heart with such joy, I can’t help but sing songs of thanksgiving” (Psalm 28:7, paraphrased).