Pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Texas says that people might be feeling depressed because they are facing a "drought" of blessings in their lives right now, but he is certain that the drought will not last.
In fact, Osteen is so confident of the positive change that he is encouraging people to "dig ditches" so that they will be prepared when God's blessings finally come.
"When we make preparations for God's goodness, we set ourselves up for a downpour of blessing," he explains on his blog.
Osteen is, of course, not speaking literally and is in no way telling people to get out their shovels and pails. To "dig ditches," Osteen means that people should obey God's Word and give Him praise.
"Every time you say, 'Father, thank You that I'm blessed,' you are digging a ditch. You're making preparation for the blessings that will follow. When you say, 'Lord, thank You that I'm strong and healthy,' you're digging another ditch," says Osteen.
With their words of positivity and faith in God, people will find their lives filled with health, strength, and vitality, Osteen says.
"Even when there may not be any sign of it right now, you are preparing the way. Don't be moved by what you see. Don't be moved by negative thinking," he says.
Whenever people feel their negativity creeping in, they should simply shrug this off and keep digging their ditches. Osteen says when people do their part in thanking God for His goodness and favour, then He will return the favour by opening doors, healing sicknesses, and restoring broken relationships, among many other things.
"Today, look with your eyes of faith. There are rain clouds forming. You may be in a drought, but just keep giving God praise," he says. "Remember, praise is more than just singing a song. It's more than just something we do on Sundays. Praise is an attitude. All throughout the day, you're grateful."
