REFUSING TO STAY SAD OR DEPRESSED

Everyone experiences times of frustration and distress when life doesn’t go according to the way we planned.  When hopes and dreams are unfulfilled it is normal to feel disappointed.  Memories and all sorts of things may make us feel sad but, for our own well-being, we must not STAY sad.

If we do, Satan will take advantage of the open door and push his way into our lives so our sadness becomes discouragement, then disillusionment, then depression, then we end up in despair. 

God knows that we will experience periods of difficulty from time to time and, in His tenderness and kindness, He invites us to come to the light of His love.  As we draw near to Him, we will experience joy as surely as night becomes day by the light of the dawn. 

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning……

Psalm 30:5b

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.  For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. 

Isaiah 9:2

When we live in depression our number-one enemy is our emotions. We tend to be led by how we feel, regardless of the fact that feelings are unreliable.  They change from day to day and they often don’t convey the truth or at least the complete truth.  We have needs, including emotional needs.  Our emotional state gets depleted for a variety of reasons. 

When we feel low we do not have to withdraw and believe there is no solution in sight or no source of comfort and strength to draw on.  Rather, we can allow these feelings to draw us close to God’s heart and allow Him to embrace us, comfort us, strengthen us and help us get through the challenging moment.

As for me, I look to the Lord for help.  I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.  Do not gloat over me, my enemies!  For though I fall, I will rise again.  Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.

Micah 7:7-8

Heavenly Father, When times are hard, thank you for being with us and accompanying us through the challenges. You know the reason for our sadness. You understand our grief.   You don’t condemn us for the way we feel.  Instead, you are understanding and the friend who stays closer than a brother. 

We ask you to draw me close to our hearts and fill us with peace.  We rest in your strength and trust in your unfailing love to get us through today.  Thank you that you care for us and the things that concern us today. Amen