Hope for the Blues (by Vikki Crouch)

Admittedly life can be hard at times and sometimes it is harder than at others. There seems to be ups and downs, peaks and valleys. We all experience this. We get “down” because of the hard things, but it is important to not get stuck there. Depression can be termed “down and out” (isolation, do not want to get out of bed, assume our responsibilities, etc.) and the following is not directed to those truly experiencing depression which requires immediate attention by one’s health care provider and counselor. The following has to do with “being blue or down”, discouraged, disheartened. In that one’s thinking drives one’s feelings, the way to change one’s feelings is to change one’s thinking. (Mark 7;21-23; Prov. 23:7 KJV) In other words, the mind is the engine and feelings are the boxcars and caboose. 

We find wise counsel in Ps. 103: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (v.2). The benefits represent God’s steadfast love (vv.4,8,11,17), and mercy, such as His forgiveness and constant care. The Psalmist then proceeds to list them in vv. 3-22. So, let us determine to do the same. Keep a gratitude journal and daily list a minimum of 10 blessings you have. Do not repeat the same ones in the days ahead; name additional ones. Look up, away from yourself and your circumstances to God, His mercy, grace and love.  He blesses us all daily but when we focus on ourselves and our circumstances we do not notice the blessings. “Count your blessings, one by one” daily and thank God for each of them. It is difficult to stay “down” when one is looking up and praising God. A grateful heart is more likely to be a joyful heart. Focus On Christ’s Undeniable Sufficiency. That spells FOCUS. This results in a Godward view of difficulties in our thinking. (Phil. 4:8).

Philippians 4:9 tells us we need to practice certain things as well. This, too, directs our thoughts away from our circumstances and ourselves to our responsibilities to others. List your responsibilities; note which ones you are fulfilling and those you are not. Determine to push through your feelings and get busy doing what you are to do. Determine a plan; make a schedule. Do not focus on whether or not you want to do something. If the responsibility is yours, then get to it. No excuses. God will help you. ”I can do all things through him who gives me strength”. (Phil. 4:13) Dr. Charles Swindoll teaches a powerful truth: “Attitude determines altitude.” Therefore, fulfill your responsibilities with a positive attitude. And don’t neglect time with God in prayer and His Word in the process. Seek to implement what He reveals to you. Share with others what you learn.

Stay away from naysayers and negative people. Spend your time with those who want to use the challenges of life as opportunities to trust God and “walk in the light as He is in the light.” (1 John 1:7). God is good and therefore He is always up to something good. Look for it – look for Him. He daily loads us with blessings. A grateful heart results in a joyful heart.