Holidays will magnify all emotions.
Psychologists and health care workers who work with the depressed will tell you this, as well as those who deal with the "party spirit" people.
The depression is something many of us- if not all of us - can identify with. There is a way to deal with it and we have a great example in the Old Testament.
Remember the story of Elijah? He had just had some major huge victories over the Lord's enemies, and had run 18 miles.....past the chariots and horses to get back to the city. Then,
"He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.' " (1 Kings 19:4)
We can learn a lot from this man and his depression, and how God dealt with him. Here are some of them:
1.
Beware of potential problems.
Physical fatigue
The "post adrenalin' depression ( after-the-high low)
constant problems
loneliness. (Don't set yourself up for this! Find a way to NOT be alone.)
2.
Keep a proper perspective on your past
Don't focus on the bad or negative
Paul said to "always give thanks."
Gratitude will affect your attitude.
3.
Be proactive in the present
- Elijah rested. Pace yourself, and make sure you get enough rest.
- Elijah connected with people. "Relational Renewal"
- Elijah reconnected with God. "Spiritual Renewal."
- Elijah got back in the game. "Renewal of Purpose." (Lifting others up will also lift your spirits.)
4.
Stay positive about God's promises
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Cor 12:9 NIV)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Rom 8:26 NIV)
Survive in order to thrive!
Allow yourself :
- a 10% ratio to be wrong
- A 50% likelihood of betrayal
- And a 100% commitment to survive it all!
Merry Christmas!
Joy To The World...music provided by Rhesa Siregar for the Songs Of Praise Christmas page
