We chase happy. We all want to feel good. Yet according to the National Institute of Mental Health at least 17.3 million adults in the United States have dealt with depression and an estimated 3.2 million adolescents have had a major depressive episode. I am not a psychologist nor an expert in this area in any way, nor am I going to suggest a "just do this and you'll feel all better" solution. However, we can look at cause and effect and run-of-the-mill blues.
David, who wrote most of the Psalms was referred to by God as a man after His own heart. David had some serious things he had to deal with and he was real about his feelings. He cried out to God in desperation many times throughout the Psalms. But he also chose how he would respond. He said, "I will praise the Lord at all times."
One of my go-to verses when I need to turn around the direction my thoughts are headed is Philippians 4:4-8. It tells us to rejoice in the Lord. It says to not live in anxiety, but to bring our asks to God. And here's the kicker, it tells us what to set our minds on--things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, that if anything is excellent or praiseworthy to think about those things. When we do that God promises (verse 7) to give us peace that is beyond understanding.
Want that lift that happy brings? Deal with the issues that bring you down, but don't stay there; don't just dwell on them. Set your mind on the praiseworthy--speak God's praises, sing worshipful songs, remind yourself of the good He has done. Read and practice the Philippians 4 advice.
Not only will you feel better, but so will those around you!
Comments