We are in the time of year
that most people find a reason to be depressed, or just plain become depressed
without any known reason. I think the ‘enemy’ has a field day between Thanks
Giving time and Christmas because it is a season of peace and good will toward
men, women and children. More people give at Christmas time than any other holiday
time of year. Some would say that we get greedy for more, and that is true of
some, especially children; they that have not wish they had, and those who have
think they deserve more. The truth is none of us deserves more, but many of us
are blessed. Now with all of the sales it seems that a lot of people are taking
advantage of the season to get much needed items, this would be a good thing.
Many people find they can afford to buy that new TV, or that new microwave oven
at Christmas time because it goes on sale then. Though there are some who just
want more stuff and go out and shop just to fill the need to spend, many people
are indeed greedy and will be greedy at any time of year.
What can you do to keep your
mind on the right things?
How can you keep from being
a humbug during the season and months of celebrations, packages and greed?
Think on these things!
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!5 Let your
gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of
God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.8 Finally,
brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever
things are just, whatever
things are pure, whatever
things are lovely, whatever
things are of good report,
if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these
things. 9 The things which
you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of
peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
How do you overcome the sadness or sorrow of the season when you
are all alone? The Word of God tells us not to forsake the assembling of
ourselves together with other believers.
Let
us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one
another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together, as is the
manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as
you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25
How can we assemble?
We get together and
celebrate with friends, we get together and work with people in soup kitchens
and wrapping packages for Soldiers over seas and that brings a kind of
happiness for a while that gets many through the season alone. We can do more
encouraging in a group than we can when we are alone. Just think on that for a
moment; how many people can you encourage sitting at home in front of the
television, or computer screen? Well sure your computer can be a beacon to the
world if you do it right; but how many people really do reach out to encourage
someone else in the Lord when they are feeling rotten? I can guess not many,
but when we do this we are not only giving light to a life in a dark place but
we are also overcoming our own moments of depression to reach for someone else.
I am sure if you check with a psychologist you would find that they too agree
that reaching out of your depression and doing something out of the norm can
help your situation. The main thing to remember is that our life in this world
is not about us, it is about Him. How can we reach someone for Jesus if we
ignore them because we are deep in depression? Reach through it. Do to others
as you would have them do to you! “Wow, the golden rule? Really, Teresa?” You
may be thinking that and its okay because the rule is golden! If we can just
remind ourselves during the depression times that God is our reason to reach
out and not just for ourselves then we can make it!
Humble yourself in the sight
of the Lord and He will lift you up. James 4:7-10
I heard something on the
radio the other day that made me think on these things; if a person who is contemplating
a serious life changing thing would stop and think about how it would effect
the people around them, would they really make that change? The radio was talking about taking ones life,
but the concept is the same; who will be there to clean up the mess you leave
behind? How will it effect the people around you and is it necessary?
When you feel down or depressed at Christmas,
don’t be selfish and wallow in it alone; share that you are going through this
thing and ask someone to encourage you and not leave you alone in it even if
you ask for it.
God wants to help you through the season of depression and help you come out
on the other side with joy, peace and happiness! The thing about the first two
is they are eternal; they come from the Love of God. The last one is temporary
but Peace and Joy will come to you by way of the Holy Spirit when you reach out
to Him and to other believers who will help you through.
You are not alone; there are
other believers who want to help trust God to direct you to them.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank
you for Your Word today. We lift up those in depression today and this coming
month that you would bring people into their lives that will help ease the
process by way of the Holy Spirit healing and ministering to them in love,
peace and joy. In Jesus name, Amen.
Suggested Reading