SURVIVING A BLUE CHRISTMAS
By Carolyn Dale Newell
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Ps. 42:11
Almost everyone gets down, even depressed, at some time. Usually, for me, it is around Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mother’s Day. The reason for my depression is my wayward daughter who has not communicated with me at all for over 7 years. You may have different reasons for your disquieted soul, such as a lost loved one or possibly you are totally alone.
Like the psalmist, I ask, “Why am I depressed?” I am a Christian, and I know that God has a purpose for everything in my life. I know that He loves me and it will work out for my good (Rom. 8:28). He gives me grace to handle it, and most of the time I am OK, but sometimes a memory is triggered. It may be a particular song, and there I go fighting back the tears. My only conclusion is that I am human.
I can hope in God, like the psalmist, and I can praise Him. It is amazing how praising God will lift your spirits. He is my Comforter and my Help. He is my Rock (v. 9). I trust Him, and I remember all His mercies and His abundant grace. I meditate on these things. Could it be, if the blues never came that I may forget God’s grace which sustains me? I need to praise God more for His grace. I also need to pray more When I start feeling down. I know my loving Father will comfort me.
Perhaps you feel down. You are only human, and you are not alone. Hope in God, and remember all He has done. Praise Him – it is like medicine to the soul.
Dear Lord,
I praise You because You are in control. You know my troubled heart. You know the heart of every man. Lord, fill us with Your grace. Lift up the lonely, the sad and the grieving. Cover them in peace. Thank You, Lord, amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Psalm 42. Meditate on this Psalm today.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Praise God today for His goodness, mercy, love… Look for opportunities to encourage others who may feel sad during the holidays.
Copyright 2013 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 