When Life Gets You Down Recently
I've grown weary. Weary of waiting for an agent to pick me up, weary of writing day after day after day and not seeing any results from something that is my only income. So far that income is looking distinctly unhealthy. I have even become weary of doing this newsletter and have toyed with the idea of giving it up; after all, I've been doing it several years now.Yet, I know that I have a talent for writing; I believe a natural God-given ability to place words in such a manner as to make them interesting and sensible. And every time I think about giving up doing the editorial for this newsletter, I am encouraged by particularly supportive feedback, or God inspires me with a topic when I thought I'd exhausted everything I could write about.Life does get tiresome from time to time. A change can make all the difference - holiday, listening to music, a walk, or changing the routine. What about those other times when we come back and still feel the same? Less than enthused, in fact, depressed about the status of things.This is very much a spiritual issue as those feelings permeate our spirit and tend to colour life as a whole, when really it is only one or two aspects that aren't going so well. A walk may suffice, but for the times when that fails to lift your flagging spirit, try these little pick-me-ups. Go and visit someone, particularly someone who has few friends, is ill, or could do with a helping hand. Take them a gift, card, or packet of biscuits. Out of your own frustration, cheer someone else up and it might catch on.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25 Take time to remember what you are doing and why. Often anything worthwhile takes time and the rewards can take even longer. Maybe you do need to take stock and make some changes to be more realistic or have a greater chance of achieving what you desire.
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgement." Proverbs 12:11 Are there attitudes or beliefs you hold which are contributing to a general weary mood? Perhaps the answers to a problem have been provided, but there is unwillingness to follow through or accept that guidance.
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Proverbs 13:10 Though it is good to take advice, you also need to weigh it up. Is the advice sound? Does it serve to only boost your pride, or worse, do the opinions of others make you feel worthless and incompetent? The words of others can affect us very deeply, often more so than we care to admit.
"The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction." Proverbs 16:21 Congratulate someone on their success. Think about the successes of people in the same area as you're attempting and realise it is possible to succeed. Use this to combat any jealousy that might be colouring your mood.
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30 Examine your motives for wanting to achieve a certain goal. Is it healthy, honest, and worthwhile? Does it honour yourself, your family, your friends or colleagues...God?
"All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord." Proverbs 16:2 Take the time to ask God about what is giving you trouble. Pray for guidance and strength, commit the acts/goal to His service and glory. Ask Him to work on your behalf.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3There are so many little things we forget as we go about living. How easy it is to get caught up in our own world and the issues within it. Bringing focus onto the broader picture and giving oneself a 'thought-process examination' can help bring perspective back to whatever is bringing us down.May you continue your journey with peace and joy in Christ.Till next time:
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