Some days I’m just not up for it. I will be distracted, not present and zapped of joy or contentment. On days where I’m really feeling the bipolar depression, it is hard to get out of bed, and I see the worst in life.
So, what does this mean for my role with my kids? It means at times they are, I must confess, lacking attention and the presence of their mother they deserve. Not a good thing, but something happened recently, and so far, it’s left my lack of gratitude behind. I am overwhelmed by my life experiences now. Even through the bad, I can find some good. The little things mean more than any bigger things do. My perspective on life shifted when I almost lost my youngest son.
Thankfully and most gratefully, he received the help needed in time.
Should it have taken such a drastic event to snap me out of my unthankful state? No.
Is it difficult to admit that some of my problem when I feel depressed is due to lack of gratitude and thanks? Yes.
Take Back Your Joy
I implore fellow believers, especially those dealing with depression, to take back the authority we have in Christ and to find joy in the little things. It is truly life changing! Every interaction with my baby boy is a treasure, and to think I was taking it for granted before.
Once we discover how fragile life is, it is then that we take stock in every moment, in every little thing as a treasure. May that fragility motivate us to love harder than ever before. May you live confidently knowing that He is with you and that even the little things are truly something to rejoice over and are God-ordained.
“Rejoice in the Lord always” – Philippians 4:4
How you can take back your Joy
Luckily, it doesn’t require a near-death experience of a loved one like I had to rediscover joy. Over time, you can find your joy in the little things. Here are some steps anyone can follow:
- Take Inventory. What’s stealing your joy in the first place? Comparison? Lack of gratitude? Difficult circumstances?
- Create your battle plan. With prayer, understand what actions you can take to turn your perspective around. For those things you can control, take positive steps, such as building good habits, that can change your thinking. Maybe this looks like positive self-talk, an exercise plan, being more selective about who you spend time with, or budgeting.
For anything out of your control, completely surrender it to God and try your best to stop worrying over it. Only then can you find rest. - Make time for mindfulness. When we’re not mindful of things, that’s when we’re not being present. There is value in everything that happens to us, be it good or bad. Slow down to take in how your day is going, identify any good that can come of your situation, and meditate on that.
- Put on the attitude of Christ. “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)…
Need I say more? 😉 - Turn to God’s word for peace and encouragement. Some nuggets of encouragement from scripture include:
* “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” – Psalm 126:5
* “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
* “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15 - Live out your plan and be consistent. Consistency is the key to building better habits that will stick. I will emphasize here to take special care to nurture your spiritual habits. A walk with God that is cared for will bear love, of which a fruit of that is joy.
Let’s Talk
What little things in life are you taking time to enjoy again?
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