Seeking a Season of Joy ~ November 4, 2018

The weather is changing and the chilly cold of winter is upon us as are the holidays bringing times of joy for many and sorrow for many.  If you are part of the crowd that is bubbling over with joy, by all means do all you can to share it.  During this time of year sadness and depression are common.  The condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)*, which is typically associated with winter, affects people who may have normal mental health throughout the year; however certain seasons trigger depressive symptoms.  How does one find and maintain a place of joy and peace even when it seems your heart is not in it? How does one find joy this time of year when the sorrow and emptiness of losing a loved one is fresh? Cry out and draw close to God and you will find He is a present help in the time of need. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34: 17-18 (NIV).

You may say “Enough! I have endured enough!”  In that moment you must, just one more time, dig deep into that well of faith and pull out the strength, courage, and faith to go on. Declare that hurt and pain cannot dwell in you; rather allow joy and peace to flood in again. I have learned that it is through faith in God that the storms of life are bearable. I have learned that by faith that mountain will move. I have learned that by faith, after every storm there is a rainbow to remind you of God's faithfulness to his promises.

As we reflect on the good in our life with a grateful heart for all that we have been blessed with, our outlook on life will be a positive one because we are focused on what we have and not on what we lack. The Bible says in everything give thanks. It doesn’t say give thanks only for the good, but even in the bad, even in what we don’t understand we give thanks knowing that God’s provision will be sufficient, and because of our faith in God, all things will work together for our good in the end.

The coming season of celebration may be shadowed by tragic events but do not let your faith waver, hold fast to the profession of your faith.  I encourage you to allow the joy of the Lord to surround you. As you open your eyes each day, thank God for his brand new mercies and go into the day with the expectation of a victorious outcome!

Feel weak? God is your strength.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phil 4:12-13 (ESV)_____________________________________________________________Add the verse here that speaks to your heart.

Feel tired? God is your rejuvenation.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Is 40:31 (NIV) ________________________________________________________________ Add the verse here that speaks to your heart.

Feel sad? God is your joy.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1: 2-3 (NIV) _____________________________________________________________ Add the verse here that speaks to your heart.

Feel alone? God is your friend.

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9 (NIV) ____________________________________________________________ Add the verse here that speaks to your heart.

Pray with me:

Precious Lord, I thank you for life, health, and strength.  Give peace in the midst of the storm, bring calm where there is unrest, restore joy where sadness is, replace the garment of heaviness with the garment of praise and for your blessings, I praise you now!  AMEN.

*Ref:  National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml

Peace,

SharB***TTSD