Why Am I Discouraged?

Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),

A Thought for the Day: “…we can allow someone’s little shortcomings to become the title of our story, or we can forgive and write a new storyline.” extracted from Healing Your Heart When It’s Been Rubbed Raw by Sharon Jaynes.

Well, we have reached the end of my writing week. And I would like to close with a paraphrased message from Max Lucado that I heard several years ago that impacted me then and continues to do so today.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:5 NLT

GiG, the writer of Psalm 42 was sad, discouraged. The struggles of life threatened to topple him over and take another victory. What I like most about the retelling of this verse is that instead of getting pulled under, we are taking another victory; “Hope in God.” From time to time, troubles may pounce on us like rain in a thunderstorm. In order to find God around the billows will demand every ounce of discipline. I can muster up. But worth the strain.

GiG, there is no hope if we meditate on our misery but instead immerse our mind on God thoughts.

My second point is this—depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. One antidote to depression is to meditate on the record of God’s goodness to his people. This will take our mind off the present situation and give hope that it will improve. It will focus our thoughts on God’s ability to help us rather than on our inability to help us rather than on our inability to help ourselves. If or when we feel depressed, take advantage of this psalm’s antidepressant. Read the Bible’s accounts of God’s goodness and meditate on them.

I’m needing this antidepressant prescription for myself today. I received word yesterday that one of my former clients at a men’s treatment center I volunteer relapsed and overdosed. So, I’m reminding myself of the power contained in Psalm 42 and wearing it like a comfy blanket. I'm praying earnestly for his family and all who knew him because his death is a loss that is deeply felt.

May we be encouraged by this quote by Robert Louis, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

God’s Got It… so we can know the TRUTH—Not only

does forgiveness change the title of your story, it changes the ending as well. Sharon Jaynes

Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,

DEA: Embracing a Just Be Joyful Life 2020: Laughing, Loving, and Living Life That Extends Far Beyond My Circumstances