We all have times in our lives when we feel a little down — times where we experience anxiety, fear, or other emotions that really put a damper on our spirits. Sometimes these moments are worse than at other times. The following are some of the things that I find help me to overcome my occasional bouts of the blues.
Praying to God. Praying to God is merely talking to Him just as you would any other person. It does not always have to be in a kneeling position with our eyes closed. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing,” so this means that we can pray at any time, in any place, and in any posture. I pray to God in good times but more intensely in trying times. I think it’s the same with most people.
There are many instances in the Bible of people just like you and me who were in such dire straits, who cried out to God in prayer. One such instance is the story of the prophet Jonah who, as most of us know, was swallowed up by a “great fish” and remained in its belly for 3 days and 3 nights. In Jonah 2:1-2, it states, “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.”
After continuing with a very heart-rending and detailed prayer which described the anguish he was going through, he says in verse 7, “When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.”
Jonah’s prayers to God then resulted in the “mother of all spirit boosters!” In verse 10, it says, “And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.” Can you imagine how happy and relieved he must have been?
I think it’s safe to say that not many of us have had to endure what Jonah did for those three dreadful days, and I’m sure that most of our problems pale in comparison. So if God can deliver Jonah out of such a seemingly hopeless situation, then He is certainly able to deliver us out of whatever we may be going through. We just need to ask.
Reading the Book of Psalms. The Book of Psalms consists of 150 songs written by King David of Israel, as well as other authors. A great majority of David’s Psalms were penned while he was hiding out in caves from his enemies in fear for his life. His words show his desperation, his fear, and his ultimate realization that only God can save him from his circumstances. Here is a passage from one of my favorite Psalms written by David:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” (Psalm 27:1-6)
In my times of feeling down, I have started reading in one of the Psalms and by the time I finished one or two chapters, I really did feel more at peace and had a more positive outlook on life. It’s almost like reading this book has a supernatural ability to elate one’s spirit.
Singing Praises to God. We don’t have to have a great singing voice to sing songs of praise to God. This can be a time just between us and Him. No one else has to hear. In fact, we are commanded to praise God! Psalm 135:3 says, “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.”
There is actually an account in the Bible where two men, Paul and Silas, were put into prison unjustly. They started praying and singing praises to God, when all of a sudden there was an earthquake so strong that the foundations of the prison were shaken, all the doors were opened, “and everyone’s chains were loosed.” (Acts 16:25-26) That’s some mighty powerful singing!
Now I’m not saying that if we sing praises to God, we’ll have the same “earthshaking” experience that they did, but I really believe that “behind the scenes,” something powerful is happening that will influence our lives in a positive way. So we should never underestimate the significance of singing praises to God!
Listening to Praise Music. I once had a situation in my life that caused me to be full of heavy fear and anxiety. Nothing seemed to alleviate it.
Then while crying out to God, I turned on the radio to a Christian music station. I continued praying and asking God to deliver me from the overbearing feelings I was experiencing. The radio was probably on for less than a minute when the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart” came on. I wasn’t really paying too much attention to the music; it was kind of just in the background.
All of a sudden the fear and anxiety that was gripping my heart just dissipated within a matter of seconds. It literally felt like a giant hand of fear had been squeezing my heart and then it just eased up little by little until it was gone. Then I had peace in my heart.
Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I can honestly say that I experienced this in a very real way. It was at this moment that I realized the importance of music that praises and worships God.
Helping Others. I have found that when I’m feeling down, if I help someone else with a problem they’re going through, I actually feel better. The logical explanation for this is that it takes my mind off of my problems (at least on the surface) and shifts my focus to the other person. The Bible specifically tells us in Philippians 2:4 to look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. We are also to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
These are just some of the things I do to give my spirit a lift when I’m feeling down. You may find it helpful to try some or all of these when you have an occasional bout of the blues.
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Photograph by dan.
His Reflections 