We can develop habits over time
to create more joy in our life and to eliminate depression and melancholy. It
takes a change of focus and total submission to God's Holy Spirit.
Many habits we develop over the
years will increase our melancholy and make us feel hopeless and helpless in
this big, scary world.
We tend to regret the past and
fear the future. We spend so much time focusing in these two directions that we
waste the current moment. This moment in time is all that we are guaranteed.
The past is over and forgiven (we
just have to remember to forgive our self too) and the future is in God's
capable hands; therefore, trusting God in the moment provides us with a
stress-free lifestyle.
Many people live in the realm of
"what ifs" and/or wanting what they do not have. They think that
happiness will finally arrive when they accomplish their bucket list.
We allow circumstances to color
our thoughts and feelings, which usually diminishes our joy. We wait for God to
answer our prayers in our way and timing, rather than to enjoy the life, which
He already provided for us.
His peace and joy are available
for us each moment of the day and do not depend on circumstances. There is no guarantee
that we will live to see the next moment in time.
Focusing on having possessions or
certain people in our life will also reduce our joy. When Jesus is our center,
it is possible to live in an economically depressed area with impoverished
circumstances and have total peace and joy (Colossians 3:3-4).
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that
people, places and things do not make us happy. Our life hidden with Christ in
You is our only real place of peace and joy. Teach us to develop hobbies and
habits that enhance this relationship with You, and to give us the opportunity
to reach our friends, relatives, associates and neighbors for Your Kingdom.
Help us to corral our thoughts
and feelings, as well as our choices, until we find our joy in You and walk in
Your perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Help us to develop our motivation for living
from Your will for our life rather than from our own carnal, limited vision of
the way our life should unfold.
Thought for the Day:
We are not helpless unless we
allow Satan's lies to convince us that we are hopeless; instead, we find our
safety and joy in the shadow of Christ's wings alone. - Psalm 17:8
