Hermits do not survive as
Christians. Gradually, God changes our behavior, attitude, social skills and
perspective. We learn to trust in Him, rather than to attempt to rely on our
human resources.
As a melancholy person, I used to
be so reserved that I never spoke to strangers. I hesitated to share the Gospel
of Christ with anyone, unless God opened the door so wide that I fell through
it.
A childhood friend took his life
a few days before I got to share with him the good news of the Gospel. The day
before he died, God gave me the opportunity to tell him about the difference
that Jesus made in my life; but we were both working, and in a hurry, so I did
not take the time.
This traumatic event cured my
shyness with other people. Now, through the Holy Spirit, I smile at everyone I
see, and I never meet a stranger…only potential friends.
I also used to keep my personal
business to myself. As my confidence in Christ grew, I became an open book;
because I learned that others are going through the same trials that I am, and
we can encourage one another.
God gave me His joy as my
strength, as well as His vision of leading people to Christ and away from
eternal damnation. Now, He constantly opens up new venues and possibilities for
me to share the Gospel with my new potential friends.
God always comforts me from
within in order to keep me from panicking. With a melancholy personality, I am
easily overwhelmed; but His wisdom and comfort keep me resting in His peace and
luxuriating in His joy.
Prayer:
Father God, You know that I used
to dread suffering and difficult trails. You also know that I had little
internal fortitude and disliked going without things that I needed. A new
venture, or place to live, or group of people to get to know intimidated me. I
fought depression constantly because of my melancholic personality.
By Your Spirit, You changed my pessimistic
attitude, which haunted me throughout my whole young life. You gave me Your hope,
and I learned to have faith in Your faithfulness. I am still not optimistic,
but I am certainly hopeful because of Christ in me (Galatians 2:20). Thank You
for redeeming me from a melancholy existence and bringing me into the peace and
joy of Your forgiven children.
Thought for the Day:
Procrastination is another
negative trait of an honest melancholic person; but God teaches us that the
stress that comes with putting things off is detrimental to our health; and we
need to prepare ahead of time, as His Spirit leads us, instead of waiting until
the last moment.
