COPING WITH SADNESS, DISCOURAGEMENT AND DEPRESSION

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; 
and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in 
Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.  
(1 Peter 1:8)

MEDITATION:
How do you handle it when you are sad, discouraged, or depressed?
We live in a world where there are many opportunities to feel this way.
People experience thwarted hopes, broken dreams and frustrated desires.
Our world has a lot of speed, noise and confusion, 
but few places where there is deep happiness and quiet hearts.

There are many opportunities for fun, 
but quite often they do not include a deep happiness.
The kind of happiness that extends past the brief moments of fun.
We can get off to ourselves and avoid the noise and confusion around us,
but many struggle with finding peace in the midst of quietness.

We can look around us 
and see that many have lost their bright and carefree radiance.
The countenance of many 
appears to be full of rigidness, worry and anxiousness.

Is there any solution to the feelings of sadness and discouragement?
Yes, there is!
Jesus Christ is the answer to sadness and discouragement.
An intimate relationship with Him (including Him in our lives) 
is the source of optimism and cheerfulness.

When we are attuned to God through our faith in Jesus, 
we can experience an overflow of joyous optimism and cheerfulness.
The truth is, we can never expect to be completely free from 
discouragement and despondency until we have tuned into God.

Jesus is the wellspring of happiness and the fountain of joy.
Even though we cannot see Him, we can see the results of His presence.
He is the secret of joy for all who believe in Him and enjoy 
spending time with Him alone, and with others who have a kindred spirit.
God loves those who loves His Son 
and He blesses them in ways that the world cannot match.

ACTION:
How is your relationship with the Lord?
Is it intimate or casual?
In other words, do you have the type of fellowship with Him that causes 
you to want to spend as much time with Him as possible, or do you only 
fellowship with Him when it is convenient and fits your schedule?
Too many want a relationship with Him based on their terms, 
rather than being submissive to His terms.
Don't be guilty of allowing the world to convince you to create a god 
in your own image (one that fits your likes, dislikes,schedule, etc.).
Rather, conform to the image of God.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings you have for those 
who love Your Son. Even though I cannot see You, I know of Your 
presence and the joy I can experience by knowing You better. The 
world cannot fill the desires of my heart, but You can. Through Your 
love I can experience the delight of a quiet heart and a joy that is not 
short-lived, but one that cannot be taken way. I pray that I will always 
keep my eyes on You, my source of joy and peace.”

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