How to Overcome Depression, Discouragement, Worry, Unhappiness, Gloom and Purposelessness
The week seems crowded by things; we jostle from one event or appointment to the next. Our mornings are dedicated to schoolwork, the afternoons are reserved for other things: therapy with Joseph, co-op on Thursday, Piano on Wednesday, clean the house on Friday, volunteer on Monday.
Friday arrives and I am just done. Done parenting. Done with directing the household.
My head is swimming in a slough of thoughts and things to get done.
I’m unfocused; there is no clarity.
I feel purposeless and lost.
I’m quick to recognize the signs of “I need a break!”
I understand that it’s not as much what fills our schedule that exhausts me, but the time invested without taking a break.
Here’s a secret that can change all of that in 10 minutes or less. It actually works. Every time.
It’s Friday evening and we have a Show & Tell event to participate in with the children. It’s an hour away, and I think: “This is my chance to catch a break and realign!”
We jump in the van and I plug my earbuds in, ignoring the din. Three children in the back seat are boisterous, but I’ve clocked out for the moment.
I’m listening through the Bible right now, currently in Isaiah. I start listening in chapter 40. It isn’t long before a phrase catches my attention. Then another one stops me to consider. I grab a pen and paper and write down the phrases that pause my heart.
This is what I caught:
<> Those who run will not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
<> I am your Strength
<> Wait for me and I will deliver you. I will strengthen you.
<> I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
<> I have called you in righteousness
<> I will lead you by the hand
<> I will turn the rough places to smooth ground. This is what I do!
<> I have called you by name
<> You are Mine
<> You are precious in my eyes
<> I’m doing a new thing, don’t you see it yet?
Isn’t this amazing? Granted, I listened for about 45 minutes, but it completely changed my thoughts, my heart, my attitude. There was clarity, purpose, encouragement and kindness in my heart again.
Simply by hearing truth, being reminded of who God is, who I am and writing it down, changed my thoughts. Our thoughts are the most important thing about us. We do well to be intentional about them. To be aware of them. It’s called renewing the mind.
Be transformed [changed] by the renewing of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God.
Romans 12:2b
You may not have 45 minutes to listen to the Word of God or to music that shouts truth, but even just 10 minutes of ignoring whatever it is that is going on around you and zeroing in on God’s truth will transform your mind. Be sure to write down a few of the key phrases that catch your attention. Doing this will solidify that truth and make it yours.
This stuff works! You begin to be aware of your thoughts. Inserting truth therein is what transforms us. Try it for a few weeks. See what happens!
Prepare to be amazed!