Joy Finders

The purpose of the book of Proverbs was, and still is, to teach people how to attain wisdom and discipline and to learn how to live a just and moral life. Most of Proverbs was written by King Solomon. It’s often my “go to” place in the Bible when I am struggling with a negative feeling or action, like laziness or gossip, and need words of advice. It’s crazy to think that words written sometime around 970 BC are still applicable today! This is true for Proverbs 17:22 “A Cheerful Heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (NIV).” The Good News Bible translates the verse this way: “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is a slow death to be gloomy all the time!” Apparently depression, friends, has been around for ages! The word cheerful can be defined as “noticeably happy and optimistic; causing happiness by it’s nature or appearance”. When you are cheerful, you just can’t hide it. Your eyes sparkle, you smile more, laugh more often and you tend to be friendlier. And what’s amazing is that not only are you benefiting but so are others around you. Smiling and laughter are contagious! Sounds much better than depression.

Unfortunately, just because we know being cheerful and happy is healthier than being sad and gloomy it doesn’t mean it always comes easily or naturally. Our lives are often filled with very heavy feelings, worries and issues. So, what can we do when we are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, ready to give up? We must, must, must change our outlook. I don’t say this lightly. If you have read any of my other posts, you know I understand what depression feels like. I know that what I’m saying is not easy when you are feeling depressed. But you must NOT give up! Proverbs 17:22 tells us what happens when we are filled with a crushed spirit. It leaves you exhausted both mentally and physically and can ultimately lead to death. The verse also reminds us that there is an opposite feeling from depression – cheerfulness. You, me, we all, deserve to be cheerful. God wants us to be cheerful. As I said in the first paragraph, Cheerfulness is contagious. Imagine how many sad people you could help if you were filled with joy. The secret to a cheerful heart is found in Philippians 4:8. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS” (caps are mine!). That is how you change you change your outlook.

I’d like to share with you some tools I find helpful when my mindset needs an adjustment or some “quick joy finders” as I like to call them! If you have any ideas of your own, I’d love for you to share them, too.

• Listen to a cheerful song. This is the time for a song like Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves NOT Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel!
• Read from the book of Psalms (read those that start with word’s like “Praise the Lord, O my soul”. Not all the Psalms are happy!).
• Scroll through your pictures of happy memories. I bet your phone is full of them.
• Take a walk (it doesn’t have to be a long one) and notice the beauty. I went for a walk today and the sky was bright blue, I passed a beautiful yellow rose bush still in bloom, and neighbors have started decorating for fall. It was lovely.
• Give yourself a pep talk! I like giving pep talks -just ask my girls- to get them pumped up for the task ahead, boost their confidence, remind them to give it their best and let them know that no matter the result I will love them. Why can’t I give myself a pep talk, too?
• Call a friend. If you don’t like the idea of giving yourself a pep talk, call someone who will!
• Do something creative like flower arranging, baking, drawing, building something. Creativity can bring great satisfaction.
• Make a list of things you are grateful for, big and small!
• Make a list of everything you did today and pat yourself on the back – even the littlest things like taking out the trash, brushing your teeth. I bet you accomplished more than you thought you did!

Something I was really grateful for this past week was that my Son, his girlfriend and my two daughters went out to dinner together. (It wasn’t even my idea!) They had such a good time together they ended up hanging out ’til the wee hours of the morning. It made my heart so happy to know that these young adults are not only siblings, but they are friends. They are not forced to be together, but choose to be together. Similarly, God wants to have that type of relationship with us. One where we choose to love and follow Him. In fact, Joshua 24:15 says “if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve”. I’m not sure about you, but I choose God. I don’t see another choice. Let’s discuss this more next week!

Love, Melissa