Depression, anxiety, confusion? How do you feel right now?

I was talking to my next door neighbor and she sighed, blew out a long puff of air, and muttered, “Things are bad all around. Gas is unbelievable. And I just know they’re trying to hint around at my job to see when I’m retiring…but I can’t afford it.”

“Look,” I said hoping to impart a bit of inspiration. “Life is not up to us…it’s up to God. He provides, guides, and comforts all who call to Him.”

OOPS…wrong thing to say. She grunted and gushed that it was easy for me to say that. But so many people don’t have the outlook I have.

Goodness, she’s right. Had I put my trust in circumstances, I’d be gloomy and sad too. But how do you tell people God never meant us to live a life of pessimism no matter what bad news flash on the TV screen or newspaper headlines?

Here’s a quote that tells it all: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

Profound isn’t it? And how many people are feeling lousy, down, and defeated? Tons. They certainly won’t lift your spirits, give you an encouraging word, or nudge you to gladness.

So when it comes to feeling good, there’s only one person, active, caring, aware, and willing to give you the right word, promise, and assurance. His first sign was on the cross, His arms open, His heart submitted, and His love abundant.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1 NIV.

How’s that for a good feeling, for awarding confidence and for ushering in the guarantee for a lifetime! Emotions come and go, feelings are also deceiving, but His help is ever-present, ever-abundant, and always available.

So when circumstances blurt sadness, depression, or angst, He already “felt” the pain so you wouldn’t have to.

Janet

Janet Perez Eckles
www.janetperezeckles.com

“Life is not about what you cannot do because of circumstances out of your control. Success comes when you recognize what you can do with what God has given you.”
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