Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He is my God.—Psalm 42:11, The Message
Every once in a while, I wake up feeling a bit down in the dumps. I often blame it on hormonal changes or the weather. I become more sensitive, anxious, vulnerable to crying, and impatient with myself or others. Have you had that feeling? When this happens, I have learned to stop myself and ask, “Why am I feeling this way? What thoughts could be triggering these emotions?” I have noticed that I can exacerbate those feelings by negativity and stinky-thinking self-talk. The more we focus on ourselves and our “down” feelings, the worse we feel.
As I talk with women around the world, I find I am not alone. We can make life’s burdens twice as heavy by “continually anticipating trouble,” which brings “wretchedness” upon ourselves, and casts a shadow over others.[1] Our lives become depressed and anxious. Not good!
The good news is, there is an antidote. It is called gratitude! Studies suggest that people who keep a “gratitude list” experience better mental health than those who don’t. In fact, while doing research among people who experienced trauma in childhood, I observed that those who cultivate an attitude of gratitude experienced better mental and physical health later in life compared to those who don’t. This antidote is not new. In the words of an inspired writer, “Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise.”[2] When I am down, I like to focus on God’s promises. “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15, NIV).
Take just five minutes to list some of your blessings. At today’s end, add three things that went well—and something that did not happen that you had dreaded would. Focus on the blessings you have. (If you focus on what you don’t have, you will have less.) Repeat this daily.
And, if your mind is crowded by pain today, do not try to think. Imagine being embraced by our loving God. Simply rest in His arms. Thank Him for His love. Let your gratitude and songs of praise ascend to heaven as a sweet aroma. Then watch God put a smile on your face.
Katia Garcia Reinert
[1] Ellen G. White. The Ministry of Healing (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2003), 247, 248.
[2] Ibid., 251.
First published in Carolyn Rathbun Sutton, ed., In His Presence (Silver Spring, MD: General Conference Women’s Ministries Department, 2018), 340.
