If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. ~Chinese Proverb
Have you ever thought you lost your song? Sometimes the demands and yes, frustrations, of life just make us weary. The song that usually sings in our soul, reminding us of God's presence, sounds off key and sometimes fades away.
We don't always know the root cause of our depression (not to be confused with clinical depression):
1. Social (broken friendship, betrayed confidence)
2. Emotional (death of someone close)
3. Physical (coping with pain)
4. Material (financial setback)
5. Spiritual (perceived lack of spiritual growth)
When I find depression clouding my heart many times I can retrace my thoughts and find the trigger. Other times the "why" seems reticent -- there doesn't seem to be a "reason."
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| On a Wing and a Prayer Beautiful book for sheltering |
There are times when discouragement clouds a day, and other occasions when depression presses down so hard it affects serveral days and you feel there must surely be a D etched on your forehead. I have found in these times to just wait -- to ride out the storm. Sometimes waiting involves being alone, shutting out the world and recharging. Other times we need to be proactive -- shelter someone, buy a bouquet of flowers, listen to music or read an encouraging blog.
Paul knew discouragement and, in spite of those times, talked about his God, who comforts and encourages and refreshes and cheers the depressed and the sinking, comforted and encouraged and refreshed and cheered us.
Keep the cage of your heart open. Keep the bough fresh. Your song will return. Sunshine as bright as a gold finch's golden coat will glow, drawing others to the source of your song.
Most of all, offer the cause of your depression to God, read His word and focus on God's promises. Leave your heart open, keep your hope fresh, and the music will return.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee --
How great thou art!
How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee --
How great thou art!
How great thou art!
Paul knew discouragement and, in spite of those times, talked about his God, who comforts and encourages and refreshes and cheers the depressed and the sinking, comforted and encouraged and refreshed and cheered us.
Keep the cage of your heart open. Keep the bough fresh. Your song will return. Sunshine as bright as a gold finch's golden coat will glow, drawing others to the source of your song.
