For Those that are Blue

Feeling lonely, used, unappreciated, despondent, abandoned, fearful, insignificant, in decline, depressed?

1. Surround yourself with positive people as much as possible. Have positive, godly friends with whom you can share your difficulties. Don't neglect church, that's the community God has given you as a great resource of encouragement.

2. Don't exaggerate your problems. Pity parties tend to lead us to see the worst scenarios. Instead, count your blessings. Perspective is key. Compared to 90% of the world, you are very well-to-do and blessed beyond measure. The crippled would love to have your mobility, the blind, your vision, the deaf, your hearing and the diseased, your health, the destitute, your resources.

3. Busy yourself with fulfilling ministry. (Quit brooding about self). Win souls, visit afflicted, pray for others. Volunteer at the homeless shelter or one of dozens of other places where you will help people much worse off than you.

4. Is there some sin, some guilt, some habit that is keeping you down? Is there some harmful default that you resort to that always makes things  worse?  Find victory in Christ and leave it under the blood.

5. Realize your position in Christ. See life from God's perspective. As well, see life from eternity's perspective. (Your line of sight is obscured and skewed)

6. Read uplifting, inspiring materials, listen to some good, gospel music.

7. Exercise, sleep right, get going, rather than sinking into self-destructive habits: over-eating, alcohol, too much screen time.

8. Leave the past in the past. You failed? You were abused? God means to use your pain to strengthen you and bless others. It won't happen as long as you dwell in times past. What good is rehashing the past doing you? NONE!

9. Most of all, foster your relationship with God. Immerse yourself in the Word, pray with passion, ask God to fill you with His Spirit, put on the whole armor of God.