The Sunny Side

As promised in my previous post, I am going to begin to look at some causes for depression in people's lives, unveil some of the hidden sin patterns associated with it, then offer clear scriptural "remedy" for defeating it.  Remember this:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12)

Cause # 1:  Seasonal Affective Disorder (a.k.a. "SAD")

     Doctors have discovered that man needs sunlight and the nourishment received through it in order to function effectively.  Imagine that... so there really was a reason God created the sun!  In parts of the world, the winter season brings with it a marked reduction of sunny days, and people who live in these areas need to make a point of exercising special care to avail themselves of the nutrients that may wain during those months.  First, understand that unless you live in a place where it is night time for several weeks/months at a stretch, even the bleakest of winters still offers an occasional sunny day.  It is vitally important to take advantage of those days, bundle up accordingly, and head outside.  A long walk on a brisk day will surely get the blood flowing through your body and give you opportunity to view firsthand the beauty of a snow-covered landscape, the contrast of the ruby red Cardinal sitting atop a snowy fence post, the glittering reflection of the sun's rays emanating from a pristine white field, or the majesty of a giant evergreen blanketed in fluffy, white snow.  Sliding down a hillside on a sled while listening to the gleeful squeals of children doing the same is sure to lift anyone's spirits.  A trip to an outdoor ice rink lets us glory in the grace of a skater or laugh at our own clumsy attempts to emulate them.  Sitting in the house bemoaning the cold weather and the cloudy days of winter puts our focus on the negative things around us.  In their joint letter to the saints at Philippi, Paul and Timothy wrote:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

(Philippians 4:8)

     Choosing to see the majesty of every season created by the God of the Universe teaches us to focus on those things which will encourage our spirits and build our faith in His omniscience (His ability to know all things), His omnipotence (God's ability to do and control all things), and His omnipresence (the attribute of our Lord God to be with us at all times and in every place).  We can be reminded that "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

     If you cannot be outside for periods of time in winter months, consider making an appointment at the tanning salon near your home.  I do not advocate lying in a tanning bed or standing in one of the tanning booths, but you can apply some sunblock, open the tanning bed, position yourself on a chair a short distance from the unit, and let the apparatus run for approximately 15 to 20 minutes while you benefit from the artificial sunlight it produces.  Even sitting directly in front of your living room windows with the curtain aside on a sunny winter day will provide exposure to some of the sun's benefits and feel warm and comforting to your joints, as well.  Try singing praise songs to God during those times.  It is amazing what a good dose of gratitude will do for the human spirit, not to mention the joy it will provide to our loving Heavenly Father.

     Laziness, a negative spirit, complaining, and criticizing God's creation are surely sinful attitudes that will prevent us from taking an active part in His plan for our lives.  Satan wants nothing more than to derail the Christian and convince them that this life is drudgery and sorrow, nothing more.  When we allow the devil to do that, we have given him the victory and relinquished the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to work through every circumstance and every day we live... whether sunny, cloudy, warm, or icy.  

     Stay tuned for more causes of depression in the posts to come.  I pray that God will speak to your hearts and give you encouragement to triumph over the temporary circumstances of this life for the glory of His promises awaiting you in eternity.

"Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

(Ephesians 4:15-16)