HOW TO STAY UP DURING DISCOURAGING TIMES

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” - Philippians 4:4

Life is like a roller coaster. Sometimes you are up and at others time you are down. You can start the day with high expectations and in just a few moments, you find yourself regretting that you got out of bed. Some days are just better than other days.

Additionally, we are emotional people and emotions can vary drastically in just one day. It doesn't take much for our emotions to peak or crash. For those who live by their emotions, life can be a very challenging experience.

We must admit that we are living in difficult times. We are constantly hearing about the pandemic, political rants, riots, and other crimes. We are bombarded with bad news.

How do you keep your spirits up when everything is trying to drag you down? Let me give you just a few suggestions:

1. WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT

First of all, trust God. It is easy to believe that everything has gotten out of hand. However, we need to remember that God still has everything in His hands. He has not relinquished control. He is still Lord of all. We can trust Him, even in the worst of times.

2. STAY IN YOUR BIBLE

We live in a sin-cursed world, so it is impossible to avoid bad news. However, we need to remind ourselves of the Good News. Continue to read your Bible daily. You can go without the national news. You can avoid the newspaper. But never neglect your Bible. While the world seeks to drain you of your faith, stay in your Bible. The Bible feeds your faith. A promise from God is much better than a political promise. You can depend upon God to keep His Word.

3. REMAIN IN FELLOWSHIP WITH POSITIVE BELIEVERS

Although social distancing is strongly advised these days, we still need the fellowship of other believers. While there are some believers who seem be down all the time, choose to fellowship with those who are walking with God and living by faith. When you fellowship with positive people, it tends to lift your spirits. Although there may be restrictions about proximity with others, you can still talk with people on the phone or communicate with people by social media, email or text. If you have opportunity, join with believers in public worship.

4. HELP SOMEONE ELSE

Another way to stay up in these times is to serve someone else. Lend a helping hand, give a word of encouragement, or call someone on the phone. When you are blessing to someone else, you find yourself being blessed.

5. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Finally, spend time daily reflecting on your blessings. Specifically mention your blessings when you give thanks to God. Often we get down when we forget how blessed we really are. God has been good to us. It changes your entire thinking process when you consider the blessings you currently enjoy.

These are just a few suggestions. During these depressing times, it is important for God's people to be different from the unbelieving world. Because of Jesus Christ, we have every reason to stay up during these discouraging times.