Cure for the Blues
I got upset at a coworker today. So, I did what most people do - I talked to another coworker about it. Knowing this person is also a Christian, I said, “I’m trying to be Christian about this.” They replied, “It’s so hard to do.” I answered, “Well, I guess if it were easy, everyone would be a Christian.”
I’ve written before about how we are always so quick to anger. It tends to be a natural reaction, and perhaps it’s because it’s easy. It’s simple to react without thinking about the fact what we are about to say or do will have consequences (Galatians 6:7), whether physical or emotional.
Right now, a lot is going on in the world. There’s a pandemic that seems to never end, inflation caused by that pandemic that makes it hard to see the fruits of our labor going to things other than the bare necessities (we all like to treat ourselves every once in a while, right? And I’m not talking about buying a nicer brand of toilet paper), and, oh yea, a war brewing between Russia and Ukraine that was started…for a reason I have yet to fully comprehend. Honestly, it seems like the “unprecedented times” never cease.
I won’t say I’m depressed, because I think that term needs to be reserved for those who are truly struggling with it. But I’m definitely bummed out. Even as a Christian it’s, as my coworker put it, “so hard” to see the good in a world that seems to take “it can’t get any worse, can it?” as a dare.
My mom and I have cut down our time watching the news to only thirty minutes a night because it started to feel like literally every time we turned the TV on the world was ending. I always joke and say, “I’m ready Jesus, just take me.” Well…maybe half-joke. While I try to distract myself with hobbies, nothing truly takes my mind off of the troubles of this world – except reading my Bible.
This year, my mom and I resolved to read the entire Bible from cover to cover. I know many have tried…and failed. So far, we’ve made it all the way to Deuteronomy, and let me tell you – it isn’t easy. We’ve faithfully navigated the toughest passages (I’m talking to you, Leviticus). Some days I learn something or am deeply inspired, and others I feel like I’m just reading filler (HOW many times are you going to repeat the instructions for the tabernacle, Moses?!). Nevertheless, I always walk away feeling like I’ve done something that makes God (and me!) happy.
He doesn’t look down on you for not reading your Bible. Psalm 86:5 says He is “forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call [on Him].” Heaven knows life is always throwing curveballs and some days there truly is no time. You mean to get to it, you really do. But then your son comes home from school crying. Your daughter wants to talk about her reward for getting good grades. Your boss sends the ominous meeting invite with no agenda. We live in a busy world.
But there’s no way you don’t have ten minutes here and there throughout the week. Download a Bible app. The next time you’re waiting to be called into an appointment or for your kid’s soccer game to start, pick a passage of Psalms or Proverbs. A lot of the epistles are also great and inspiring (I personally enjoy what I’ve read of Galatians). My point is this: No matter how much the world around us changes and tries to distract us from the truth that is God’s word – snap out of it. The one thing that will never change is how much He loves us and wants to remind us of that fact. Are we really too tired/distracted/bored/angry/etc. to be ready and willing to hear His voice when He’s constantly trying to reach us?
John 10:27-28 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
