Losing Hope
Are you feeling a touch worthless today?
Darkness. Despair. Depression.
The loss of everything.
Nothing remains except perhaps a breath and a pulse.
The heart has been wrung out like a damp rag.
Every drop of hope has evaporated, and what remains?
A recent Gallup poll is finding more adults are exhibiting symptoms of anxiety or depression than ever before in the history of the Gallup poll.
Seems about right.
They think this might be the next global pandemic – a worldwide mental health crisis.
But before going along with any of this, please remember — when it comes to fear and despair, you don’t have to participate.
Politely decline the invitation.
Tell all dark forces and moods that you will not be attending.
You have something better to do.
Fear and worry may come close to taking us out, but there are things we can and should do every day to (a) reduce these problems if we have them or (b) prevent them if we don’t.
Take your vitamins.
Yes, those vitamins, especially B’s and D3.
And reduce empty calories as much as possible. Get outside.
Take a walk.
Take deep breaths.
It costs you nothing.
Talk and share.
You are not alone.
Open up.
Be honest. Make it your new normal.
Of course, you don’t have to tell everyone everything. In fact, no one recommends it.
You need some trustworthy people who can hold confidence and encourage you when you are down. And they need to be able to rely on you as well. This isn’t a one-way street.
Get rest when you can and make it a habit to turn off phones and computers before bedtime.
I know it’s hard.
I struggle with this one myself. But it’s important. Learn to just stop already.
Now, in that empty, annoying space where you feel your jitters, start a simple thank-you prayer, perhaps like this.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
O LORD, make haste to help me!
Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life!
Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt!
Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!”
May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay!