Downcast or Uplifted

Recently I had a real “downer” of a day. My spirits were low. No energy. Nothing very interesting happening. It reminded me that without Christ in my life, I would probably give in to depression frequently.

I know depression isn’t just a spiritual problem. There is brain chemistry and sleep disorders and medications that affect my moods. But do these become a determining factor or do I have tendencies to counteract? Those of us with a melancholy temperament often deal with this characteristic of sensitivity.

Many years ago I wrote a song called “ I Will Greet the Day with Singing.” (You can listen to it on these recordings: I Will Greet the Day with Singing, Songs of Hope, A Song of Love). This song didn’t come to me because I naturally wake up with happy little songs in my head. On the contrary, the Lord convicted me about my morning grumblings when I read a verse that said, “Let us greet the dawn with a song!” (Psalm 57:8b from the Living Bible). Wham! That hit me hard and I asked the Lord to make that my new habit.

That was a long time ago, and I’m still learning. I’m not successful every day. But when I wake up with those “down” feelings, I try to remember to count my blessings before rising, and the zest for life is renewed. My energy level isn’t always what I would like, but my attitude its altered.

“Why are you downcast within me?” the Psalmist asked of himself. “Hope in God” (Psalm 42:11). There is always hope in Him. So downcast can be turned into uplifted. It’s not always easy, but I believe we do have some choice in the matter.

Which is it with you today? Down or up?