This time of year, I look for Spring. I’m ready for sunshine and daffodils.
If I’m not careful, short, cold, gloomy days pull me down. When one melancholy day leads to another, motivation and energy drag. Reason fights to stay up and be responsible; to change the mood, but it doesn’t necessarily come easily.
But, I’ve found a secret to fight the blahs. It’s not new and it’s simple, but it works.
Gratefulness is the key. I give thanks.
Sometimes, I start with the simple things. Things like a home, heat, and food in the fridge. That’s quickly followed by health, family, and caring friends. (When health is not so good, there’s always someone I know who is much worse off. Always something to be grateful for.)
Other times, I start with things that really matter. Things like a God who is love and who listens to me. One who is unchanging, faithful, and good all the time. I have a Savior, who gave His life to save my soul. He never leaves me, and guides me day by day. Gazing at Jesus and what He’s done for us leaves no room for gloom.
It doesn’t matter where you start; the list goes on and on. On any day, I have ample reason for Spring in my heart and in my step.
But it’s not quite that simple. There’s more.
Sometimes, mentally listing the things I’m thankful for helps, but doesn’t leave me reflecting the joy of the Lord. I need help to lift my heart over the hump–especially on days that are gloomy from relational problems instead of the weather.
The problem is that it’s possible to list things I’m thankful for without truly being grateful. When I’m really grateful, I bubble up inside and want to tell somebody the good news.
Accordingly, when I share the blessing that I’m thankful for, it multiplies my sense of gratitude. It quickens my joy and brightens my step.
If I’m drooping, whether from winter weather or a difficult situation, I need to count my
blessings and then share one or two of them with somebody else. When I give testimony to God’s goodness in my life, it’s transformative.
I get stuck in melancholy because I’m stuck in looking at the circumstances. Verbally praising the Lord for His goodness lifts my eyes to Him, filling me with faith and hope. That’s what lifts my spirits
Spring is not far away. Indeed, “weeping (winter, gloom, suffering, pain) may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Ps. 35:2b, ESV). We can’t hurry the morning much less warmer days and daffodils, but we can hurry the spring in our hearts—and thus in our step.
Lord, help us be a fresh breath of Spring, even when in the midst of Winter.
