"The seeds of depression cannot take root in a grateful heart"
Sometime last year I heard this said somewhere and I liked it so I wrote it down. It wasn't until recently when I was looking back through my journal for some encouragement that I stumbled across it again. I haven't really been able to get it out of my head.
There have been a lot of things pulling at me and weighing me down lately. Even more so since the start of the new year. Seems like every little thing that goes wrong is just one more straw on this camel's back, and I'm starting to wonder if the next one will be the one that breaks it.
The more I think about it all, the more overwhelming and depressing it all is...
And then I remember this quote. And I find myself identifying all those things big and small that try to pull me down--I realize those would be my "seeds of depression". I don't want those to take root in my heart! I've lived enough depressing days to know that's not where I want to remain.
How do I break this vicious cycle?
I love what Philippians 4:4-7 says (Amplified)
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!
Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit).
The Lord is near [He is coming soon].
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
I love it! It's so simple! I have to rejoice in the Lord! I have to find SOMETHING to be thankful for. I have to let my mind rest on those things. When I feel like worrying, or that knot of anxiety starts to grow and twist and turn in my stomach, I just have to remember to take it to God with a grateful, thankful attitude...THEN God promises to leave me resting in His perfect peace. And not only that, when I have presented my petitions to God with thanksgiving, he promises to guard my heart and my mind. Wow. What a great God I serve.
Now to start a new list of things big and small to be thankful for....
Lord, help me to take this knowledge that you have given me the ability to understand, and apply it to my life that I might walk in Your wisdom with peace of heart and mind.
