Chances are if you have been going through a difficult
circumstance that is unrelenting, you have had difficulty enjoying life.
Depression can loom over you as you trudge through the muck and the mire of
your adversity. Some mornings you just feel like pulling the covers over your
head and would rather stay in bed until the calamities have passed. It is one
thing to have a difficulty come through your life and leave, but it is entirely
different when a difficulty parks and stays a while. Grief hits you smack in
the face, and you begin to sink further and further like you were in quicksand.
You don’t share with a lot of people what you are experiencing, because you are
afraid the weights of what you carry will sink them as well.
It is possible to enjoy your life in the middle of
your deepest and darkest pain, or what I like to refer to as, “the dark night
of the soul, however, it won’t come easily. You will have to become a resilient
fighter. You will have to decide one day when you have had enough of the enemy stealing
your life, to choose to get up and live again. If the enemy cannot take you out
physically, he will use your pain to turn you against God and rob you of the
joy that is your inheritance.
Your pain is real and there is a time to grieve what
you have endured or lost, but deep mourning should not be a continually theme
in your life. Yes, it is hard to let go of people you love or accept the reality
of a situation. When you place those seemingly impossible heartaches into God’s
care, peace can rule in your heart. An exchange takes place when you say to God,
“I can’t do this anymore, take it from me.” This exchange can open up the
channels to begin enjoying your life again. Surrender is key to enjoying life
again.
Reflect
and ponder: How can you enjoy life when just getting
out of bed is a chore? What do you do when your pain overshadows every blessing
in your life? Are you willing to fight to get your life back and enjoy what is
good in your life? Remember, this won’t come easy if you have been enduring the
same difficulties for years. The enemy has enjoyed you being in the pit with no
way out, and don’t be surprised as you are climbing out of the pit, he tries to
kick you back in. This is where a “don’t give up, no matter what” stance must
come over you. If you get kicked back in the pit, quickly get up and out, don’t
look around that familiar pit that you are used to. Have a set mind that you
will enjoy life again, no matter what!
Counselor’s
Corner:
Practical tips for enjoying life in the
middle of difficulties:
1. Let
go of everything that you cannot change. Accept what you cannot change. If you
have tried over and over to change a situation or person and it has not worked
yet-let go!
2. Limit
your “talk” time about your difficult situation. It is okay to share with
trusted people, but not 3-4x a week. Run to the throne more than the phone.
Opening your mouth and spewing out to other people your woe’s continually or
without just cause, can open you up for more problems. Be careful who you share
your personal information with. It can bring you true joy to find like-minded
people who can walk beside you, and you know they got your back. It is another
thing to deal with people who bring you more pain than gain. To enjoy your life
again, you will need to stop allowing drainers, whiners, complainers, and
manipulators into your life.
3. Simplify
your life, cut out all non-essentials. Going through difficult times can deplete
you of energy. Learn to say, “No,” and say it as often as needed. If someone
complains or makes you feel bad about saying, “No,” just ask them if they would
like to “walk a mile in your shoes.” Get plenty of rest and take as many stay-cations
as you can. Enjoy the simple things in life, a stroll around your block or
breakfast in bed.
4. Learn
when you need to pull away from the “crowds.” There are times being with other believers
is good and fellowshipping with them, but there is also times where solitude
can render inner peace and times of reflection. Being still with God can only
happen when you are quiet. There are many times that God will call you to the “still
waters.” I am called to these still waters often and I no longer fight these
times, but accept that God wants to speak to me and bring me comfort.
5. Protect
your “sanctuary.” My sanctuary is my home, it is the place I have peace the
most. This is why I guard my sanctuary carefully. I am very careful who comes
in and out of my place of peace and rest.
6. No
more living bound in guilt. Guilt and condemnation are straight from the enemy.
If God wants you to do something, He will give His grace, strength and peace. Guilt
steals all joy.
7. Make
it a daily habit to bring all your worries and concerns to God. Take a few
minutes and pray over your worries and then consciously leave them with God.
8. Take
good care of yourself. Eat balanced meals, exercise, sleep at least 7-8 hours
every night, take a multivitamin, and spend time with God as often as you can
(daily if possible). The presence of God can bring you much joy. When you feel
good physically by taking care of yourself, you can enjoy your life more.
9. Do
something that brings you pleasure or happiness at least 2-3x per week. Maybe a
movie and popcorn, planting flowers, painting, or taking a bike ride bring you
pleasure. Enjoy the simple pleasures in life as well such as bird watching or
swinging on a swing.
10. Encourage
someone or cheer someone up. Be a blessing to someone.
11. CHOOSE
to focus on what is good in your life, and say out loud daily or write down at
least 5 things that you are thankful for.
12. Stop
asking, “Why me.” No more being a victim and feeling sorry for yourself. Being
negative drains you, instead speak life, blessings and the Word of God over
yourself.
13. Learn
to laugh again. You did as a child when you had no worries. Watch a funny movie
or comedian (clean though).
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s learning to dance in the rain.
Vivian Greene
Is it time for you to dance?
MEDITATE
ON THESE SCRIPTURES:
A
joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs
17:22
The
thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they might have and
enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the fullest, overflowing).
John
10:10
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