Finding Joy in Dark Winter
I don't like to admit it, but winter is not a good time of the year for me. I like to blame it on the lack of sunshine during these darkest days of the year, but I don't know what really causes me to feel so lazy and depressed. When I am in my winter-funk, I struggle to find much to celebrate each day. Perhaps you have experienced a similar time in your life.
This year I have worked hard to stay positive and, with the exception of a few days, I have succeeded. It helped to concentrate on the simple pleasures of life: a fire in the fireplace, a cold glass of milk with cookies, the smile of my niece. I also concentrated on celebrating with God the miracles of everyday life. Curtis Stephan sings a song called No Ordinary Day which was my anthem during the dark days of January. I can't say that I always felt Curtis' passion for life, but it helped remind me of the feeling that I normally have for each new day.
I wake to see a brand new day is dawning
Fired up with new graces from on high...
My heart leaps for it's great to be alive.
Curtis seems to echo the joy and passion that the writers of the Psalms had for God — acknowledging and praising God in every moment and situation.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
The Psalms are full of such proclamations. There is such celebration within them.
I feel pretty good about surviving the darkest days of the year — and finding ways to stay connected to the God-joy in my life. But I don't want to diminish the experience of those who suffer from real depression, where a simple song and a commitment to "feeling good" are not enough to change their experience. I know lots of people who suffer from depression and I am very aware that it is not something they can simply snap out of. I pray that they can find the help and support needed to climb out of their darkness.
So let us pray in celebration and petition...
Loving God, thank you for the beauty and joy you have surrounded us with. Thank you for all the ways we are blessed by your love. Help us to stay connected to the Hallelujahs of each day so that we can live with light, joy, and passion. We ask your healing touch on everyone who is suffering from depression. Help them to find the help they need to be able to reconnect to the joys of living. We pray especially for...
Amen.
Dark Season
Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.