In my last post I talked about how "Blue Monday," the first Monday after the Christmas and New Year holidays is the most depressing day of the year. I mentioned how the Apostle Paul wrote that he was able to be content regardless of his circumstances because he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. So just how does this work? How does a relationship with Christ enable someone to live with peace and joy regardless of their circumstances? I would like to suggest three reasons how this is true.
When you have a relationship with God through Jesus, you live with an understanding that God is in control. Things don't happen by random chance accident, things happen because God has a purpose. And since God is God, nothing can thwart His purposes and His plan. This means that whatever takes place in my life, God has a reason for it.
A second related truth is that God is a redeeming God. You see this throughout the Bible. We typically think of God's redeeming power in relation to our salvation from sin. And that is the primary emphasis of scripture. But God not only redeems our sin, He also redeems sinful circumstances. Since God has a plan and purpose for everything that happens, the good and the bad, God, while not the cause of the bad, is able to redeem it for His plan and purpose.
Third, since God is in control, and everything is His, I am simply a steward of whatever I have. Nothing I have is really mine, it is God's. He gives me the opportunity to use it not as an owner, but as a steward. So if I have a lot, that's great. And if I have a little, that's great too because nothing is mine. When you combine these three truths, you come away with an ability to be content regardless of your circumstances. You can have peace knowing that God is in control regardless of your circumstances. As He declares in Jeremiah 23:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul
Friday, January 24, 2014
Monday, January 6, 2014
Blue Monday
You may not realize it, but the Monday after New Year's is considered to be the most depressing day of the year. Experts call today "Blue Monday." So how are you feeling today? For me, I am the same today as any other day. But let me give you some reasons why this day is so depressing for many people. The holidays are finally over, and for those who look forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, and the New Year, there is nothing left to look forward to. Maybe Valentine's Day, but only if you have a sweetheart. And since the holidays are over, everyone is back to work today, so people who hate their jobs are not happy. And speaking of jobs, I just got my first W-2 form today, reminding me that tax day cometh. Add to this the fact that the bills for what people spend over Christmas are now arriving. Lots of people make New Year resolutions, and many people have already broken them by today. The weather normally stinks in the Northern Hemisphere, and it sure does where I live (Philly). Speaking of Philly, our beloved Eagles lost by just 2 points to the Saints on Saturday night, and the Phillies better make some moves or it will not be a great season (plus the Flyers and Sixers stink). Feeling depressed yet?
Today is reputed to be the day when more people file for divorce than any other day of the year. Why is that? As a marriage and family counselor, I can give you answer. If you marriage is unstable and has serious unresolved problems, when you get to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, these holidays, where you spend even more time with the person you now dislike, now exacerbate the tension and frustration you feel. So after debating and agonizing over filing or not filing, and hoping each next holiday will be better, you call the lawyer today on Blue Monday.
So how do you avoid feeling down on Blue Monday (beside reading this depressing blog post)? I would like to suggest that part of it has to do with your attitude toward life and the changing circumstances we all face. If your happiness is tied to the things of this world outside of yourself, your job, your income, your success, your spouse, your kids, etc., then as any of those things gets better or worse, so does your sense of happiness. Many centuries ago the apostle Paul wrote about how to break away from having your happiness tied to the things happening around you: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).
Paul's contentment is not based on his circumstances, or his inner greatness, it is based on his faith in Christ, and the difference He makes in changing our attitude on life and the changing circumstances we face. In my next post I will expand on just how this takes place. Don't worry, be happy!
Blessings,
Dr. Paul
Today is reputed to be the day when more people file for divorce than any other day of the year. Why is that? As a marriage and family counselor, I can give you answer. If you marriage is unstable and has serious unresolved problems, when you get to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, these holidays, where you spend even more time with the person you now dislike, now exacerbate the tension and frustration you feel. So after debating and agonizing over filing or not filing, and hoping each next holiday will be better, you call the lawyer today on Blue Monday.
So how do you avoid feeling down on Blue Monday (beside reading this depressing blog post)? I would like to suggest that part of it has to do with your attitude toward life and the changing circumstances we all face. If your happiness is tied to the things of this world outside of yourself, your job, your income, your success, your spouse, your kids, etc., then as any of those things gets better or worse, so does your sense of happiness. Many centuries ago the apostle Paul wrote about how to break away from having your happiness tied to the things happening around you: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).
Paul's contentment is not based on his circumstances, or his inner greatness, it is based on his faith in Christ, and the difference He makes in changing our attitude on life and the changing circumstances we face. In my next post I will expand on just how this takes place. Don't worry, be happy!
Blessings,
Dr. Paul
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