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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
THE GREY CLOUD
You wake up and regardless of the weather you feel like a heavy, grey cloud is setting over you. You really don't want to get up and when you think of the day that lies ahead you, you feel overwhelmed. As you drag yourself to the coffee pot you hope this warm dark liquid can help your brain and body realize it is a new day. You find a cozy place to sit and find yourself staring into space without the slightest bit of ambition to do anything worthwhile.
Has this ever happened to you? It definitely describes the type of morning that I periodically have. I seem to have a cloud - a sense of gloominess over me although there really is no reason for it. Some would attribute this to our female hormones, and granted that can be part of the problem. Some would call it an attack by our enemy Satan who is always trying to defeat us. I think this is also partially true. What ever the reason, it is a situation that most of us have to deal with.
If this view of things continues for days, it will definitely indicate depression. So what can we do? The first step to "pushing the cloud away" involves self-discipline. I have found it is upmost important that I do not skip my quiet time with the Lord or my Bible reading. A good devotion book can also be helpful, because it directs our thoughts in a good, positive and God-honoring direction.
The second step is making a choice. I can choose to sit under this cloud all day and accomplish nothing except to feel progressively gloomier, or I can choose to shift my perspective of my life and the day to the Lord.
At the core of my "grey cloud" is usually a concentration on situations around me and my own weaknesses. I like to compare it to Noah and the flood. Before the flood came and all the people that Noah knew drowned in the flood, God sent Noah and his family into the ark and God closed the door. There was only one window in the ark and it was above (Genesis 6:16). God did not want Noah to set his sight on the water, waves and suffering, instead He wanted Noah to look up. God wants us to keep our vision, our hearts directed to Him, not on ourselves or the "waves" around us.
I often find I need to clean my window so my vision of Him is clear. When I spend time thinking about my Lord and all that He is, on His promises and His faithfulness the "grey cloud" always dissipates.
May you have "clear skies" today instead of "grey clouds" I would love to hear how you deal with those overcast days. You can share your thoughts with me and others by writing in our guest book. God bless you today!
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- Sandy Hastings |
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