Depression. Such a sad word. Many times I have caught myself saying phrases like,"I was depressed today", "I'm having a case of depression", "I don't feel like it, I'm depressed." I openly admit it, I am a negative person. Instead of looking at the glass half full, I look at it half empty....and cry over it. ;) Not too long ago, God slapped me in the face and told me that being negative is a sin...and that I needed to get over myself. Whoa....wake up call! Well, getting over my negative thoughts is alot harder than I realized....and I still find myself slipping back into them. (like a few days ago...) But here are some tips that I have found that really help.
1) Stop thinking about yourself!!!
The main way to stop being negative is to get your eyes off of yourself, and start focusing on God and others around you. There are so many other people that are hurting so much more than you. Keep an eye out for a friend in need, or a person in need of a friend, or an elderly neighbor that needs company, or a little kid who needs some positive attention. If you don't know where to start...ask God! When you first wake up pray, "Lord, what can I do for you today?" I guarantee that he will answer.
2) Read the Bible.
This one is kind of a no brainer. Open it up to Psalms or Proverbs and pick out a passage about praising God. Praising God helps you focus on his goodness, and not on your negativity.
3) Sing!!!
Not just any song though... sing a praise song. Like reading the Bible, praise songs helps your negative thoughts disappear while glorifying God.
4) Before Bed...
I don't know if it's just me or what...but I always seem to get more depressed at night right before I go to bed. Maybe it's cause I finally have time to think...and I think about all the bad things that have happened. (instead of the good things) But anyway, while your in bed, right before you go to sleep, read a praise passage or sing a praise song. It will put you in the right mind set and helps you sleep better. (or at least it does me...)
I hope this post helped somewhat. Being depressed and negative is not fun. It wears you out and makes you not want to do anything. Plus, it is dishonoring to God. Take these three points (especially the first) to heart and continually ask, "Lord, what can I do for you today?"
5 comments:
Very well written about a difficult issue. Great topic post Ashley! ♥
Wow so I'm not the only one who goes low around bedtime.. I literally lay in bed sometimes and just sink into deep dark thoughts..
I appreciate the post.. and the reminders of it being sin.. :(
Great reminder! I used to be super negative and depressed all the time in my early teens, it's actually kind of scary looking back. I thought I'd never be able to change but God helped me to see how blessed and loved I was. You are so right, looking outside of yourself helps with this SO much! There is always someone worse off than you. As the saying goes, "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet" Maybe a bit extreme but it's really true! :) Thanks for posting, It was really a blessing to read! <3
This is a little late but I really did appreciate this post.. I struggle with this too.. Love and prayers!
thanks you for all your comments. its really encouraging to me. :) and im glad this post was encouraging to you!
marie-what you said was great! thanks so much...i like that quote!
luv ya ladies!
ashipoo
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