Thanksgiving In Your Heart- 15 Ideas to Beat the Blues

Depression is an escalating issue in our society, According to Gallup, The percentage of U.S. adults who report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime has reached 29.0%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2015. ”

But did you know David, the Psalmist also struggled with depression?

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5 NIV

Often God gives the solution for our problem in the same verse! For example, when we are “downcast” (despondent or depressed) or “disturbed” (an inner murmuring like when one worries about problems when they wish they were asleep), God’s answer is to put hope in Him through praise of Him.

Martin Luther, the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, encouraged people to

“go to where the joy is.”

Sometimes this means creating your own joy!

When you are tempted to complain, or you feel yourself spiraling into depression, try these things instead:

• Turn on worship music and sing along.
• Go on a prayer walk.
• Drink a cup of tea, cocoa, or latte and mentally thank God for something new with every sip.
• Be creative (Bible art, painting, pottery, etc.).
• Do Bible study.
• Dance to hymns or favorite praise songs.
• Create memes and posts to share on social media. (#ChooseJOY #GrowingAJoyfulHeart)
• Go out in nature (hike, bike, paddle, sail, etc.)
• Play with or read to children or grandkids.
• Donate time, talent, or treasure to a worthy cause.
• Help a friend who has a health or financial hardship.
• Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by counting your blessings.
• Write down frustrations and fears, then cross them off as you repeat, “Rejoice in the Lord, always!”
• Draw a cloud, then list off the possible silver linings for your current circumstances.
• List off God’s names and traits, then thank Him for who He is.

Listen to yourself. Are you complaining? If so, what is your roadblock to joy? Where can you go to regain joy? Or consider who inspires joy in you and call that person.

Choose Joy Today: Select something off the list above and complete it TODAY!

Pam Farrel and Karen Whiting are the authors of Growing a Joyful Heart devotional . Pam is known for her “Choosing Joy” message and optimistic lifestyle. Growing a Joyful Heart devo will keep your heart-happy for more months! It is available on Amazon, Christianbook, and an autographed copy at Love-Wise.com