Dear Captain Karen,
I am normally a “glass–half–full” person—full of positive thoughts and expectations. But recently, with so many things going on personally and in the world, I feel so low. My job has been downsized to part–time, and my home life isn’t much better, with kids who always want something we cannot afford and a husband who spends more time with the computer than with me. And with all the sadness in the news recently—yes, even Michael Jackson’s death has affected me—I can’t seem to find that spark of hope I once had. What can a Christian woman do?
Sinking Lower Daily
Dear Sinking,
What you are feeling these days is common for many people. Frankly, I am a “worst–case–scenario” person, and even though I normally prepare for the worst, I can relate to your feelings. We are all feeling the pinch (which is feeling more like a crushing bear hug) of the current economic times. Combine that with your home life and you do have a recipe for melancholy. So then, what advice can I give?
First, I would say that it is healthy to own the reality of the situation. Times are tough, and you are in the middle of them—but they won’t last forever. When you name the situation like this, it takes the mystery out of it and sets it in a manageable framework.
Second, look at what is good in your life. It may seem corny, but when those times come for me (and, by the way, they come for everyone), I hear my mom singing the old hymn, “This world is not my home, I’m just a–passin’ through….” That song was followed by “Count Your Blessings.” It seemed as if my mother had a song for every situation we faced!
Third, make sure you spend time with other believers for fellowship and encouragement. We need each other, and in the body of Christ, when one of us hurts, we all hurt. Allow others to be a healing balm for you and your family.
And of course, I would steer you to God’s Word. Check out 1 Peter (chapters 1 and 4) for perspective and then 2 Corinthians 4:7–10 for
assurance.
Finally, cling to one of my favorites, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18)
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