Have you ever been depressed? Grieved? In despair? Sad and lonely? Me too.

Yet in walking with the Lord I have discovered (with His help of course) the secret to not only surviving those periods of time, but thriving in them and through them. It really isn’t a secret – it’s right there in the Holy Scriptures for anyone to find and implement. The quickest way to restore joy? WORSHIP.

ISAIAH 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

JEREMIAH 31:3Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow

PSALMS 30:11You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning

Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness – the garment of praise is to turn your focus upon the Living God and worship Him. Sing and dance before Him with gratitude for your life and everything He is. Praise Him for His wondrous love and amazing grace. Offer the sacrifice of praise and watch Him restore you.

Believe me, I understand that sometimes it is a sacrifice to praise. Sometimes it is all we can do to lift our heads. The sacrifice comes in taking our eyes and our focus off of the circumstances and turning our focus to Him == letting Him have all the glory in spite of, or maybe because of, what we are going through. God is good ALL of the time and He intends our lives to be a bountiful feast for the eyes and hearts of others. He knows we will struggle and have tough times. He also has given us everything we need to prosper in those times and thereby bring glory to His name.

Just this morning I had to remind myself of these promises as I dwelt under the heavy blanket of oppression from the moment I awoke. I headed to my prayer closet and spent some wonderful time in reading, contemplation, prayer and praise. At the end of it I couldn’t remember the oppressive feelings as all I felt was the amazing peace and joy of the Lord. Times of refreshing comes from being in His presence and I am truly refreshed.

This gentle reminder is to bring us back to the truth of God’s Word which has been provided to us as a manual for a happy and healthy life – a love letter from father to child – not a rule book to keep us in bondage. Want more out of your life? Look in the book …… 🙂