The Best Medicine
We all have days, weeks, or sometimes even months when we feel sad due to unexpected things that occur in our life. A feeling of sadness is normal, especially during the loss of someone we love. Sickness, financial difficulties, or relationships that have gone sour can also cause us to feel sad. However, if those feelings linger too long, despair and depression can take over. God’s Word has plenty to say on this topic. For instance, one of my favorite Bible verses, which is found in Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) says: “A cheerful heart is good medicine; but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
We don’t feel well emotionally, or physically, when we are sad all the time. It’s harder to function when despair sets in. Positive thoughts are replaced with negative ones, and a feeling of hopelessness can drag us down spiritually.
The Bible also has something to say about what we should do when sadness lingers too long or we are in a negative mood. Philippians 4:8 (KJV) says: “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Here’s what I do when I’m absorbed in sadness for too long: I pray, spend time in God’s Word, sing praise songs, spend time with positive people who make me smile and laugh, and focus on beautiful things God created, like a sunrise, sunset, birds chirping happily in my yard, and the list goes on.
What do you do when sadness takes over for too long? Is there something special that brings joy back into your life?
When I’m sad or discouraged I try to read my Bible, pray, talk to and hug my husband, or text/call my pastor’s wife. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your book and thank you for my copy of last month’s giveaway book.
When I was a child, I had plenty of reasons to feel sad, but I simply focused on something that made me happy (and, yes, that included prayer!) but then I grew up and nothing was ever as simple. However, I believe that my childhood blessed me with a good measure of resilience. Recently, we lost my mother-in-law, and two other elderly ladies who were like family. Those ladies were a grandmother and great aunt to my son-in-law. In two weeks we will be having a baby shower for the parents of those ladies’ great grandson and great nephew. Instead of feeling sad about our missing loved ones, I prepared a “Remembrance” to start the affair that I hope brings a measure of comfort to all who knew them. This is my way of focusing on the good.
Thank you much for a copy of your book. I just love them. We go to Indiana each year to Shipsewanna and last year we even bought furniture there. There shipping prices aren’t bad.
When I’m sad or struggling I like to listen to music or have a “me” day. Or a lazy evening in with my husband. We are currently 6 years in to trying to have a baby and we’ve had some sad and hard days. But in those times I’ve learned to pick up my Bible, read even when it’s hard. Listen to that song that once encouraged you. Think about what the future will look like when God finally gives that miracle.
I lost my husband a few years ago and it was not an easy time. I found I could work through some or many of my feelings by starting a journal with all the memories of our time together. As I wrote, more and more memories came to mind. It helped me to record my feelings and although there are many moments of sadness, there is still lots of joy in life to write about and feel each day.
I have really never had a time where sadness has lingered more than a few days. I go to God’s Word and listen to gospel music. Also, I go for long rides and surround myself with nature.
I’m going through a down time right now. Every day, I remind myself that God has a good plan for me. Everything will work out according to His will, and it will be perfect. Wanda, spring is always beautiful, but I’m sure this year will hold some painful times for you as well. You will get through it. I will pray for you. Please pray for me. Thank you.
For me, it helps to get busy. Anything to get our minds off our depression. Also, let God know how you feel. He wants us to communicate with Him, regardless of how we feel.
God Bless!
Sometimes it is very hard to overcome sadness and I lean on Jesus to sustain and comfort me.
when I am sad I also pray and spend time studying God’s word. I spend time listening to a Bible In a Year podcast every day. I spend time in nature. Camping is also peaceful and cheers me up.
I have been fighting an illness for two months and I agree that it’s easy for depression to set in. Will I ever be well? Thank you for reminding me of the Missionette code, Phil. 4:8.
When I am sad or discouraged I will hug my husband or one of my cats. I also like to go outside and get some fresh air. I sometimes call my best friend and she will cheer me up.
Wanda,
Thank You for the journal entry. I’m facing some family sadness right now. The only thing that helps me is talking to my wife and lots of prayer.
when i am sad, ill go outside and sit on my porch swing. while i’m enjoying the sounds around me, ill pray and sit in the word of god. sometimes ill journal while i’m outside in nature. that’s my favorite place to be, in nature. what really brings joy to my life is spending time with my beautiful granddaughter and grandson. they are my heart. Being with them or even facetiming them brings joy to my heart.
So glad to have the good wholesome books that you write. Enjoy your faithful journey with your readers.
When I am not feeling well, I ask others to pray for me on Facebook and my family, too. I also am in prayer, too. It helps me to know that others are praying for me. I also keep reading my Bible and stories that comfort me. I have an upper endoscopy coming up on March 10th that I am not looking forward to. It helps to know that people are praying for me.
A lot of things make me sad, but I don’t like to dwell on them. I find if I acknowledge the sadness, but not dwell on it I am better at handling it. I do that through prayer, reading/listening to scripture, listening to music (or making my own music), going for walks, being out in nature where I see God’s handiwork, sometimes talking to someone else, anything but just sitting and letting it consume me.
I look forward to reading all your entries and am enjoy your books
I recently had eye surgery but am back to reading little by little.
you are a blessing
Thank you, Wanda, for your encouraging words.
I enjoy your books very much.
I can’t wait to read the Hawaiian series. I just love all of your books. Take care and have a great March.
When sadness overtakes me, I usually spend time listening to Christian music, offer in my kitchen radio clock. I also listen to my car radio and sing my way to work as a preparation to facing a busy stressful hospital schedule. On days off I attend worship service, read my bible, pray and journal. I also spend time with family. I especially enjoy my granddaughter who is turning 14 months. I also value time with my 86 year old dad. I have a friend that I taught to crochet. She loves it so much that we get together on our off days to crochet, chat and drink coffee. My life’s full of God’s abundant blessings for sure!
Thank you for the chance to win your book. Something that brings me joy is spending time with family, another is playing with my two 11 year old pups, my wild labradors. In Spring and Summer I take the pups up in the treehouse. I also get a lot of joy doing jigsaw puzzles.
I talk with my best friends and I Praise God.
I think of the scripture that says God promises to provide beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 61:3):
When I’m feeling sad or discouraged, I try to stay away from news reports and watch uplifting or comedic TV shows and movies. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Thank You Wanda for these wonderful post! Many Blessings coming your way!
I try to listen to very uplifting music and talk with friends, go for a walk in nature and see the wonderful things God has given us to enjoy, and talk with Him.
When I’m sad or struggling I pray and ask God to feel me with joy and peace. I listen to gospel music and read Gods word. I ask God to lead me in the right direction for my life. I know it’s all on Gods timing.
Thank you for a chance to win your book. Love all your books.
in my days of sorrow I’m so glad I can look to the word of God. I’ve had so much tragedy in the span of 7 years from my husband passing, my sister passing, my grandma passing, Grandpa passing, my daughter being so depressed she has tried suicide. It’s like a huge weight on my chest and back that I can’t get rid of. But I turn to God and his word in it all. Yet I still always ask prayers for myself and little family.
Wanda, when sadness overtakes me I tend to want to go thrift shopping or Antiquing. Even if I do not buy anything I can get lost in the art work and the treasures from the past. This brings me back to joy and then I want to sit outside and take in the sights and sounds of God’s beautiful creation. Thank you for writing inspirational stories that can also relieve sadness.
Anita
Thank you. I needed to read this.
I have healed from multiple traumas during my life however God has been my rock. I needed to remember.
I was sick most of the holiday season, lonely and more which were hard to deal with. I am working on improving my physical health, getting rid of toxic things people said to me in the past to improve my self-love, & be happier person regularly again. Thank you for sharing your faith, recipes, Sharing Gods love, and the Amish family stories (help me not feel lonely).
I pray for you since your grief and life changes. I am working thru alot grief as well. Have a blessed day & God bless you.
I simply love your books. They are a true blessing. I wish I could read faster! So much to do in a day but I try hard to read almost every day. I wish I could go to your book signing! Meeting you is on my bucket list!! Come to Shipshawana sometime just not in June or July..
I pray to God to give me the strength to get through the sadness. I try to think of happy things.
When I am sad I pray… alot
One of the things that helps me as much as anything is to go outside and take a walk or sit in my yard swing. Of course if we pray it will help ease our minds hopefully.