Why are you down in the dumps?

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

There are times when we feel so down in the dumps that, we don't want to do anything, except of course, lay down and give up. I am sure that you have felt like this from time to time. Whether it's depression or things that have gotten on top of us, we don't know. All we know is we feel sorry for ourselves.

Several great figures in the bible felt this way - Elijah, David and let's not forget Peter when he had denied Jesus. They felt down in the dumps but, look at this, they all came through it. They didn't stay in this frame of mind. And you don't have to either. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and His name is Jesus.

I was feeling down in the dumps one morning as I took our dog for his morning walk. I couldn't even think of a bible verse to help me. Suddenly my mobile rang and on the end of the 'phone, I heard this little scratchy voice singing, 'Don't worry, about a thing, for every little thing's going to be all right.' No it wasn't a resurrected Bob Marley, it was my wife - my best friend. It was a word in season for me as it lifted my spirit and picked me up right there. She was right, there was no reason that I should be anxious and worried. Yes things appeared pear-shaped at the time but, God's in charge and 'every little thing's going to be all right.' 

Two scriptures come to mind as I process this. Firstly: 'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' (Matthew 6:34). Each day, we have enough to contend with. We can't change the past and we can't alter the future, but we can let 'today' help us through and make sense of it all so that we can cope with what is happening.

The second scripture is 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   (Philippians 4:6-7)

Anxiety gets you nowhere because it is a distraction. The devil, when he wants to stop you doing God's work, will throw something in that will distract you from the main thing. See it for what it is; how many times has he done this to each of us? To be this way robs you of your joy and peace and it can lead you to make some unwise decisions too. Do you know something? The cause of worry is simple; it's the reluctance to trust God to take care of the various situations in your life.

Therefore get your victory over worry and anxiety today. Give it to Jesus; pray and thank Him and receive His peace.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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