Freedom to Live Happily

What depresses or delights you about August? August ‘no see ums’ aggravate while soaring heat indexes irritate. School begins on normal schedules (whatever normal is ‘for such a time as this’ and schedules are packed again like we dealt with before the Pandemic began. August transitions us from lazy, hazy summer days to sneak previews of the splendor of Autumn.

August has three red letter dates (birthdays of three men of integrity that colored my world with love) that bring sadness and joy, memories made and memories missed, gifts given and gifts withheld, awesome parties and quiet celebrations, cards with dates and messages of love - cards with only a signature to cherish, and birthday blessings remembered and treasured the eighth month of every year, even though they aren’t here. Tim, James, and my brother in law, Kurt were all born in August. While they celebrate eternal life in heaven, I remember each August the joy of birthday parties we shared in the seasons God gave us to love and cherish one another.

Some years, when those dates roll around, I feel depressed like a popped balloon losing air; alas, other years I’m on top of the world while dwelling on happy times behind and ahead when we’re together again in heaven! Do you often feel like a ping pong ball going back and forth from happy to depressing moments, days, weeks, even seasons? It can happen when we lose focus and become overwhelmed with Satan’s ploys to depress and destroy us and the good life God has given for us to enjoy here and eternal life where He is to enjoy for eternity. However, we must make choices to stay connected to Christ and keep ourselves lifted up by praising Him and helping others. Depression never stops trying to take us down. It is our responsibility to care for our hearts, minds, bodies, and stay in touch with the Lord, loved ones, and friends in order to live life out loud in love and celebrate even when the world seems to be turned upside down and many are depressed in the dumps wearing frowns.

When we realize God wants to bless and use what we now possess for His glory, depression and discouragement can fly away...if we make right choices to live on even when loved ones, things we became used to, seasons and schedules with certain supplies, goods, and commodities we always had on hand, freedoms, and many blessings we’ve taken for granted...are lost!

We can strive for happiness and starve depression when our faith is strong and love for God and neighbors goes on...even when the enemy tries to take us down and destroy our happy homes. Our moments of weakness allow His strength to shine through, for “When I am weak then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ matt rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

In Matthew 5:48, we are told to “be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect”!

We know perfection is impossible as Jesus was the only perfect man. Jesus never sinned but he felt emotional rollercoasters just as we do. He probably had days in August when his heart broke knowing his own brothers and hometown friends didn’t believe in Him. Their loss was they missed seeing the marvelous miracles Jesus did when dealing with people who did believe and celebrated the amazing life of the man who walked on water and turned water into wine.

Jesus’ words and example of living showed the power and challenges us toward more positive relationships with people, just as He did those who walked and talked with Him during His thirty three years on earth.

Matthew 5:44 reminds us of a perfect way to handle difficult problems that arise in our lives when dealing with people and ourselves. “Love your enemies...pray for them which despitefully use you”

So, as we press on in these (burdensome or blessed) days of August, let us remember it is how we live each day (connected or disconnected from the VINE and people who color our world with LOVE) that makes all the difference in living happy or depressed.

Jesus is trying to teach us to strengthen our emotional well-being by praying for our enemies and relating properly to other people. He doesn’t command us to live perfectly without errors. He just wants us to press forward toward perfection as we grow in grace and become more like HIM!

The “Light of the world” wants to beam down the radiance of His excellence through us to illuminate a dark, ominous world! May we stay powered up, prayed up, and looking up for Jesus as He could return any day. Even on a steaming August day, we can soak up His love and give light to sad, depressed peop;le who have lost their way.

What is our answer to Thee? Let’s get in gear and give all we’ve got to make our hometown - nation - world a better place ...and we can! Let’s honor, obey, trust in Him and reach out to help our fellow man!