Since the turn of the century, I’ve heard of an ailment that saps ones energy and may even present as mild depression. Some say that the winter season triggers the symptoms, as the absence of sunlight affects the brain and emotive functions. It is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Many of us are affected literally and emotionally by the disorder, even people of faith.
But where there’s an ailment there’s a cure, whether or not we are familiar with the cure. There are natural and spiritual cures, in addition to those prescribed by a medical practitioner. As people of faith, let’s explore some spiritual antidotes as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Proverbs 17:22 NIV
[22] A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Good Medicine
I confess, I’m not good at taking meds, but this is a prescription I’m happy to follow. It sounds like a very good deal, especially in guarding against SAD. To think that SAD affects millions of persons annually, we must take our Nougat seriously.
Cheerfulness sounds·like a very good prescription for many of us who are grumpy. And not all of us have the excuse of winter to justify antisocial behaviour. So, finding a cure is crucial. While this may sound cliché, I propose that _Jesus is the answer_! Think about it siblings, if we find fullness of joy in God’s presence, and Jesus is the Son of God, then Jesus is the answer to SAD and sadness.
Self-Check
To what extent do we believe Jesus is the answer for SAD?
Application
One of the treatments for SAD includes having UV lamps around us to combat the sense of gloom and to irradiate our space. As the Light of the World (see John 8:12), in whom our joy is complete (see John 15:11 and16:24), as well as being the Sun of Righteousness, risen with healing in His wings (see Malachi 4:2), being in Y’shua’s presence should combat any gloom that tries to sneak into our lives.
As with the UV lamp, we must remain in the presence of Y’shua for our mood to be affected. That comes from establishing times where we are intentionally reading and praying, so that when we face the world and Life starts Lifing, we are already equipped.
Remember however, that Y’shua is part of the Holy Trinity. So His promise of God’s Spirit comes with the assurance not only of joy, but of the constant presence of comfort (see John 14:18, 26). Thus, even in grief or trials, when Christ is given priority in our lives, joy and comfort are added to the righteous (see Matthew 6:33).
What blessed hope. Joy in our Lord. As we receive His joy, we ought to become conduits so others who seek may find fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11)
Blessing
May we find Y’shua to be the centre of our joy as we give God’s kingdom and righteousness, by the power of God’s Spirit.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
