When the Blues Come

Christians are people of joy (cf. Philippians 4:4), but we still have days that are difficult. Relationships are strained. Finances are tight. Sin ensnares.

Sometimes, even the most godly people experience “the blues.”

However, if we are not careful a down day can turn into full-blown depression.

[Disclaimer: I am not talking about clinical depression, which is a very real struggle for many of you. I am speaking of long seasons of “the blues” that we often describe as depression.]

When one of these days of “the blues” hits, what are some things we can do to start the healing process? Here are a few.

1. Spend time with comforting passages of Scripture. Maybe it’s a day that you need to go off your normal Bible reading schedule. That’s okay. Go back to Psalm 23 or 46. Read Philippians, the “epistle of joy.” Be reminded of God’s presence and the joy it brings. Additionally, spend quite a lot of time here. Don’t rush through these passages because they are familiar. Let them truly fill your mind.

2. Admit it in prayer. It is okay to tell God you are feeling down. After all, He already knows! Seek His wisdom. Speak openly to Him about why you think this might be happening. And, remember, if you cry during a prayer, that’s quite alright.

3. Get outside. The easiest thing to do when we feel the blues is to “hole up” on the couch or bed. Fresh air and sunshine will make a world of difference. In this time of year, where there are fewer hours of sunshine, more people feel down. Even if it’s just sitting on the porch to feel the breeze, you will be amazed at how your body gets energy.

4. Eat well. When we are down, we want to eat junk food……which only makes things worse. Take control of your diet. As with #3, it will help your body feel better, which always helps the mind feel better.

5. Talk to another person. Even if they aren’t the best conversationalist, just seeing another face and letting them know you are struggling makes such a difference. Their listening ear, and any advice or encouragement they might give helps you through.

6. Do something for someone else. Helping others always makes us feel better. “It is more blessed to give than to recieve” (Acts 20:35). No matter how small you may think a certain act is, do it. It releases something in your psyche that will help the healing process.

Finally, I would add that, should “the blues” continue for any significant amount of time, seek professional help. It may be more than just “the blues.”

Christians sometimes feel “the blues,” too, and that’s okay. But we do not need to remain in that state perpetually. Look for what is good, and focus there. Seek God’s help, and be a help to others.

QUESTION: What else helps you when “the blues” come?

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Photo credit: Shledge on creative commons

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