BEATING BACK THE "MEAN REDS"

I believe in the power of good and evil.  I believe in the existence of a benevolent Christ and a malevolent Anti Christ.

The Anti Christ (AC) is a thief, always seeking to entice us away from a SPIRIT filled life.  The AC consistently attempts to shift our focus away from God and onto:

1. the PAST (bemoaning the mistakes, missed opportunities and wasted time; 
2. the FUTURE (fearful of the unknown or worse); and
3. the PRESENT (wallowing in feelings of sadness or depression).

I am, like Timothy, a nervous person by nature.  I am given to the "mean reds" and "indigo moods."  Before I discovered the Power of the Spirit, I relied on my imagination to distract me from sad feelings or loneliness. 

Even now, I still battle these moods.  It is interesting to note that when I discovered the Christ, my fundamental personality did not change.  Rather, I just learned how to manage my feelings in a different way.  Now, I try my best to rely on the Spirit to alter any sad feelings in real time.

In my research on Feelings: I set out to answer a few queries.  

• Where do Feelings come from?
• What is the position of Feelings in the Christian Life?
• Where should feelings be placed in our lives?

Here are some truths that I discovered in the book: Spiritual Depression: It's Causes and Its Cures by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 

1. We need our FEELINGS!

We need our feelings (the highs and the lows) because when God takes over our lives, God takes over our entire beings and engages ALL of us: our feelings, our mind, our body.  The Gospel moves our mind (so that we can see TRUTHS); moves our hearts (so that we can feel his Power/Majesty, Joy and Happiness) and moves our will (so that we can move forward and do things as directed by God).

2.  We cannot create FEELINGS.  

Despite our attempts, we cannot create feelings.  We can not conjure them up at will.  We cannot force authentic tears or laughter.  And when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling distressed for no apparent reason, we must be careful not to self medicate with drugs, alcohol and toxic relationships.  Attempting to manage feelings our way (without God), is a slippery slope.   If we are not careful, we may find ourselves exchanging one type of depression for another.  Over time, we will discover that NO man made crutch can keep feelings at bay for long. 

3.  Our FEELINGS change.

Feelings vary from moment to moment.  They are the most variable part of us because they are dependent on so many factors.  Physical conditions affect them.  Outside stimuli affect them. 

The facts are clear.  Feelings are real.  We need them.  We cannot create them.  They vary from moment to moment.

So, how then can we follow God's commandments, remain calm in the face of difficulties, and offer kind words when we feel horrible?  In other words, how can we exercise our God given gifts when we don't feel well enough to get out of the bed?!

WE MUST FIGHT with God's help.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12

This is Spiritual WARFARE!  We CANNOT ALLOW the moods, fears, physical desires, external hurts and varying FEELINGS to control us.  

How is that even possible to win this SPIRITUAL battle when we are overwhelmed by these factors on a daily basis?

It is possible, darling.  We are well equipped.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

God promises that HE will protect us.  He has already defeated the evil  one.  We simply have to stay in the Spirit, close to God to withstand and prevail.

I have found the following steps to be helpful to lift even the meanest red mood.

1. REJOICE: 
• Don't spend too much time over analyzing feelings.  You may not feel HAPPY but you can rejoice.  You can stir up the Spirit within you.
2. INTERNAL DIALOGUE
• Recognize that these shifts in feelings are a tool of the AC! Remind yourself of your beliefs.  Remind yourself that you are a daughter/son of a KING that has ALL Power!  Tell yourself:  I will not be dominated by this feelings.  These indigo moods shall not control me today.  I am going out and I am breaking through.
3. GET UP AND DO SOMETHING
• Shake off the mean reds and walk about, dance, MOVE.  Go for a walk outside and focus on the delicate beauty of God's creation.
4. ASK FOR HELP
• Remember you are not alone.  God has promised to meet your needs in real time.  So tell God you are feeling blue.  Ask Him to lift it so that you can get on with His work.  Watch Him do it! (and if you think you might need to talk with a professional, ask God to direct you to someone who is gifted and spirit filled.)

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 42:5

You may not feel happy today.  But whether you feel happy or not, believe the truths of God as chronicled in the Scriptures.  

Say to yourself:  I believe God's word is true and I will stay my soul on it, I will believe in it come what may!  Never the LESS, I will believe.  I will trust.  

Then sit with God quietly, asking HIM to fill you with His Spirit.  Don't move until you feel your countenance shift.

When you do these things, you will escape the mean reds and you will be able to continue Onward and Upward.

I promise, darling.