The Joy of the Lord
River family,
This time of year, is so beautiful with the changing leaves and vibrant colors. But it is also a tough time for a lot of people with SAD or seasonal affective disorder. This is the result of decreasing sunlight and a shift in our circadian rhythms (natural system for sleep). Our happy hormone serotonin decreases as a result and our hormone for falling asleep increases which is why a lot of people with SAD experience drops in overall mood and feelings of lethargy and lack of motivation. One thing that helps people experiencing SAD is to sit in the sun or under a medical light treatment lamp.
Here is a little play on words but the answer to this depression is spending more time in the sun/son.
As Christians we have the tremendous opportunity to access the joy-filled presence of the Lord whenever we prioritize the time do to so. The problem is we don't prioritize this for a lot of reasons, such as being too busy or centered on other things. Our spiritual, emotional, and physical systems get out of alignment and we find ourselves sapped of joy and meaning. We have no motivation to pursue our dreams and the God-given call in our lives. Nehemiah writes that "the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). This was at a great time of hard work and discouragement for the people of God trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in the face of insurmountable odds and attacks of the enemy. After David was confronted with his sin with Bathsheba, he writes a beautiful psalm in chapter 51 that says that God will restore the "joy of his salvation." (Psalm 51:12).
Many of us have lost the joy. The reason we have hope. The Joy of the Lord is not to be confused with happiness. Happiness is determined by what is happening while joy can be present even when what is happening is dark and hopeless. Paul wrote in the deep dark Roman prison- "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!" Paul and Silas put this into practice when they rejoiced in the joy of the Lord and the prison cells were opened and they were delivered by an angel. No matter what your circumstances the answer is spending time in the presence of the son.
Psalm 16:11"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
-Joel
Song List:
The Joy- Belonging Co.-https://youtu.be/WYcpL6otp_Y
Here Again- elevation-https://youtu.be/zfLcdBuB7NY
I surrender- hillsong-https://youtu.be/s7jXASBWwwI
Faithful/jireh- house fires-https://youtu.be/8QJhRWb4QTM