Rainy Day Blues
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
ME: Jesus, these consecutive rainy days are pulling me down. I am feeling kind of apathetic and sad. This is a battle for me. I am in the thick of it and I don’t like how I’m feeling.
JESUS: What do you plan to do about this?
ME: Wait, that is why I am coming to You. I want some sunny days.
JESUS: Have you forgotten all the blessings that I have poured upon you? How about My promises to constantly be with you? What about this: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
ME: Jesus, sometimes this ‘blue funk’ smothers me and I let it happen. Am I a wimp? Why can’t I be strong enough to push back and fight it?
JESUS: You don’t call on My name at the onset. There is part of you that still wants to do it all your way—even though you know it won’t be the best choice.
ME: You are right. Sometimes I don’t think about You until I’m sliding down that slippery slope.
JESUS: Alright, let’s use My creatures, in this teachable moment. Right now, as you look out your window, you see the beautiful cardinal, blue jay, tufted titmouse, evening grossbeak (male and female), robins, gold finches, Baltimore oriels, cow birds, red winged black birds, pigeons, mourning doves and more. I even brought you chipmunks and three kinds of squirrels. It is raining but do you see them refusing to gather food or just sit hunched over on a branch? They know the sun will come back and their feathers/fur will dry out. They still sing to each other. The four-footed ones scamper and chase. Even soaked, they are bright eyed and bushy tailed.
ME: But, Jesus, they don’t have the problems that I have. They don’t have emotions…do they?
JESUS: Does it matter? David once wrote: But, O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God (Psalm 42:11, TLB)! I suggest you do the same. My precious child, remember that the sun is always shining somewhere.
ME: I’ll find that sun…or is it Son?
Heavenly Father, thank You for all of creation—even those rainy days. Teach us to seek You when life looks dreary. Help us to be content with each day. AMEN.