If you want to overcome despondency, take up some handiwork for a short while, or read, or pray frequently. -- St. Ephrem the Syrian (Spiritual Psalter #117)
Those three things certainly work for me when I feel the black cloud coming on! It's nice to know that even St. Ephraim the Syrian may have struggled with despondency. It sometimes (at least for me) feels like I'm struggling in the fog all alone.
It sure is. It also helps me to actually say out loud something like "how I feel doesn't change God's love or my salvation that I have through him". Sometimes I even picture my hands actually holding on to the cross -
Those three things certainly work for me when I feel the black cloud coming on! It's nice to know that even St. Ephraim the Syrian may have struggled with despondency. It sometimes (at least for me) feels like I'm struggling in the fog all alone.
ReplyDeletePraying is a great thing to get past the fog.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is. It also helps me to actually say out loud something like "how I feel doesn't change God's love or my salvation that I have through him". Sometimes I even picture my hands actually holding on to the cross -
ReplyDeleteWhat counts as handiwork?
ReplyDeleteWhat a striking visual.
ReplyDeletePastor - thank you for this important reminder. Hobbies, crafts, exercise are all good things to do when we struggle.
ReplyDeletePastor Wurst also has a GREAT nugget from Blessed Martin Luther for pastors at http://thewurstblog.blogspot.com
One word: Bach
ReplyDeleteRecall Luther's admonition. When the blues settle in, sing hymns!
Woodworking - nothing finer in my opinion. The handling of material is essential to spiritual and mental health.
ReplyDelete