What gets you down?  Asking this question is hard on a day like today…when 1 year ago the Waldo Canyon fire swept through our city’s west end, causing panic and 300 homes lost. And today, when another fire has started in the northeast of my city already taking dozens homes. This certainly gets me down.

Last month I asked this question on our Facebook wall. Here’s some of the responses I got…

“Allowing my past to to control my thoughts…”
“Worry…”
“Fear…”
“…national moral decay…”

We all have things or a situation that can get us down.  Here are some things I am doing today to get me past the worry, fear and sorrow of the fire devastation:

1. Pray. It’s that direct line to God that we need to remember most.  Philippians 4:6 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

2. Words have power. Watch what you say on a day that gets you down. Are you encouraging a negative attitude in yourself or the people around you? More than that – God has said there is power in the tongue. So, instead of using words negatively, go for words filled with faith. Check out Matthew 17:20 and 1 Peter 3:9-11. This is something I have to work on daily!

3. Look to Jesus. So many people say “Keep your eyes on Jesus” but what does that really mean?  Practically speaking I think it means to live moment by moment conscience that Jesus is with you, strengthening and helping you.  Like Peter in Matthew 14:30, when he saw the strong waves and the wind, he began to sink. But, when he locked eyes with Jesus in the storm, he was walking on water. Just like Peter, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, especially through things that get us down.

So, what gets you down and what helps you get back up?

Elissa