Now That's My Cup of Tea

 

.A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

"I don't feel very much like Pooh today," said Pooh.  "There, there," said Piglet.  "I'll bring you tea and honey until you do." ~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh 

What's your go-to when you're down and out?  When you're feeling overwhelmed with some situation, or your job?  When you can't take any more of the bad news, the politics, the natural catastrophes, the hatred?  Do you try to comfort with food? Zoning out with TV? Scrolling on social media? 

It seems like the first thing we do is to isolate ourselves in some way, and fill our minds (and sometimes stomachs) with worldly things.  It kind of keeps the depression at bay.  For a little while.  

But experts say many experience depression in their lifetime, and here are some of their recommendations to combat these depressing feelings-

        🠊 listening to music

        🠊 spending time in nature

        🠊 spending time with loved ones

        🠊 expressing your feelings

        🠊 volunteering

        🠊 practicing gratitude

The world's experts have come to the conclusions the Bible has stated all along. 

"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart sad?

I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again-

my Savior and my God!" Ps 42:11

 If we just tweak their suggestions in a few small ways, it revives our souls--

Instead of just listening to music, listen to praise music (maybe while you're enjoying a cup of tea).  Many of the songs/hymns come out of trials:

"Come,  let us sing to the Lord.  Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation." Ps 95:1

  

Spend time in nature- God's nature He created for us to enjoy (we can take our to-go mug of tea):

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God.  The skies display His craftsmanship. 

Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known." Ps 19:1-2

Spend time with loved ones over a cup of tea, especially the ones who speak life into us and will pray with us:

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." 

Heb 10:24-25

 Instead of just expressing our feelings to anyone who will listen, express them to God, who always listens.  Get a cup of tea, start a journal, and pour out our heart.

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28

 Volunteer our time and ourselves; get out of the house, away from all screens, and be really present for someone else:

" The generous prosper.  Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Prov 11:25

 Practice gratitude daily by not even letting ourselves step foot out of bed each morning without thanking God, and if we can't think of anything, start by thanking Him for being able to step out of bed that morning😊:

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving, go into His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him and praise His name.  For the Lord is good. 

His unfailing love continues forever, 

and His faithfulness continues to each generation." Ps 100:4-6

 Our Lord cares about our minds and our hearts.  Though it's not the cup of tea, the 'teatime' causes us to pause and rest in the Lord.  Have a scone too.  

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with all of us - our mind, body & spirit - and want to give it all to You.  You have said You came for us to have an abundant life, and letting emotions like depression are simply not from You.  Help us to have discipline when we don't necessarily feel like it.  Strengthen us when we are weak, help us to overcome the weariness this world can sometimes give.  We want to grow more like You.  Amen.