We are having an unusually wet March where I live and, although I know we need the rain, I have to confess to letting it get me down and feeling decidedly under the weather from time to time..

Our emotions are so powerful, but so unreliable and fickle, too.  Something as simple as a few days of gray skies can color a person’s perceptions, making everything seem subdued and less joyful.

That is why we are instructed in the Bible to cause our minds to dwell on the beautiful and good.  Philippians 4:8 instructs us  “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

This scripture passage recognizes how easily our moods and emotions are swayed and how they can influence our thoughts and actions.

After reading those words I forced myself to think of sunny, happy days from my past.  I was tugged back mentally to relive lazy summer days from my childhood, lying face down in the family hammock, feeling the sun on my back and smelling the hot, musty canvas as I gazed through the green fabric at the kingdom of insects  crawling industriously among the blades of grass beneath me.  

A few moments of purposeful thought brought me out of my gloomy mood and made the rainy day more cheerful.

It is amazing the way God’s word speaks to every part of my life, from the petty mood swings to major crises.

When we feel ourselves slipping into the slough of despond we can grab hold of the beauties of God’s creation and pull ourselves out. How reassuring.