How to Overcome Downer Days by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
“Lisa’s had lots of experience.” Someone had just complimented my writing skills and another followed it up with a comment inferring I was old, negating the compliment. It’s been a stretch full of jabs like that, both external from other people and internal—punches I’ve thrown at myself.
Maybe you understand what it’s like when it seems like the positive reinforcement has retreated into a back closet.
It’s safe to say we all go through low periods, and when we do, thoughts surface like I have no value. I am unattractive. I am not lovable. When these negative thoughts begin to take over our minds and the downward spirals commence, we need to ask some questions.
What is going on in my life?
Do I have an important “God appointment” on the horizon?
Have I gotten away from my daily spiritual medicine—Worship, the Word of God and Prayer?
In my case, when I go through these downer days, I generally have some important ministry dates on the calendar. The more speaking engagements, the greater the attack. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The enemy of our souls wants to take us off our game so we are ineffective in our calling. His mission is to make us feel so bad about ourselves that we quit, and he’ll often use other people’s comments, or even silence, to bring us down.
We all have an Achilles heel—the place where we are most vulnerable—and he’s locked in on that target. Sometimes those making statements that needle us did not intend to do damage, but the enemy will twist what’s said and the derogatory whispers start: See, they think you’re worthless. You don’t belong. You are old. Why don’t you just hang it up?
When this happens to me, it may take a while, but I eventually realize that what is coming around the corner is going to be powerful. Otherwise, the devil wouldn’t be working so hard. I am going to be used to make a difference, and that when I am feeling weak, I must press into the strength that God provides.
Are you feeling a little south of center today? Then it’s time to get even lower, to your knees, and ask God to encourage you or to send one of His servants to provide a kind word. And while you’re down there, ask Him to help you to think rightly about yourself, and others. Today, I am humbly bowing along with you—seeking help from the One who loves us and provides for all our needs—Jesus. I am praying for both of us to feel an outpouring of His love, and to embrace the truth that we are beautiful daughters of God, as well as valuable to our heavenly Father.
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”
(Ephesians 3:17–19)