Upside Down Frowns

I’ve really had a Negative Nelly attitude this week. I’ve been beating myself up for it because normally I’m pretty upbeat. Do you ever find yourself feeling negative and feeling guilty about it?

As I read my Bible today, I realized something. There was a Negative Nate disciple named Thomas. It gave me great relief to know that Jesus actually had someone in His inner circle while here on earth that wasn’t as cheery as the others all the time. He even said some pretty messed up things.

To fill you in Reader’s Digest style, Jesus had been staying out of site because the church leaders wanted to kill him, but his friend Lazarus just died. Jesus was going to have to go back into the city where his enemies were to bring Lazarus back to life. When his disciples were told about this, ole Tom made a comment:

John 11:16 “Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus (Twin), said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let’s go also, that we may die with him’.” (WEB)

Jesus let Tom feel what ever he wanted to, didn’t feed into the depression or sad thoughts, didn’t try to cheer him up but kept on the course He knew God wanted for him.

It’s a gentle reminder to me that yes there will be times I’m in a yucky mood. But if I just keep the course that I know God wants of me, better moods will be ahead of me.

The point I’m making is this: It’s ok to have those negative moods. If we acknowledge them, but still go on about our day, they seem to pass and the day works out for the best.

Heavenly Father, thank You for “ah-ha” moments
during my Quiet Times with You.
Thank You for showing me that even
Your inner circle of friends had wet rag moods.
Help me keep my eyes on You so that
my down moments only last a short time.