Alva Review-Courier -

There is no doubt that this has been a challenging year. By February, our nation was starting to face a pandemic that seemingly will not go away. Within nine months, we have learned to wear masks, social distance, refrain from handshaking, and accept the "new normal." Nothing has been easy this year. Now that we are entering the holiday season, we are encountering situations we never thought would be an issue. Many are fearful of having large celebrations; many decide not to travel or host family get-togethers. Many, like me, are just wondering if we get a slice of pumpkin pie!

This year brought a contentious presidential election that still has yet to be finalized. Rumors are abounding from coin shortages to another run on toilet paper. 2020 seems to be comical but, instead, it has a tremendous impact on lives, which is very dangerous.

As I visit with people around me, I have noticed a growing depression by many. Depression often occurs at this time with the seasonal change and the pressures of the holidays. But this year it is different. The most common statement that I come across in my conversations with people is that they are tired of this pandemic. People are tired of restrictions, regardless of how important they are. People are tired of a government that is divided and ineffectual.

People are tired of worrying about the economy and future shutdowns. People are tired of worrying about sending their children to school or keeping them home. Frustration and weariness have become too normal in our lives today. This frustration leads quickly to depression.

If depression is not kept in check, it will grow and expand. It becomes unmanageable, and soon it leads to disastrous outcomes. The CDC did a study in June and found alarming numbers. The CDC report showed that 40.9% of adults say they've had at least one mental health effect, including symptoms of anxiety or depression (30.9%), symptoms of trauma or stressor-related disorder (26.3%), and starting or increasing substance use to cope (13.3%) (http://bit.ly/MMWR81320).

Christians struggle with depression as they do with any other emotional issue. It is a reality the many deny. Before you think that being depressed is sacrilegious, you need to remind yourself that many of God's people struggled with depression at times. Moses, David, Elijah and Paul. Life's turns and troubles are no different for a Christian or non-Christian. Life is hard at times. Life is frustrating at times. The same for all.

As Christians, we have resources to help us out of the troubling times. We have a Savior who loves us and gave His life so that we could live again. We have the Holy Spirit inside who guides and directs. We have the Word of God that inspires and illuminates. We have the church that edifies and encourages. In these times, we seek to embrace these precious remedies that the Lord has given to us.

Within these remedies, the Lord has provided clear instruction to help us through this rough year. In Thessalonians 5:18, the Word of God instructs us to "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Thanks is not an issue. God's will is not an issue. It is in the words "in every thing" that I find challenging. Years ago, a preacher was preaching about this verse, and he said that the believer needs to have an "attitude of gratitude." That statement has stayed with me for many years.

In this simple commandment, frustrations, disappointments and even depression have to take a hike.

Whatever befalls me, I look to God with a spirit of thanksgiving, knowing that whatever it might be, God is more than able to handle it.

I came across this quote years ago. I often reread it to make sure that my attitude is not crippling me. Charles Swindoll writes,

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company ... a church ... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past ... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our Attitudes."

Rest assured that God is still in control. Rest in Him. Rest in His promises. Rest in His providential care. Work on your attitude and make sure you have gratitude mixed within it.

God Bless you this Thanksgiving week.