If you’re new here, let me bring you up to speed. In my blog I cover topics that affect me. So let me introduce myself: I am first and foremost a Christian. I love God, I’m saved by grace, covered by the blood of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, go to church, and read the Bible. I’m a singer, writer, wife, mother, grandmother, dog mom, and I’m retired. I live at the beach and love living here. I’m affected by physical and mental health issues: Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome-T2 (apparently this is the new term for what I have after 3 back surgeries), Obesity (such an unpleasant term), Depression with Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and I am an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) to boot.

I started blogging for many reasons, one being to see my way through my dark times. What I found along the way were other people that could use an encouraging word just as much as me. That’s where I want to start with this blog today, with encouragement if you find yourself, like me, being SAD.

As the days grow shorter, the nights longer, and the weather colder, I find I can’t function on autopilot. I have to put effort into doing the things that are important to me. I have to put effort into turning things around or I’ll find myself wallowing in a muddled mood.

My go-to resource to light a fire under me is God’s Word.

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Light is key in dealing with SAD. And the scriptures are full of light.

Lord, you provide the flame for my lamp. You, God, turn the darkness around me into light.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭28‬ ‭ERV‬‬

When I read the Bible, His light finds me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What seems dark to me doesn’t change His perspective. He still sees my situation clearly and knows the way forward.

So many things affect our lives. Personally, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out what will help me be better. But when I can’t, I know someone who knows me better than I know myself.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I pray you will trust Him with whatever struggles you face.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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