Finding Hope in the Seasonal SADs - Advent Devotional Day 9

Scripture
"Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed?
    Why are you so upset inside?
        Hope in God!
        Because I will again give him thanks,
        my saving presence and my God." - Psalm 42:11

Reflection
The fall transition to shorter days, longer nights, always hits me hard.

Now, don’t get me wrong, fall is my favorite season. I love the changing leaves, and that crisp, cool air. But, daylight savings always seems to swoop in, bringing what I like to call the “seasonal sads” along with it.

For some of us, those sad, depressive feelings are a result of grief. We’ve experienced a loss or transition that has made this season heavier to navigate. For others, the lessening of sunshine makes it more difficult to find joy in our day. We’re a little more sad and energy is a little lower. And then there’s the rest of us, who lack language or explanation for our heavy feelings. We just know that they’re there.

When those low feelings begin to kick in, I have to actively seek the small things that bring me hope. It can be easy for all of us to fall into the gloomy places within ourselves. As those feelings begin to rise up, we can turn to God, clinging to hope like an anchor.

Hope keeps us rooted. It reminds us of the good in those colder, darker days.

As we navigate through the fall and winter seasons together, I invite you to consider where you experience the hope of God. Perhaps it’s in the beauty of the sunset, or the miraculous joy of an extra cozy sweater.

When those heavier, harder holiday feelings begin to arise, keep an eye out for the small things. Pause to notice them. Say a quick mental prayer of thanks for that gift of hope, and allow that moment to remind you that God is present with you.

Prayer
God, help me to notice the small but meaningful ways you make yourself known to me during the hard days and holidays. As I notice, may hope increase in me. In Jesus name, Amen.