Have you ever noticed how connected the weather is with emotions? The idea that when it is a bit warmer and sunnier outside, one's overall mood and outlook is a bit more positive and "sunnier". In contrast, when the weather is bitterly cold with gusts of wind taking one's breath upon walking outside, the overall mood of someone is not as "happy" feeling. It's actually quite humorous to view in retrospect.
With that said, coming from Mechanicsville, VA, it isn't as easy to maintain a positive attitude when the weather can be 20 degrees hotter/20 degrees cooler than it was, just two days before. It's actually quite exhausting, especially during spring when flowers are halted from their blooming process due to a horrendous snow storm in the middle of April. However, the Lord made each day special. He made each day full of blessings, opportunity and the capability to ensure happiness.
So, here are my three steps to avoid allowing the weather to terminate your happiness:
1. “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” - Psalm 90:14
In the book of Psalm, many beautiful blessings and small offerings of advice are given. In this particular verse, King David (the writer of the book of Psalm), is displaying his trust in the Lord by requesting the Lord's satisfaction and finding happiness and contentment in each day through song. With this verse in mind and obtaining the mindset of King David's request, along with the reassurance it provides, it will be more effortless to obtain this pleasantly cheerful attitude each day.
2. “Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come?” - Ecclesiastes 8:7
Ecclesiastes is one of the two books known as the books of love - the other being Proverbs. It's essential to keep this in mind when reading these books. There are many verses that discuss the future, and each of them have a different meaning behind them. With this said, this specific verse is focusing in on the idea that God is all knowing and is the only one who knows what is to come in the future. This is incredibly reassuring and refreshing to note, seeing as the past is definite, but the future is very unclear. We should never let something small determine our mindset or mood, because the future is unclear and the Lord is the only one who knows what it holds. This reassuring idea should be able to turn the mood of anyone feeling downtrodden.
3. “But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me.” - Psalm 69:29
Pain is temporary. God's love is forever. Though we might often allow our emotions to control how we tackle each day, the idea that God will always protect us from these negative emotions and times of temporary pain is incredibly reassuring. God never said that he would not allow for bad things to happen in our lives - he promised that he would be with us during these negative times to help us push through them. God's endless love and salvation will always protect us, but we need to remember to always call on his guidance not only during the negative times in our lives, but also during the positive. "There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning" are lyrics from one of my favorite worship songs, "Your Love Never Fails"... which it doesn't! Never forget it.
In closing, yes, the weather can definitely affect our emotions. But so can outside forces. Looking back on these three things is crucial to be able to remain positive, and have constant Christ-like thinking.
