Step Over Your Feelings

Sometimes in depression, you need to step over your feelings. When new circumstances arise that cause you to feel bad, you might need to let the new bad feeling go. You don't need to add fuel to every negative feeling that shows itself. Set that feeling aside, and immediately step over the top of it to get beyond it.

Dr. Archibald Hart gives an example of a situation that may arise and cause you to feel bad: "You are divorced and have limited resources. Your child comes to you and says he would like a new jacket. All the other kids have new jackets. You know you can't give your child a new jacket, so you feel guilty. You feel guilty because you have to say no.

"Your child walks away from you. He may be momentarily disappointed, but otherwise he's happy. He's not going to complain about it; he understands the situation. Yet you feel like you are a terrible person. You have to step over that feeling. You can't let that feeling determine what you do. There are times in depression, whether it is guilt or sometimes sadness itself, when you have to say to yourself, 'I'm just going to ignore that feeling.'"

Every new development in your life does not need to add to your negativism or depression. Set limits. Be willing to stay within the limits physically and emotionally.

"Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me" (Psalm 119:133).