Chaplain's Corner: 'You turned my wailing into dancing'

Published Nov. 3, 2010
By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Mike Jones
507 ARW Wing Chaplain

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Have you ever been so down that you just can't seem to get going? Do you feel you have no energy, no motivation and no desire to do anything?

Maybe you are so worried and anxious about something (career, marriage, relationships, money, deployment ... take your pick) that you just can't concentrate on anything for very long so you jump from task to task without getting much of anything done. You have? Well you're not alone. So have I.

There are, of course, no easy answers. I have personally found that sometimes talking to friends or a counselor can help me by getting a different slant on things.

If the depression or anxiety you experience is severe enough to keep you from doing your job safely, or brings to the surface serious thoughts about doing harm to yourself or others, then seeing a chaplain, therapist and/or a physician would be a very good idea.

Another important part of the answer for me is my faith. It has played a huge role in getting me through some pretty tough times.

When I am feeling down I read through the Psalms and remember that God is my creator and sustainer, my strength and my fortress, my hope and my salvation.

God walks with me through the dark valleys of life, of fear and of despair. It is God who turns my wailing into dancing (Psalm 30:11). Sometimes it is for just a little while, but it's enough.

For you see, my faith in God will see me through because my God will see me through. And God will see you through too. So hang in there and look to God for strength: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2).