PROGRAM D-8259

When was the last time you had a letdown day? We’ve all just celebrated Christmas and, for most of us, it was undoubtedly a joyful time with lots of people around, good food, lovely gifts—all very nice. But now we’re into the days after Christmas, and it’s not unusual for you to experience some letdown days. Let’s talk about what to do to pull yourself out of these letdown periods.

As I mentioned, letdowns are normal so there’s no need to feel guilty about them. They typically don’t last too long. In fact, our bodies need some letdown time after a high. We are not built to be “up” all the time. So, how can you manage those letdown days, keep them to a minimum, and not allow them to get out of control?

As Christ-followers, we should always look first to God’s Word for answers because they are there and they work! So, what should be the steps for getting out of letdown days?

Praise God—in mega-doses. Praise is essential, and one good way to get praise and thanksgiving going is to write down or recite all you have to be thankful for. When you’re in these spiritual letdown times, you tend to forget the good and marvelous things God has done for you. Praise makes you remember, it gives you perspective, and it refocuses your thoughts on God instead of yourself. You may not feel like praising, but purpose to offer that sacrifice of praise. It’s an essential in recovery.

Spend extra time in the Word of God. During these blah times, if you’re like me, your tendency is to neglect the Bible because it seems so dry. However, you need God’s Word then more than ever! You must fight that tendency, and pour God’s Word into your mind. This gives you the mental reinforcement you need for letdown days. In fact, it’s very helpful to find one verse to memorize and recite frequently throughout your letdown day.

To recap, first acknowledge that letdown days will come; in most cases it’s not something you brought on yourself, but something that happens to everyone. Then, fight back; don’t let it last long. When you give in to those letdown days and start throwing a pity party, it simply makes them worse and keeps them going. Fight back by praising God and spending extra time in the Bible.