In The Dumps

I have the opportunity to read many versions of God's Word, but this one is my favorite. The Way, Living Bible illustrated, copyright 1972 and 1977.

In the Dumps: The blues. When they hit they wipe out every tingle of joy and excitement. Nothing matters except the depressed, pitying way you feel about yourself. You need a compliment, and uplifter,but you look so miserable no one will even approach you, much less compliment you. Where can you turn? If you ever feel this way- so low that down is up- take a deep breath and read the next six chapters of Ephesians. Paul cuts loose with an explosion of words about how great you are. Through Jesus, God took away all our sins and cruddiness, Paul says, and showered down upon us his richness. God understands us and knows what is best for us at all times (1:8).
Are things looking up? Read on. God is shaping us so well that we are gifts to him that he delights in! (1:11). Encore upon encore, Paul piles on a stream of applause. He rightly gives the praise for what has happened to God, but we are the ones who benefit. Ephesians shows what we look like from God's viewpoint. If we're his children, we look dazzling to him. Even when we're feeling low.

Ephesians 1:5-6 In olden times God did not share this plan with his people, but now he has revealed it by the Holy Spirit to his apostles and prophets. And this is the secret: that the Gentiles will have their full share with the Jews in all the riches inherited by God's sons; both are invited to belong to his church, and all of God's promises of mighty blessings through Christ apply to them both when they accept the Good News about Christ and what he had done for them.