It’s time to feel good!

All people want to feel good! They search for ways to make that happen. They try entertainment, sports, shopping, social media, parties, alcohol, drugs, sex, making money, and hundreds of other things — all in an effort to make themselves feel better. But nothing seems to work for very long. Sadness, discouragement, and even depression creep back in.

So is there any way for people to feel good for the long haul? Yes, there is good news! The most effective way to feel good is continual surrender to, trust in, and relationship with the living, risen Jesus. The Bible describes that Jesus-feeling as “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” And it is long haul. An ongoing relationship with Jesus not only makes people feel good (even when bad things happen) during their lifetime; it makes them feel good forever in the presence of God.

Our stress-filled, depressed, and medicated culture needs some relief. People need good news and Christ-followers have it. Perhaps it is time that we do what Jesus said and “shout it from the housetops.” I think Jesus used that figure of speech to say that we need to get His good news out boldly, creatively, courageously, and in every way possible.

In the Christmas season, depression increases, when it should be just the opposite. The Christmas season is a great time to focus on the joy of loving Jesus and to share that joy with others. However, before we can effectively share Christ and His joy, we must have Him living inside of us and His joy surging through our heart. (To proclaim Jesus when we’re sad and discouraged is counter productive.)

So what releases the presence of Christ and His joy in someone’s heart and life? The name you see everywhere during the Christmas season, The Salvation Army, proclaims it — salvation — not as a one-time religious experience, but as an ongoing, loving, intimate relationship with Jesus. There’s nothing like it! May you continually experience and radiate God’s salvation during the Christmas season and through out the year!