Jesusluvsall's Blog

I have a confession to make. I have become addicted to some videos on youtube. It’s not what you may be thinking.

When I was deep in the depression valley this past June and trying to cope with a flareup of autoimmune problems, all I could do was watch videos. I couldn’t really read. I didn’t go anywhere for four weeks. I watched some videos about depression and anxiety by people who were dealing with them. I watched music videos of worship music. There was one kind of video that got me hooked and I still watch them each day. What are they?

Videos of babies with dogs like this one:

There is so much darkness in this world. The TV news is depressing. Keeping a good mindset is so important living with autoimmune problems. So these kind of videos have been a bit of a boost for me. Yes, we definitely need to seek Jesus by praying, reading our bibles, and listening to music about him. That is daily for me. But it is also okay to receive a boost from good things in life. Philippians 4 puts it this way:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

I am not talking about positive thinking. If that is your thing, blessings to you. I am also not talking about the whole secrets of the universe thing. I am talking about renewing our minds primarily through God’s word, prayer, worship, and fellowship.

We can also look to other things of beauty in God’s creation to be reminded of his majesty.

We can look at those things that inspire us, move us, encourage us.

We can also look for a break from it all in simple things. For me lately it has been those videos of babies and dogs. Whatever is pure? I think babies and dogs devotion to them fits that.

So yes this old guy with a white beard for the winter, this old guy who has traveled abroad many times, this old guy who spends time with people from all over the world, is encouraged by watching videos of babies with dogs.

It seems like ages ago, but it was only four months ago that I was in that deep valley. I forced myself to sit in front of my computer and watch worship videos. I also made myself watch the videos of babies with dogs. One day, I laughed a little.

My point is that there is beauty in this world fallen and troubled as it is. Part of renewing our minds is to try to focus on that beauty.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.