Philippians 4:12
"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things am I instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."
Even in prison, in the worst of circumstances, Paul never gave up hope. He knew how to discipline himself, to be satisfied in all situations, and to go without certain pleasures. God never gives up on His children. The extent of guidance we receive from Him, however, depends on our willingness to trust Him. No matter how hard a trial may be, God is always willing to strengthen us in battle and to help us be content through them all. Though depression is considered a diagnosis, it is easy for Christians to fall into the trap of hopelessness and despair. When battles enter our lives, we must hold true to our faith and trust that God will enable us to win each one.
21.11.11
Depression
Nehemiah 8:10b
"...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Although there are times in our lives when sorrow overcomes joy, we must take courage and look to God for strength. No matter how great our sorrow is, the LORD is capable of providing the comfort we so desperately need. There is no trial too great and no valley too deep for our God. AS Christians, we are not to have countenances of constant sorrow or despair. Those who know we are Christians scrutinize our actions and our expressions when events do not ocur the way we had planned. We are to be true testimonies to those who are not Christians. Though there are different levels of depression, and though depression is lableled as a medical disorder, God is more than willing to proivde the strength and the determination to overcome our despair. Though medicine may help our physical needs, God can meet both physical and spiritual; we have to be willing to allow God to work.
"...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Although there are times in our lives when sorrow overcomes joy, we must take courage and look to God for strength. No matter how great our sorrow is, the LORD is capable of providing the comfort we so desperately need. There is no trial too great and no valley too deep for our God. AS Christians, we are not to have countenances of constant sorrow or despair. Those who know we are Christians scrutinize our actions and our expressions when events do not ocur the way we had planned. We are to be true testimonies to those who are not Christians. Though there are different levels of depression, and though depression is lableled as a medical disorder, God is more than willing to proivde the strength and the determination to overcome our despair. Though medicine may help our physical needs, God can meet both physical and spiritual; we have to be willing to allow God to work.
Depression
Psalm 16:11
"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Who is able to find himself in the presence of the LORD? Usually, it is during our deepest points in life that we find ourselves closest to God. Why is that? Though it is a sin, we tend to look to God the most when we think we need Him more when in truth, we need Him just the same every second of every hour of every day. Joy can be found in the LORD always. We have to realize, though, that it is imperative we give God our time even when we have days that do not transpire the way we had hoped them to. For some people, depression is a constant struggle. No matter how depressed a person may be, there is no single family member, friend, or spouse that can provide the peace and joy that only God can supply. God will show His children the "path of life" and the pleasures that come only when we seek Him continually.
"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Who is able to find himself in the presence of the LORD? Usually, it is during our deepest points in life that we find ourselves closest to God. Why is that? Though it is a sin, we tend to look to God the most when we think we need Him more when in truth, we need Him just the same every second of every hour of every day. Joy can be found in the LORD always. We have to realize, though, that it is imperative we give God our time even when we have days that do not transpire the way we had hoped them to. For some people, depression is a constant struggle. No matter how depressed a person may be, there is no single family member, friend, or spouse that can provide the peace and joy that only God can supply. God will show His children the "path of life" and the pleasures that come only when we seek Him continually.
Depression
John 16:24
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
Often, we Christians depend on our own strength to lead us through troubling times. If we exclude God from our needs, how can we expect Him to help us in times of distress? The LORD commands us to depend on Him completely. If we learn to depend on Him, we will not be so hasty to turn to other people as soon as the worst happens. The LORD should be the first that we turn to when we need encouragement or comfort. Though we cannot hear God's voice, we can certainly experience His leading and guidance. If we ask God for the power to overcome our anguish and believe that He will, we will receive His blessing and the joy that He promises to provide. Depression can be a struggle that will cause us to stumble spiritually and emotionally if we allow it to by not fully depending on God's strength and His supreme power.
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
Often, we Christians depend on our own strength to lead us through troubling times. If we exclude God from our needs, how can we expect Him to help us in times of distress? The LORD commands us to depend on Him completely. If we learn to depend on Him, we will not be so hasty to turn to other people as soon as the worst happens. The LORD should be the first that we turn to when we need encouragement or comfort. Though we cannot hear God's voice, we can certainly experience His leading and guidance. If we ask God for the power to overcome our anguish and believe that He will, we will receive His blessing and the joy that He promises to provide. Depression can be a struggle that will cause us to stumble spiritually and emotionally if we allow it to by not fully depending on God's strength and His supreme power.
Depression
John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
As Christians living in a sinful world, it is not extremely difficult to yield into temptations and sin. Sinning can even mean turning to family and friends for comfort first instead of seeking God's love. It is easy to turn to a family member when the day's events do not occur as we had hoped or when an unexpected tragedy overwhelms us and leads us to our breaking point. God never promised us a life free from tribulations. It is not a sin to be saddened during a tragedy or loss; however, it is a sin if we fail to look to God, our Heavenly Maker, for that peace that He humbly gives if we only ask. God does promise to never give us more than we can bear, and He does promise to give us the strength we need to overcome temptations and struggles. Life is full of disasters and unanticipated outcomes, but as believers, we are to hold fast our faith and trust God to calm the troubles of our hearts.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
As Christians living in a sinful world, it is not extremely difficult to yield into temptations and sin. Sinning can even mean turning to family and friends for comfort first instead of seeking God's love. It is easy to turn to a family member when the day's events do not occur as we had hoped or when an unexpected tragedy overwhelms us and leads us to our breaking point. God never promised us a life free from tribulations. It is not a sin to be saddened during a tragedy or loss; however, it is a sin if we fail to look to God, our Heavenly Maker, for that peace that He humbly gives if we only ask. God does promise to never give us more than we can bear, and He does promise to give us the strength we need to overcome temptations and struggles. Life is full of disasters and unanticipated outcomes, but as believers, we are to hold fast our faith and trust God to calm the troubles of our hearts.
19.11.11
Worry
Deuteronomy 31:8
"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
Christians are constantly battling the temptation of worry. Though worrying is a sin, Christians tend to fall into the pit of agonizing concern whenever toubles enter their lives. What we often forget is the fact that Jesus has already been through those troubles and surpassed them all. The LORD has promised that He knows what lies before us and that He will always be with us as we travel the various roads in life. No matter what kind of struggle we find ourselves in, He will never leave us stranded to fight on our own. With His assuring promises, we have no need to worry about tomorrow or the weeks, months, or even years to come.
"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
Christians are constantly battling the temptation of worry. Though worrying is a sin, Christians tend to fall into the pit of agonizing concern whenever toubles enter their lives. What we often forget is the fact that Jesus has already been through those troubles and surpassed them all. The LORD has promised that He knows what lies before us and that He will always be with us as we travel the various roads in life. No matter what kind of struggle we find ourselves in, He will never leave us stranded to fight on our own. With His assuring promises, we have no need to worry about tomorrow or the weeks, months, or even years to come.
Worry
Psalm 9:9-10
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
As Christians, we are instructed to seek the LORD daily. When we give God our time, He is willing to give us His and help us in times of need. Whenever worry starts to settle into our lives, whether it is worry about meeting a certain deadline at work, about a family member's health, or about the next President of the United States, we must seek the refuge that the LORD consistently offers - His Word. When we are constantly seeking the LORD's guidance through His Word, we find it easier to trust Him in everything. We are promised that refuge of comfort and rest from all worries as long as we take the time to learn from our Omnipotent Creator.
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
As Christians, we are instructed to seek the LORD daily. When we give God our time, He is willing to give us His and help us in times of need. Whenever worry starts to settle into our lives, whether it is worry about meeting a certain deadline at work, about a family member's health, or about the next President of the United States, we must seek the refuge that the LORD consistently offers - His Word. When we are constantly seeking the LORD's guidance through His Word, we find it easier to trust Him in everything. We are promised that refuge of comfort and rest from all worries as long as we take the time to learn from our Omnipotent Creator.
Worry
Psalm 37:3-5, 7a
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him."
Whenever we Christians begin to worry, it is a sign of possessing little faith in our LORD Jesus Christ. Trusting our LORD in everything should substitute our feelings of worry or concern. Abiding by God's Word assures us that God will meet all our needs. If we are to receive the calm still spirit that only our Savior can offer us, we must study His Word with a joyful attitude. Be willing to do that which the LORD commands, and He will rescue us from worry's grip. Entrusting every care unto the LORD testifes to our faith in Him and our willingness to wait for His blessings in His perfect time.
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him."
Whenever we Christians begin to worry, it is a sign of possessing little faith in our LORD Jesus Christ. Trusting our LORD in everything should substitute our feelings of worry or concern. Abiding by God's Word assures us that God will meet all our needs. If we are to receive the calm still spirit that only our Savior can offer us, we must study His Word with a joyful attitude. Be willing to do that which the LORD commands, and He will rescue us from worry's grip. Entrusting every care unto the LORD testifes to our faith in Him and our willingness to wait for His blessings in His perfect time.
Worry
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Though we Christians are to place our trust in the LORD, we tend to believe that we can do everything in our own power. Usually it is during those periods in our lives when we try to lean on our mortal strength when worry starts to fill our hearts. When we finally lean on God's strength to get us through every day, worry becomes a thing of the past, and turst in God fills the void of the present. Before making any decision, no matter how big or small, we are to acknowledge our Father and His will for our lives. Though God has given His children the power of chocie, as born-again believers, we are to consult our Heavenly King in everything. As long as we turst our LORD to direct our ways and cast out all worries, He is willing to help us in every need, whatever that need may be.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Though we Christians are to place our trust in the LORD, we tend to believe that we can do everything in our own power. Usually it is during those periods in our lives when we try to lean on our mortal strength when worry starts to fill our hearts. When we finally lean on God's strength to get us through every day, worry becomes a thing of the past, and turst in God fills the void of the present. Before making any decision, no matter how big or small, we are to acknowledge our Father and His will for our lives. Though God has given His children the power of chocie, as born-again believers, we are to consult our Heavenly King in everything. As long as we turst our LORD to direct our ways and cast out all worries, He is willing to help us in every need, whatever that need may be.
Worry
Isaiah 43:1b-3a
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior."
"From the moment we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we are redeemed through His blood. From that moment, we have no need to worry or fear over anything. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we become children of the King for all eternity. If we can trust God and His promise of an eternal kingdom, we can trust Him in our daily struggles. As we pass through the waters, as we face the loss of a close family member or friend, we need not worry about the future because God will be right there beside us. As we walk through fire, as we face brutality from others, we need not worry because God will still be there. Our Savior is there to engulf us with His love whenever we begin to worry.
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior."
"From the moment we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we are redeemed through His blood. From that moment, we have no need to worry or fear over anything. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we become children of the King for all eternity. If we can trust God and His promise of an eternal kingdom, we can trust Him in our daily struggles. As we pass through the waters, as we face the loss of a close family member or friend, we need not worry about the future because God will be right there beside us. As we walk through fire, as we face brutality from others, we need not worry because God will still be there. Our Savior is there to engulf us with His love whenever we begin to worry.
Worry
Matthew 6:8b, 31-34
"...for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Though our Father already knows what our needs are before we even come to Him in prayer, this does not mean that we can exclude prayer from our lives. Part of our everyday walk with the LORD is communicating with Him our praises, as well as our worries and fears, as a testament to our faith that He will work everyhing together for good. Faith is having total confidence in God's provision, whether that provision concerns food, drink, clothing, academics, career choices, or other specific individual or family needs. When our focus is on our daily walk with the LORD and drawing closer to Him, He takes notice and provides the needed materials. When our focus is on the material instead of the LORD, we cannot expect our Father to provide all our needs. Putting our faith in God for handling all our troubles allows us to take one day at a time, not worrying how everything will work out in the end.
"...for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Though our Father already knows what our needs are before we even come to Him in prayer, this does not mean that we can exclude prayer from our lives. Part of our everyday walk with the LORD is communicating with Him our praises, as well as our worries and fears, as a testament to our faith that He will work everyhing together for good. Faith is having total confidence in God's provision, whether that provision concerns food, drink, clothing, academics, career choices, or other specific individual or family needs. When our focus is on our daily walk with the LORD and drawing closer to Him, He takes notice and provides the needed materials. When our focus is on the material instead of the LORD, we cannot expect our Father to provide all our needs. Putting our faith in God for handling all our troubles allows us to take one day at a time, not worrying how everything will work out in the end.
Worry
Philippians 4:6-7
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Being careful for nothing is interpreted as not worrying or being anxious about anything. There are many instances in life when worry exceeds hope or joy. Worrying is a natural response to events with possible life-altering results, such as a loved done who is about to undergo a serious surgery or even dropping your last child off to a distant college. When situations as these enter our lives, it is imperative that we make our requests known to God. By praying to our Father, we can have full assurance that He will listen to our concerns and provide the needed comfort. When we entrust all our anxieties and fears into God's hands, we are able to receive that peace that only He provides, a peace that we cannot even put into words or understand. As long as we keep our focus on the LORD, He will sustain us.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Being careful for nothing is interpreted as not worrying or being anxious about anything. There are many instances in life when worry exceeds hope or joy. Worrying is a natural response to events with possible life-altering results, such as a loved done who is about to undergo a serious surgery or even dropping your last child off to a distant college. When situations as these enter our lives, it is imperative that we make our requests known to God. By praying to our Father, we can have full assurance that He will listen to our concerns and provide the needed comfort. When we entrust all our anxieties and fears into God's hands, we are able to receive that peace that only He provides, a peace that we cannot even put into words or understand. As long as we keep our focus on the LORD, He will sustain us.
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