Mood swings are not just words describing a mood disorder. I live out these words as very real highs and lows in my life. My moods have been all over the place in the past month but now I'm stuck. I'm stuck in a melancholy I can't seem to shake. All I can say is, "Sweet Lord Jesus, please help me." I trust in Him and know if I just hang in there He will help me. The hanging on is the hard part.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Sun Will Rise with Healing In Its Wings
The Word of God brings life and health to the very depths of the human spirit, soul, and body. There are no words that I can say, other than God's word, that will bring healing. Today I give you God's Word.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his
holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits---
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and
compassion
who satisfies your desires with
good things
so that your youth is renewed
like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5 NIV
But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2 NIV
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 NIV
By His wounds we ARE HEALED. To God be the Glory! Amen.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his
holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits---
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and
compassion
who satisfies your desires with
good things
so that your youth is renewed
like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5 NIV
But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2 NIV
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 NIV
By His wounds we ARE HEALED. To God be the Glory! Amen.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A Life Based on Trust
Today's devotional from Grace for Each Moment reflects on trusting God in the darkness, that our faith is not based on the way we feel. Our faith is based on Jesus Christ. Read the following:
I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. Philippians 4:11-12
As a follower of Christ you have powers at your disposal that enable you to tackle life positively and constructively. Remember that dynamic discipleship is based on faith that finds expression in deeds, not in feelings. Focus on the fact that God loves you, even though you might be experiencing the darkest time of your life.
Acknowledge the fact that He will never leave you, even though you may not be able to feel His presence right now. If your life is based on your faith in 'Christ, your confidence will increase and you will overcome every feeling o inferiority. There will be no situation that you will not be able to handle through Christ's wisdom and power.
I thank You, Lord Jesus, that I can start every day with confidence because I find my strength in You. Amen.
The text tells us to focus---focus on God's love as the deed, or the action, to take versus the feeling of despair. We often think of doing good deeds for others. Perhaps today the good deed we do should be to simply focus on how much God loves us. Focus---tell yourself---God loves me. Christ died for me. Find a Bible verse that resonates God's love for you and pray it over and over. Perhaps John 3:16 prayed this way:
For God loved me so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that if I believe in Him, I shall not perish but have everlasting life.
I have gained so much insight from Grace for Each Moment. I included a link in this post in case any of you would like to order it. Grace for Each Moment has been a daily blessing and inspiration for me.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. Philippians 4:11-12
As a follower of Christ you have powers at your disposal that enable you to tackle life positively and constructively. Remember that dynamic discipleship is based on faith that finds expression in deeds, not in feelings. Focus on the fact that God loves you, even though you might be experiencing the darkest time of your life.
Acknowledge the fact that He will never leave you, even though you may not be able to feel His presence right now. If your life is based on your faith in 'Christ, your confidence will increase and you will overcome every feeling o inferiority. There will be no situation that you will not be able to handle through Christ's wisdom and power.
I thank You, Lord Jesus, that I can start every day with confidence because I find my strength in You. Amen.
The text tells us to focus---focus on God's love as the deed, or the action, to take versus the feeling of despair. We often think of doing good deeds for others. Perhaps today the good deed we do should be to simply focus on how much God loves us. Focus---tell yourself---God loves me. Christ died for me. Find a Bible verse that resonates God's love for you and pray it over and over. Perhaps John 3:16 prayed this way:
For God loved me so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that if I believe in Him, I shall not perish but have everlasting life.
I have gained so much insight from Grace for Each Moment. I included a link in this post in case any of you would like to order it. Grace for Each Moment has been a daily blessing and inspiration for me.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Setting Boundaries for Depression
He gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command. Proverbs 8:29 NIV
No one thinks, "I think I'll be depressed today." People don't choose depression. If you have chronic depression it is a chemical imbalance in the brain, part of your biological makeup. You don't choose to be depressed; you just are---depressed. However, the person who experiences depression does have choices. Namely, how you deal with being depressed is a choice you get to make.
In my last post I wrote about being on vacation---sitting by the sea and viewing the boundaries God established for the oceans. However, I was so enthralled by the whole scenario I failed to write about the boundaries. In dealing with depression we can also, through God's help, set boundaries. For example, at one point my therapist asked me how low I was willing to go. He shared with me that he had been depressed to the point that he decided to let himself go to the point where he cried endlessly for weeks.
I had already been there and did not want to go back. I had no intention of getting to the place where I stayed in bed and cried for days at a time. I refused to go that low. I wasn't thinking about it at the time but what I had decided to do was set a boundary. Depression in my life that day would not be allowed to go there. Just as God set boundary lines for the seas I had set a boundary line for depression.
We can do that. We can choose to set boundaries for this chronic illness and refuse to let it take our lives. One way to set boundaries is to take meds as prescribed. If you have diabetes you take your meds in order to live a healthy life. So, if you have depression you take your meds. It's that simple.
Last year I was so depressed while on vacation I rarely left the room. This year I set boundaries and chose to do the things that make me healthy. My sweet husband and I had the best vacation we have had in years. It's not easy to be proactive and set boundaries. It takes work and choosing to eat right, live right, and take meds if that's part of your regimen for health. But if God has set boundaries for a body as immense as the ocean, He can set boundaries for depression. Let Him guide you. It can be done. I'm living proof. Praise God I'm still alive! And you are too...
To God be the Glory! Amen.
No one thinks, "I think I'll be depressed today." People don't choose depression. If you have chronic depression it is a chemical imbalance in the brain, part of your biological makeup. You don't choose to be depressed; you just are---depressed. However, the person who experiences depression does have choices. Namely, how you deal with being depressed is a choice you get to make.
In my last post I wrote about being on vacation---sitting by the sea and viewing the boundaries God established for the oceans. However, I was so enthralled by the whole scenario I failed to write about the boundaries. In dealing with depression we can also, through God's help, set boundaries. For example, at one point my therapist asked me how low I was willing to go. He shared with me that he had been depressed to the point that he decided to let himself go to the point where he cried endlessly for weeks.
I had already been there and did not want to go back. I had no intention of getting to the place where I stayed in bed and cried for days at a time. I refused to go that low. I wasn't thinking about it at the time but what I had decided to do was set a boundary. Depression in my life that day would not be allowed to go there. Just as God set boundary lines for the seas I had set a boundary line for depression.
We can do that. We can choose to set boundaries for this chronic illness and refuse to let it take our lives. One way to set boundaries is to take meds as prescribed. If you have diabetes you take your meds in order to live a healthy life. So, if you have depression you take your meds. It's that simple.
Last year I was so depressed while on vacation I rarely left the room. This year I set boundaries and chose to do the things that make me healthy. My sweet husband and I had the best vacation we have had in years. It's not easy to be proactive and set boundaries. It takes work and choosing to eat right, live right, and take meds if that's part of your regimen for health. But if God has set boundaries for a body as immense as the ocean, He can set boundaries for depression. Let Him guide you. It can be done. I'm living proof. Praise God I'm still alive! And you are too...
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Vacation and the Boundaries of God
I was there when he set the clouds above, when he established the deep fountains of the earth. I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth's foundations, I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. And how happy I was with what he created -- his wide world and all the human family! Proverbs 8:28-31 NLT Enjoying a much needed vacation with my husband, we sat at the water's edge taking in the blue, cloudless sky with the sea lapping at our feet. The ocean breeze was just enough to keep us cool. We had rented an umbrella and chair from the vendor on the beach and had decided that "God was in His heaven and all was right with the world." It was Sunday, the day of rest and worship.What better way to worship Him than to spend a day on the beach reflecting on all that He had created! I worshipped as I watched children of all ages run and play their sweet hands shaping castles in the sand. Couples strolled on the beach holding hands simply enjoying the day, the view, and each other.
Fathers and sons attempted to surf in the crashing waves and were, for the most part, impressively successful. The ice cream truck drove up and down the beach selling delicacies to the tune of "Three Blind Mice." We watched sea gulls dive bomb into the ocean fishing for their next meal and perhaps just to show off a little bit. Michael C. and I even had our own picnic lunch on the beach consisting of sandwiches and humus. Man, was it good! On this vacation Sunday my darling husband and I truly worshipped our Creator. We delighted in all that He has made. Even as I contemplated the vastness of the relentless sea I was reminded that it is people that God loves most of all. It is people that God sent His son, Jesus, to rescue. The earth drowns in the ravages of sin but Jesus came to die on a cross to rescue us from sin. Jesus rose from the dead conquering sin so that by believing in Him we too conquer sin and can live forever with Him. As amazing and awesome as the ocean is it doesn't even compare to what Jesus did and is doing for His greatest creation---people. This Sunday I worshipped my Lord with my husband while God reminded me that He loves His all His wonderful creation, especially you...and me. To God be the Glory! Amen.
Fathers and sons attempted to surf in the crashing waves and were, for the most part, impressively successful. The ice cream truck drove up and down the beach selling delicacies to the tune of "Three Blind Mice." We watched sea gulls dive bomb into the ocean fishing for their next meal and perhaps just to show off a little bit. Michael C. and I even had our own picnic lunch on the beach consisting of sandwiches and humus. Man, was it good! On this vacation Sunday my darling husband and I truly worshipped our Creator. We delighted in all that He has made. Even as I contemplated the vastness of the relentless sea I was reminded that it is people that God loves most of all. It is people that God sent His son, Jesus, to rescue. The earth drowns in the ravages of sin but Jesus came to die on a cross to rescue us from sin. Jesus rose from the dead conquering sin so that by believing in Him we too conquer sin and can live forever with Him. As amazing and awesome as the ocean is it doesn't even compare to what Jesus did and is doing for His greatest creation---people. This Sunday I worshipped my Lord with my husband while God reminded me that He loves His all His wonderful creation, especially you...and me. To God be the Glory! Amen.
Monday, June 27, 2011
God's Wonderful Gift of Peace
Sometimes I read words that others have written that express what I want to say much better than I can. Today is such a day. I want to share with you from Grace for Each Moment the words of Solly Ozrovech regarding God's gift of peace.
Jesus promises peace to His followers. Often God's blessings and peace are all that we desire here on earth to help us in our everyday lives. The Lord does not want us to worry or lose hope because of things that are happening around us. That is why He promises to "bless His people with peace" (see Ps. 29:11). The Lord does not force His gifts upon us, but He is always ready to grant them when we are ready to receive them. If we ask for peace in prayer, then the Lord will bless us with His peace in our innermost being so that we may experience His peace here on earth.
Sometime in our daily struggles we forget the most important part, that is to ask. Ask God for peace. And His peace that transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4).
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Jesus promises peace to His followers. Often God's blessings and peace are all that we desire here on earth to help us in our everyday lives. The Lord does not want us to worry or lose hope because of things that are happening around us. That is why He promises to "bless His people with peace" (see Ps. 29:11). The Lord does not force His gifts upon us, but He is always ready to grant them when we are ready to receive them. If we ask for peace in prayer, then the Lord will bless us with His peace in our innermost being so that we may experience His peace here on earth.
Sometime in our daily struggles we forget the most important part, that is to ask. Ask God for peace. And His peace that transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4).
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Depression and Spiritual Warfare
"Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them."
Daniel 10:12
For Christians who are seeking the Lord depression sometimes comes as the result of spiritual warfare. In the Old Testament book of Daniel we are told in chapter 10 that Daniel sought understanding from the Lord and that he mourned for three weeks. Daniel's mourning is not described in detail but he at not "choice foods" and had no meat or wine. To me, this sounds a lot like symptoms of depression.
Later in the same chapter Daniel is visited by an angel who tells him he has come in response to his prayer but was delayed because he (the angel) was fighting the spiritual prince of Persia. Then Michael, the chief angel, came to help so that the angel could come to answer Daniel's prayer.
When we are seeking the Lord and fall into depression we must remember that faith is not a feeling. Faith is a gift from God that strengthens us in our inner spirit. We may not feel the Lord's presence but, nevertheless, He is with us. Feelings are deceptive. It is Satan's goal to steal and kill and destroy our faith. But Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
The Holy Spirit is always at work within us to give us abundant life. Depression may last for weeks but hang on. Help is on the way. Remember Daniel's story and know that even the great prophets of the Bible experienced depression.
Our Lord loves us and is greater than anything we feel. He will never leave nor forsake us. Hallelujah! God is good and loves us when we're depressed and when we're not depressed. Faith tells us He WILL answer our prayers. Never, never, never give up!
And as always...To God be the Glory! Amen.
Daniel 10:12
For Christians who are seeking the Lord depression sometimes comes as the result of spiritual warfare. In the Old Testament book of Daniel we are told in chapter 10 that Daniel sought understanding from the Lord and that he mourned for three weeks. Daniel's mourning is not described in detail but he at not "choice foods" and had no meat or wine. To me, this sounds a lot like symptoms of depression.
Later in the same chapter Daniel is visited by an angel who tells him he has come in response to his prayer but was delayed because he (the angel) was fighting the spiritual prince of Persia. Then Michael, the chief angel, came to help so that the angel could come to answer Daniel's prayer.
When we are seeking the Lord and fall into depression we must remember that faith is not a feeling. Faith is a gift from God that strengthens us in our inner spirit. We may not feel the Lord's presence but, nevertheless, He is with us. Feelings are deceptive. It is Satan's goal to steal and kill and destroy our faith. But Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
The Holy Spirit is always at work within us to give us abundant life. Depression may last for weeks but hang on. Help is on the way. Remember Daniel's story and know that even the great prophets of the Bible experienced depression.
Our Lord loves us and is greater than anything we feel. He will never leave nor forsake us. Hallelujah! God is good and loves us when we're depressed and when we're not depressed. Faith tells us He WILL answer our prayers. Never, never, never give up!
And as always...To God be the Glory! Amen.
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