Struggles for Today

When Job was tried by satan his friends tried to “fix” him.  In all this he was found faithful.  The thing we can do for a friend suffering is walk beside them, pray for them, and watch how God works in their lives through their struggles.  Our faith is refined by the fires and the storms of pain we go through.  We gain hope, not from the darkness or our suffering or pat answers, but from our God who sees our suffering and shares our pain.  Jesus was tempted by satan in the wilderness:

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.’"Hebrews 4:15

Push forward, even when you don’t feel you can or want to.  Just as an athlete has to push forward to gain strength.   There may be times you may have thoughts of suicide.  For me, this was part of the process on my journey to healing and recovery.  Stay close to God during this time.  Use scripture to fight the negative thoughts.  Satan uses our weakness to bring temptation.   As believers we have the Holy Spirit within us to comfort us when we call upon Him.  He will carry you through when you call on Him.  Paul told us, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (I Corinthians 10:13).

 He is able to do this because He has been there and understands the common temptations that mankind faces, the pain and suffering endured. Because of this we can have boldness and confidence to enter into the throne room of God to find grace and mercy when we need it. 

Do not be afraid to take medications to help alleviate the depression.  It is not a sign of weakness but medicine works to change the brain chemistry to lift the fog you are in.  Depression has nothing to do with your faith or lack thereof.  It can affect strong Christians, weak Christians, non-Christians alike.  Understanding this helps in battling it for what it is.  We all go through struggles, separation, loss, major disappointments, life changes.  These can trigger depression to come on.  In all this, know God still stands.  He is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow, the Rock we can depend on in our life.  His Word is true and His promises remain the same. 

In His Love

Deb

Song to Listen to:

“Everything I Need” Kutless

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXTFwGjzjag

 

 

Release Thoughts and Keep Them Moving Along

When you think about getting rid of your negativity, you might start by trying to push those thoughts out of your mind. But stop and consider a different approach, something that would go along with meditation and yoga. Fighting against something usually takes a lot more energy than avoiding a fight in the first place.

Imagine a sheriff in an old Western town who sees a known outlaw calmly stroll the main street. The sheriff remains polite but firmly encourages the outlaw to keep on walking, right out of town. He projects confidence and stays calm. That’s you, acknowledging those negative thoughts while calmly telling them to keep moving along out of your mind.

Instead of pushing and prying your negative thoughts out, you are acknowledging and releasing them. And when they come back (which they will, out of habit), acknowledge that they are still coming and release them again. Look them square in the eye like that sheriff and tell them what they need to do – keep moving along. You don’t try to wrestle them out of your mind, you simply let them go on their way.