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There are moments in life when we get in a slump because of some setback
or discouragement and we can't seem to get back to our normal selves. We
allow that situation to change our mood and by constantly thinking about
it and dwelling on it, we find ourselves becoming stagnant, unmoved and
eventually we become depressed. What we must realize is that it is normal
to go through setbacks, it is normal to have shortfalls and failures, but
the important thing is that we don't dwell on it. We can't continually
repeat in our minds what happened to us because by continually focusing on
the negative we will be hindering any chance of God's blessings from
entering our life and leading us past those discouraging and debilitating
thoughts that are overtaking our mind. We must have the will to let go of
the past and allow the Lord to heal every hurt, mend every brokenness and
restore our Joy unto us again. It is possible, but we must make every
effort to live in the present and stop dwelling on the past.
We should always remember and keep in mind that what we continually think
about we will attract and what we continually focus on is what we will
draw back to ourselves. It is similar to sowing and reaping. Whatever we
plant in the ground is exactly what will grow and come back to us again.
That is why we should be conscious to always think good thoughts, always
let go of grudges, quickly forgive offenses and simply lead a life of
peace and serenity trusting the Lord that all things will work together
for our good. When we have a childlike trust in the Lord and have an
unwavering faith knowing that the Lord will fight our battles, we will
find ourselves being at peace so much quicker. (Romans 8:28) (Isaiah 26:3)
Life is so much more enjoyable when we take the weight off of ourselves
and simply give it to God. When we acknowledge our weaknesses, our
infirmities and our inability to handle those tough situations, we are
making it easier to depend on the Lord and not on ourselves. We who have
tried it on our own and failed know that we can't do things in our own
strength because inevitably we will fall short, we will falter and we will
fail, but the Lord is perfect in His provision, His sustenance and His
dependability. The Lord is faithful. He will never let go of His grasp.
The Bible says there is no want in them that trust Him. I encourage you
wholeheartedly to let go of every hurt, every setback, every heartache and
every discouragement. Give it to God and allow His healing hand to make
you whole again. It will be the best decision you can ever make.
(Jeremiah 33:3) (2 Samuel 22:31-33) (Matthew 11:28-30)
I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to see that the
Lord is able to relieve us of every failure, every discouragement and
every setback that we have gone through in life.
SINGING THE BLUES
At one time or another we all have periods of sadness in life. However,
anyone who has experienced full-blown depression, otherwise known as “the
blues,” will tell you there is a huge difference between the two emotions.
When a person feels a little low or sad, there is usually the realization
that a light exists at the end of the tunnel. However, clinical depression
can be so severe that there is often a sense of hopelessness, and that
there is no way out from the darkness.
According to Miriam Rosenthal, M.D., one out of six adults have experienced
symptoms of depression. The illness knows no difference between race, age
or religious background, and about 25% of all women have experienced it,
and 12% of all men.
Many people think you can just tell a depressed person to “just snap out
of it,” but the reality of depression is that its roots often reach
deeper, and there are often very real physical, (medical), problems which
underlay it. Some women are even known to have “Post Partum Depression,”
which can occur after a female delivers a baby. Another cause of depression
can be “Bipolar Disorder,” which is caused by a chemical imbalance within
the body.
Prolonged periods of sadness can turn in to serious depression because
repeated emotional blows have the ability to break down our coping
mechanisms. The end result can be overwhelming feelings of anxiety, guilt,
worthlessness, helplessness, inability to concentrate or make decisions,
and decreased energy.
If any of these describe what you might be feeling, there are steps you
can be taking so that the light at the end of the tunnel is clearly
visible. These include:
See a Dr. and have a complete physical
Talk to a professional counselor
Eat a well-balanced diet
Exercise daily
Lean on God
This last recommendation may surprise you, but what better Being to cast
our troubles and cares to, but our Creator? Even when we may think our
thoughts and actions are secret, nothing is hidden from the Lord. Not only
does God know our joys, but He feels our pains, and is just waiting for us
to reach out so that He may dry our tears.
There is someone who loves and cares for you more than anyone else, but it
is up to you to invite Him in to your heart. You may feel like you are all
alone, and that no one understands, but God is eager to claim you as His
much-cherished child.
Won't you call on your Creator today?
By Melanie Schurr
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Isaiah 26:3-4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect; peace, whose mind is stayed
on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for
in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.”
Isaiah 55:6-7 “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him
while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man
his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy
upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
Romans 8:16-18 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we
are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and
joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be
also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present
time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed
in us.”
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it
might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for
thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore
will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest
upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I
am weak, then am I strong.”
Psalm 37:3-6 “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. And He shall bring
forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: WHAT YOU WILL BE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem178.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: FATHER KNOWS BEST
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony109.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
