It's that time again, all my regulars know we take a minute to ponder God's word on Sunday, and I hope that on your own, you spend some time during the week in study of the bible, koran, etc.
Today, we are pondering "In Times of Depression". As always in this blog, each person is encouraged to apply words, phrases, and the blog as a whole to their lives and experiences in a way that it best serves them. Depression can be an emotional, financial or even physical state; regardless of the state, God's word has a message for us in response to depression.
At some point, all of us have been depressed in some form. Many people suffer silently from severe depression, never going for the professional help from man or the spiritual help from God. In all things that we experience in life, God has given us the tools we need to survive and to overcome obstacles, depression in no different.
Although its natural and human to be afraid and get discouraged, especially in times when we might be depressed, God has supplied us with a roadmap to make it through the darkest of hours. In Deuteronomy 31:8, the bible tells us "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged". This scripture lets us know that all of us can expect some trying times and some depressing times. It is in these moments when we must trust in God and in his word. He has assured us that he will not leave us alone in our darkest hour. Sometimes when the times are the toughest, it is only God that remains with us, even when our closet friends and family have withdrawn.
When you are depressed, do you draw near to God and lean on his word and the promises he has made? Even though your faith is tested and it seems depression has overcome you, can you still feel the hand of God supporting you through the toughest of times? For You To Ponder...
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2 years ago
Very well said. I can always gain some insight reading your blogs.
ReplyDeleteThese are trying times for everyone for a mutlitude of reasons. It is easy for depression to set in. These are good references but it should also be said that a person should not be afraid or ashamed to seek professional help.
ReplyDeletePeople should utilize their religous leaders for counseling as well as seek professional help. Sometimes a listening ear goes a long way to help ease depression.
ReplyDeleteI think alot of the reason people don't go to their religious leaders is the lack of trust. Catholics are probably more likely to go speak to a priest because they feel like they can be anonymous and their business won't be in the street shortly after they leave confession. In other faiths like Baptist for example, you never know if you might be telling the minister something in confidence, then he tellse the asst minister, then the secretary, and by the end of the day the whole church knows your business. Just my two cents.
ReplyDeleteNot all non-Catholic religous leaders are the local gossip starters, some actual help their members and treat their information with respect and confidentiality. Maybe the Catholics are good at keeping quiet because they have so much to hide.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't saying ALL non-Catholic religous leaders were community gossips. I was simply stating that due to there being no offical confidentiality type agreement in most major non-Catholic religions, many people are reluctant to discuss some topics. The comment was not meant to offend non-Catholics, I'm not even Catholic myself.
ReplyDeleteDepression is a sickness just like any other illness. If you leave it untreated it could kill you. Getting spiritual counseling in simplu one form of treatment. It may not work for everyone.
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