Posted on 12/06/2023 1:15:28 AM PST by spirited irish
I have noticed a world of difference between visiting the depressed and visiting the physically sick. The physically sick will chat with you and will enjoy a prayer at the end of your conversation about their illness and the medical plan to take care of it. The depressed, on the other hand, want to talk to you about God. They weep over their sins. They look to the words of the pastor as if life were in them. Their eyes contain tear-filled expectations, simultaneously expressing grief and hope.
If we evaluate these types of sicknesses—mental and physical—it is easy to see that one type lends itself to an openness to the Lord. Of course, as Lewis says, “God shouts to us in our pains.” We hear God, like Job, when we physically suffer. But mental pain (that is, depression) makes us alert to God in a heightened way.
(Excerpt) Read more at patriotandliberty.com ...
ping
Also, we are armed with a conscience that drives us into repetitive remorse and introspection about wrongdoings. In excess the latter leads to depression. The purpose of this second circuit is to allow correction and, dare we say, repentance and restitution.
Both are salubrious and natural; as I said, integral or hard-wired into our CNSs.
Instead of mastering the brain as we ought, most chase one part of the brain with recreational drugs and alcohol, then block the other part with secular humanist philosophy and antidepressants, food, and more alcohol.
Part of the Great Reform should include peoples' understanding their own brains and how they operate.
Fortunately our conservative philosophy is largely consonant with this understanding. The Rat philosophy is at best ignorant of and, more typically, in opposition to it.
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Absolutely.
On top of that, depression, like all pain, is a message, a voice telling us of something that we need to figure out, translate, discover, fix, or avoid.
It might be that we are on the wrong course in life, thinking incorrectly about things (including God), or that we are failing to take action about something.
People who are never depressed are often shallow in their thinking because, if you think deeply about things, there is always something about yourself you need to change or improve or fix. Failing to do so, to take the necessary action, should be discouraging (i.e., depressing).
I have had bouts of depression my entire life. Once I learned that these bouts are trying to tell me something--something that requires action--they became not only manageable, they became respected and important.
As an aside, I learned a long time ago that exercise (lots of it) helps in dealing with depression. It reduces that natural anxiety that accompanies depression. Exercise calms you and gives you the strength you know you'll need to deal with what your depression is telling you.
As always with God's design, things like depression have hidden benefits. Dealing effectively with depression (i.e., taking action where required) builds character and self-respect. And all that exercise (if you choose that path) leaves you physically fit.;-)
Great comment.
Wow! My life and redemption so well written. I’ve struggled with clinical depression since my mid teens. The medications helped, but when I finally surrendered to Christ, the fullness of my life, my joy, my hope has been nothing short of miraculous.
Victimization. Think Stockton Syndrome and how easy it works.
What is that supposed to mean?
Sorry. This guy ain’t an MD but he sure is a nut. Depression can be deadly
One of the prominent symptoms of biological depression is guilt.
.”...have noticed a world of difference ...”
We’re not interested in the “world” or it’s excuses.
Instead, we’ll believe, Hebrews Chapter 11, live the Word already blessed.
*What is that supposed to mean?*
Some people enjoy it.
Better half exercises everyday twice a day.
As Rush often comments, optimism takes work. After 3 whiplash car accidents (people should really learn how to use the brake pedal) and a lower back injury, I still rise every morning thankful to be alive. The only people without pain are 6 feet under. We have electricity and 24/7 hot water with the Rinnai tankless water heater. When my neck and back needs some extra time under the hot water shower, there is always more hot water for my beautiful wife.
Growing up with my 6 brothers and sisters, we only had one bathroom. Many people today do not have clean running water, or bathrooms.
Taking on the persona of a victim is easy. Being thankful takes effort. For those who are clinically depressed, we will pray for you.
If you are depressed, God loves you. He is guiding you. He is showing you life outside of Him so that you will run to Him, where there at pleasures forevermore. Do not mask this grace but embrace it. Allow the weight of your depression to dash you upon the Rock of Ages. Press into Christ. Let the sadness press you toward Him. Abandon everything but hope in Jesus. Run into His arms because there is nothing good anywhere else. You have been given clarity that very few people have. You understand that there is nothing good anywhere without God.
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From personal experience I can say this is very good advice.
To Recall God’s Promises In Time Of Depression
Lord Jesus, I have proved in my life that when I am weighed down with sin and cares and the worries of life, that an evil depression invariably descends on me and drags me down into greater despair.
Lord, I don’t want to succumb to this act of unbelief in my life, for I have learned that depression and despair are the fruit of unbelief, while the fruit of the spirit are the treasures You give to those that hope in the Lord, no matter what problems life may throw at us.
Help me not to be afraid or discouraged when things go wrong and not to dwell on the problem. But when evil thoughts arise in my heart, bring to my mind Your Word of truth I pray, for Your Word is health and healing and strength to my soul.
Help me to remember that the eternal God is my refuge and strength, and underneath are Your everlasting arms to support and carry me. Help me Lord, to cast all my cares on You, for You have promised to sustain me and never to let me fall. Help me to remember that You are the one that can heal my broken-heart, bind up all my wounds and help me not to be anxious for anything.
Lord, I lift this prayer to You with thanksgiving, knowing that You are a God Who hears and answers all that cry out to You. Guard my heart and mind I pray, in Christ Jesus,
Amen.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/prayer/to-recall-god-s-promises-in-time-of-depression-548
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