Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Depression in the Bible –


This is Part one of  Depression and its cure.
 
 
 
Depression in the Bible –  
 

Yes, Even our favorite Bible Characters had times of depression.  At one time or another, we have all been in the mulli-grubs.  The thing is - - to only visit - - not to stay there. 
David spoke to himself:  "Oh My Soul, Why are you Cast Down?"

Psalms 42:5  Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God. 

The Bible tells us of those who experienced grief, sadness and depression and what they did about it. 

1.     David was troubled and battled deep despair.

2.     Elijah was discouraged, weary, and afraid.

3.     Jonah was angry and wanted to run away.

4.     Job suffered through great loss, devastation, and physical illness.

5.     Moses was grieved over the sins of his people.

6.     Jeremiah (the weeping prophet) wrestled with great loneliness, feelings of defeat, and insecurity.

7.     Even Jesus Himself was deeply anguished over what was before Him.
 

Each of these persons, suffered a pity party with kicking, weeping and screaming, but soon they picked themselves up and made a decision to trust God.
 
What did David do?
Samuel 30:6  And David was greatly distressed; - - but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. 

What did Jesus do?
Jesus submitted to God’s will:  “Not my will but thine be done.” 
 
They no doubt heard the still small voice bringing them comfort and telling them, “I understand and - - It will be alright – just trust me.” 
They made a choice to adjust their attitude from sorrow to hope as they reached for joy.
 
This is where “SELF TALK” will become a cure.   

Instead of itemizing all of the reasons you are sad - - In its place and as a replacement for depression, begin to count your blessings.  Speak to yourself  and say with your mouth:  “YOU are a blessed person and God is your helper, comfort and protector.”  Speak positive truth over yourself.  It is good to use a Confession list of Positive Scriptures to do this. 
 
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  When you HEAR yourself speak God's word it builds up your Faith. 
 
You might be interested in Jim Kaseman’s Web site with scriptures to encourage and build up your Faith and Trust in God.

 
To be continued soon with Part 2
 
 

 

 

3 comments:

TC Avey said...

Amen! There is power in our words and no words hold greater power than God's Holy Word. His Words are truth and life. His Words help lift me from the more. Like John, I need more of Him and less of me.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Very good words! David often wrote of his sorrows, pain, trials and suffering, but he always ended his writing by looking up, to the Lord, and not just focusing on where He was, but in WHOM he could trust. Very good encouraging post Hazel! I hope many people read it and are encouraged!

Unknown said...

Great lesson. The power of free will is so underestimated. And ourselves so overestimated. Good one, Hazel.