“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
Psalm 42:3
When we are going through our most difficult time, whatever it may be, we must remember to turn our eyes to God. Most Christians understand that turning our thoughts to God is our directive when the perils of life attempt to overtake our emotional health. These perils or vicissitudes of life leave behind remnants of deep sadness, depression, and anxiety. Yesterday, I listened as a pastor gave three very basic instructions for overcoming these remnants. Most of us know them; but, they can be so basic and mundane that we simply take them for granted.
First, have a talk with God. As Christians, we call it prayer. Not a ritualistic prayer, but a conversation with God to explain how you are really feeling inside and to specify what you need help with. When we go to God in prayer, we accept His guidance, dominion, and power over our life. So speak to Him as Jesus did, as Abba—Father, or as a close friend. Remember, although God already knows how you are feeling; often, we come to Him in prayer so that we can truly begin the process of healing.
Second, speak with a godly friend; someone who can pray with you and give you Godly advice. Obviously, this is very important because, you really need someone who will pray for you when you are too weak to pray for yourself.
–So yes, this means that you will have to confide in someone else, telling them the truth about what is actually going on in your life; and, most of all, how it is honestly making you feel. This person will be a major factor on those occasions when you decide you will not listen to God, so make certain that they are trustworthy. Why? Because, God is relentless; and, if you are not listening directly to Him, He will speak to you again and again through this person until you listen; or, as Americans like to say, “Until you catch a clue!”
And third, READ your Bible. Begin to spend some quality time with the supernatural Word of God. It is powerful!
The Word of God speaks God’s Power into your life to restore your spirit’s equilibrium. It will plant seeds into the gaping holes that have been left in your spirit from all those perils and vicissitudes of life.
As you read, each one of those seeds planted by the Word will begin to germinate, little by little, until eventually they begin to bloom the Spirit of God back into your life.
Yes, like everyone else, Christians can be saddened and depressed by the circumstances of life; however, if we follow some very basic steps, God will lead us right back out of it! L.
Study Reference: Psalm 42:3, Psalm 23, Psalm 91
From: “Your Thoughts: Do Christians Get Depressed?”
In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Antonio Mora
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