Ladies ~ Did you realize that one characteristic of depression is having a continually negative thought life? Sometimes trials are so very hard and heavy that people allow the bad that comes into their lives to occupy their entire thought life. Dwelling, re-hashing, mulling, beguiling, conniving, and continually re-living negativites are all very dangerous sins of the mind. The longer these negative thoughts are allowed and fed the worse the depression plummets downward. Life can be so very, VERY hard at times. God knows this and has graciously given us answers to life that He wants us to trust and live out. In fact we are instructed to Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing (Jas. 1:2-4). Joy stems from the peace that you have when you trust Gods providential orchestration of every detail of your life. It is not God’s will to have us thinking bad thoughts.. (Even if these thoughts are generated from true and real happenstances). “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Php. 4:8 (This is not a mere suggestion, but rather a command.) Depression is such a hard battle to have to face. Even David, a man after Gods own heart, was sometimes prone to being depressed. What turned David from his depression - every single time? If you read the Psalms you will see that David’s heart of despair and depression lifts when he started (and continued) turning his thoughts away from his trials and himself and on to the goodness of God. God’s Word teaches that when we trust and commit our works to the Lord that our thoughts will be set right and established. (Pro. 16:3). This doesnt mean that disciplining our mind and thoughts will take our trials away…but that our trust in the Lord will grow and our faith will be in Him instead of resorting to hopelessness. We are helpless, we are vulnerable, we are weak, we are feeble…but God is strong, His arm is not shortened, He is omnipotent (all powerful), and don’t forget that He is always good. He has a plan - a very specific plan for your life and He works through each detail and circumstance to draw you closer to Himself. Our trials reveal our heart - it is important that we see ourselves for who we really are. When we trust our lives to His care we can walk in faith, leaving our trials in His hands. 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.” God still occupies His throne. He still works ALL things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28). “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints” (Pro. 2:7-8). Christian, you have trusted your soul to Jesus for heaven and eternity; do you trust Him with His providential orchestration of your everyday life? To get a copy of my book, “Woman of Virtue - Applying Proverbs 31 to the Twenty-first Century Woman” by Susan Brackley click the link below... christianbook/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=susan+brackley&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 08:07:59 +0000
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