Hope for the Hurting
Paying Attention In Times of Crisis
Maintaining peace and joy during a crisis depends on where we direct our attention. Worrying takes my eyes off God, and puts them on myself and my circumstances, to operate in my own knowledge and strength. That robs me of peace and joy. Living moment by moment, however, trusting God’s provision for the moment, and being thankful for that provision, keeps my focus off my problem and focuses on the solver of my problem. This keeps me in perfect peace.
When You Don’t Know What Else to Do – Cling to God
During a time in my life when I was at a particularly low point, I was unable to do very little. I could not get up and go to work as I was accustomed. I was unable to care for my family. Even showering and dressing took more energy and effort than I could summon. I was so sick that all I could do was sleep, listen, and read. It was a time in my life that I despised, yet at the same time cherished.
Beautiful Behind the Mask
Part of what perpetuates our penchant to hide behind a mask, is our inclination to compare ourselves to others. By comparing ourselves to others, we hold ourselves up to the image that they desire for others to see…the public mask they put on display. So we compare ourselves to others who were not given the same personalities, gifts, and talents as we so we will always fall short if we try to measure ourselves against others as our standard. Yet we must align ourselves instead with what we know to be true. The Bible says that we each are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
No Pain is Wasted
My strength was failing. Sorrow was all I could taste. Hope was more than I could bear. I didn’t know what the next day would bring, but I couldn’t stand more of the same. If I was going to fight for my physical and emotional health to return, I didn’t want to be left unchanged. I prayed repeatedly that this torment that I endured would not be wasted and that the Lord would use this experience to draw me closer to Him, AND to help someone else.
Depression During the Holidays Part Six~Someone Would be Grateful For What You Have
Comparison is the thief of joy. Part of the problem with comparison is that you can always find others who have more, do more, and achieve more than you. But on the other hand. But, you can always find others who have less, do less, and achieve less than you. Either way, you aren’t content with where God has you.
The Pain in Change
Lasting growth, transformation is usually a process. It takes time. Like moving a mountain, one small stone at a time. It’s hard to appreciate the change while it’s happening. It is only after the work is finished, when we are able to look back, that we can appreciate the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Too Busy To Notice: Loneliness in Depression
In the depths of depression, it can feel so very lonely. Like no-one cares, no-one understands. And at times, not even God. I have been there. The Lord showed me that it can be very lonely when we are too busy to take time to rest in His presence and listen to Him. Friend, His word IS true. He promises He won’t ever leave us, but He won’t force us to stay in His presence.
It’s a New Year: Forgetting What is Past, Racing Toward the Prize
I want to be more intentional about living in the moment, practicing gratitude, appreciating how God has uniquely made me, and resting in Him. With an open mind and open heart, I prayerfully embrace all that God has for me in this next year. Will I stumble? I’m sure I will. And when I do, I will give myself grace. Even Paul acknowledged that he was not perfect nor had he fully arrived spiritually, but he continued to run the race, and I will too. The reward is the honor of being called by God. I can’t think of anything better.
Depression During the Holidays – Part Five
True confession time, I’ve never been a big fan of New Years’ resolutions. As 2013 comes to a close, and you look toward 2014, don’t look at resolutions as something requiring perfection, but rather, an opportunity to pursue personal progress with God’s strength.
Depression During the Holidays – Part Four
There are many who are having a hard time experiencing joy this Christmas. Yet, we ave a home, clothes to wear, food to eat, presents to open. That makes us wealthier than most of the people in the world. But what if we didn’t? What if we didn’t have a home, or a bed to sleep in, or clothes to wear? We would be in good company.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
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