Some people go through life and never seem to be discouraged. Others travel a road of highs and lows, and still others seem to stay on a darker path. Those who are troubled by the illness of depression need our prayers and our encouragement.
Many talented and creative individuals have deep inward struggles in their emotional lives. It is from these struggles that poems and works of art can come, but not without a huge toll on the life of the individual.
Many have found solace in meditating on our Savior, and His grace and love. Truly, that can lift us out of the mire and into contentment. We do not deserve His mercy, and we have not (and cannot) do anything to be worthy of His love, but still He loves us -- faithfully and forever.
For many who suffer with depression, there is not an easy solution out there. There are so many causes for the illness; some are physical causes, and others are hereditary; others still are from traumas in the past. Unlike many other illnesses in this world, there is not a "one size fits all" solution that will take away the pain. But if you suffer from depression, know this -- God has a plan for you -- He will help you through the dark days -- He can give you victory in this area of your life.
Never forget: "all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 is talking about you, if you have at some point welcomed God into your heart and life. You are a born again, blood washed believer, and this is talking about you. You don't need to work to obtain His love, or try to live a "perfect life." Nor do you have to be "worthy" of His love. He gives it freely. He will live in you, and do the work for you. Just trust and see what He will do.
I felt that someone needed to read this. I hope that it will prove to be a blessing.
I have not been following so closely your bible study in John :( but am glad I read this post today! Romans 8:28 is either true or it isn't. I am trying very hard to believe it is true at the moment! Bless you Jacque. Caro x
ReplyDeleteI'm always encouraged by your Friday slowdown. God loves us regardless of where we find ourselves in this life. And nothing can separate us from that love.
ReplyDeleteRomans 8: 34-39 tells us:
34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is such a comforting passage and one I need to read often for peace in my heart.
I read your studies daily, and always appreciate what you have to share, even though I do not often leave comments. Thank you for your thoughts this morning. I have struggled with depression off and on through the years, and it is the Lord and His promises that sustain though it. I love music, and singing out loud, or in my head, and find it a potent antidote to depression. Thank you for sharing this song. I had never heard of this artist before. I will be adding him to my play lists.
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