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Lets take God at His word, mix the reading and hearing with faith believing. The results are life transforming.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
[h=3]Meditate on These Things[/h]8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever thingsare noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Many people have found that volunteering getting involved helping is extremely theroputic.
Speak verses so that you not only see them and comprehend but also hear.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Thesalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
[h=3]Meditate on These Things[/h]8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever thingsare noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Many people have found that volunteering getting involved helping is extremely theroputic.
Speak verses so that you not only see them and comprehend but also hear.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Thesalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
B
Question: "What does the Bible say about Bipolar Disorder / Manic Depression?"
Note: as with many psychological issues, there are often both a physical and spiritual aspect of manic depression / bipolar disorder. While we believe psychologists often miss the true spiritual nature of the sickness, we strongly encourage anyone suffering with a mental illness to seek medical attention and counseling.
Answer: “Bipolar disorder” is a name that first appeared in 1957 for a severe mental illness. Before that, the same illness was called “manic depressive illness” or “manic depression,” though that name only dates back to 1921. Neither term appears in the Bible, but the Bible teaches us a number of lessons we can apply to bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by severe mood fluctuations. These fluctuations go far beyond simply being “happy” or “sad.” The “manic” symptoms can include feelings of extreme euphoria, marked increase in risk-taking, racing thoughts, forced speech, and increased energy. The “depressive” symptoms can include feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness, fatigue/lethargy, changes in appetite, inability to concentrate, and suicidal/morbid thoughts. There are several types of the disorder, usually defined by the severity or intensity of the symptoms. The most severe type can even include psychotic symptoms such as auditory or visual hallucinations.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, although science has demonstrated a genetic component to the disorder. There is also no proof-positive test for bipolar disorder. It is diagnosed based on the symptoms displayed by an individual, which has led to some controversy. In popular culture, “bipolar disorder” has been used as an excuse for destructive or sinful behavior, and the label has even been used as a source of pride among the entertainment elite. “Bipolar” has become chic, but to those who truly suffer from the disease, this has done more harm than good.
A Christian who suffers from bipolar disorder should treat it like any other physiological disease. While God certainly has the ability to work miracles and cure any malady, He often lets us continue our journey with a “thorn in the flesh” to remind us that He is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). If a believer had diabetes, he would seek medical advice from trained doctors, take prescribed medications, and seek godly counsel on how to deal with both his physical and emotional symptoms. The same holds true for a believer with bipolar disorder.
Because bipolar disorder affects the way a person thinks, finding godly counsel (Proverbs 1:5) and spending time in God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16–17) are essential. In order to do what is right, we must know what is true. Bipolar disorder alters a person’s perceptions of reality, so a strong foundation in truth is a necessity when dealing with its symptoms.
Someone with bipolar disorder might give in to the misperceptions caused by the disease and commit sinful acts. A person with bipolar disorder must treat those sins like any other person would. He should recognize his actions as sinful, repent, and seek forgiveness. Believers with bipolar disorder should never blame their illness for their actions (John 15:22).
Believers should treat a person with bipolar disorder with the same compassion they would show toward everyone else (James 2:1). The church offers people with bipolar disorder something they desperately need in their lives—truth (John 17:17). One thing people with bipolar disorder need more than anything else is the hope that is in Jesus Christ. Even though their illness tries to steal their lives away, they can have an abundant life in Christ (John 10:10).
Recommended Resources: Blame It On the Brain? by Edward Welch and Logos Bible Software.
Note: as with many psychological issues, there are often both a physical and spiritual aspect of manic depression / bipolar disorder. While we believe psychologists often miss the true spiritual nature of the sickness, we strongly encourage anyone suffering with a mental illness to seek medical attention and counseling.
Answer: “Bipolar disorder” is a name that first appeared in 1957 for a severe mental illness. Before that, the same illness was called “manic depressive illness” or “manic depression,” though that name only dates back to 1921. Neither term appears in the Bible, but the Bible teaches us a number of lessons we can apply to bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by severe mood fluctuations. These fluctuations go far beyond simply being “happy” or “sad.” The “manic” symptoms can include feelings of extreme euphoria, marked increase in risk-taking, racing thoughts, forced speech, and increased energy. The “depressive” symptoms can include feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness, fatigue/lethargy, changes in appetite, inability to concentrate, and suicidal/morbid thoughts. There are several types of the disorder, usually defined by the severity or intensity of the symptoms. The most severe type can even include psychotic symptoms such as auditory or visual hallucinations.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, although science has demonstrated a genetic component to the disorder. There is also no proof-positive test for bipolar disorder. It is diagnosed based on the symptoms displayed by an individual, which has led to some controversy. In popular culture, “bipolar disorder” has been used as an excuse for destructive or sinful behavior, and the label has even been used as a source of pride among the entertainment elite. “Bipolar” has become chic, but to those who truly suffer from the disease, this has done more harm than good.
A Christian who suffers from bipolar disorder should treat it like any other physiological disease. While God certainly has the ability to work miracles and cure any malady, He often lets us continue our journey with a “thorn in the flesh” to remind us that He is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). If a believer had diabetes, he would seek medical advice from trained doctors, take prescribed medications, and seek godly counsel on how to deal with both his physical and emotional symptoms. The same holds true for a believer with bipolar disorder.
Because bipolar disorder affects the way a person thinks, finding godly counsel (Proverbs 1:5) and spending time in God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16–17) are essential. In order to do what is right, we must know what is true. Bipolar disorder alters a person’s perceptions of reality, so a strong foundation in truth is a necessity when dealing with its symptoms.
Someone with bipolar disorder might give in to the misperceptions caused by the disease and commit sinful acts. A person with bipolar disorder must treat those sins like any other person would. He should recognize his actions as sinful, repent, and seek forgiveness. Believers with bipolar disorder should never blame their illness for their actions (John 15:22).
Believers should treat a person with bipolar disorder with the same compassion they would show toward everyone else (James 2:1). The church offers people with bipolar disorder something they desperately need in their lives—truth (John 17:17). One thing people with bipolar disorder need more than anything else is the hope that is in Jesus Christ. Even though their illness tries to steal their lives away, they can have an abundant life in Christ (John 10:10).
Recommended Resources: Blame It On the Brain? by Edward Welch and Logos Bible Software.
I would recommend a series by John MacArthur .. At times maybe you’ve thought .. if your paycheck were bigger .. if you found that person to marry .. if you got that promotion .. or if your health improved .. then your worries would be over .. But even if your bank account .. relationships .. career .. and physical condition were exactly what you wanted .. would that really put your worries away for good . . . Bottom line is .. putting away worry means changing the way you think about your current situation .. whatever that situation is .. John MacArthur helps change your thinking in Anxiety-Free Living . . . This study from Luke 12 reveals God’s love and provision for you .. and shows why anxiety doesn’t have to be a way of life . . . Master the skill of Anxiety-Free Living . . . .. It’s within your reach
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Shalam to all who seek truth and understanding. Its important for all of us to not worry or stress about anything because this shows a lack of trust and faith in the Most High. We are going to have to go through things while serving the Most High God of Israel. When you are going through something you must pray and fast before the Most High and put your burdens upon him because he careth for you. So please take the time to read over this study and the precepts for understanding.
Worrying & Stress
Psalms 37:5* commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
(You see when we trust in the Most High God of Israel with all your heart he will bring it to pass, meaning your problems the situation you might be in or what you might be going through, but you must trust in him and pray and he shall bring it to pass.)
Psalms 55:22**Cast thy burden upon*the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be*moved.
Burden*-*1. Load heavily.*
2.*To load oppressively; trouble
Precepts to Psalms 55:22:
Psalms 37:24**Though he fall, he*shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth*him with*his*hand.
Psalms 37:5**Commit thy way unto the*LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring*it*to pass.
(We are to cast all of our burdens upon the Most High and he shall sustain you, meaning support you. That's why its important to not worry or stress about anything because he knows, just pray and believe.)
Romans 8:26-28**Likewise the Spirit*also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we*ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which*cannot be uttered.
27**And he that searcheth*the hearts knoweth what*isthe mind of the Spirit, because he maketh*intercession for the saints according to*the will of*God.
28**And we know that all*things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called*according to*his*purpose.
Precepts to Romans 8:26:
Matthew 20:23**And he saith unto them,*Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am*baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give,*but*it shall be given to them*for whom it is prepared of my*Father.
Zechariah 12:10**And I will pour upon*the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace*and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and*they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for*his*only*son,*and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for*hisfirstborn.
Matthew 10:20**For it is not ye that*speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Ephesians 6:18**Praying always with all*prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all*perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Precepts to Romans 8:27:
1 Thessalonians 2:4**But as we were allowed*of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing*men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
Revelation 2:23**And I will kill her*children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which*searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according*to your works.
1 John 5:14**And this is the*confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will,*he heareth us:
Precepts to Romans 8:28:
Genesis 50:20**But as for you, ye*thought evil against me;*but*God meant it unto good, to bring to pass,*as*it isthis day, to save much people alive.
Proverbs 12:21* here shall no evil*happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
2 Corinthians 4:17* or our light*affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding*andeternal weight of glory;
2 Timothy 1:9* Who hath saved us, and*called*us*with an holy calling, not according to our works, but*according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus*before the world began,
(In*Romans 8:26*we see that the spirit helpeth our infirmity for we know not how to pray for the spirit maketh intercession for us with groaning which can't be heard. That's why its important for us*to trust in the Most High God of Israel and have faith in him.)
Philippians 4:6-7**Be careful for nothing;*but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your*requests be made known unto God.
7**And the peace of God,*which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ*Jesus.
Precepts to Philippians 4:6:
Psalms 55:22**Cast thy burden upon*the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be*moved.'
Proverbs 16:3**Commit thy works unto*the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Matthew 6:25**Therefore I say unto*you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink;*nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and*the body than raiment?
Luke 12:22**And he said unto his*disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye*shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
1 Peter 5:7**Casting all your care*upon him; for he careth for you.
Precepts to Philippians 4:7:
Numbers 6:26**The LORD lift up his*countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Isaiah 26:3**Thou wilt keep*him*in perfect peace,*whosemind*is*stayed*on*thee: because he trusteth in thee.
John 14:27**Peace I leave with you,*my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your*heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Romans 5:1**Therefore being*justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(We are to let our request be know unto the Most High God, because he careth for us. We are to pray unto the Father and ask for deliverance over your situation.)
Matthew 6:25-34* Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye*shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.*Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26*Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they*reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not*
much better than they?
27**Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his*stature?
28* And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the*field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29**And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was*not arrayed like one of these.
30* Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day*is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more*clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31**Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What*shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32* (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek
for your*heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these*things.
33* But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and*all these things shall be added unto you.
34**Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall*take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the*evil thereof.
Precepts to Matthew 6:25:
Psalms 55:22**Cast thy burden upon*the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be*moved.
Luke 12:22***And he said unto his*disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye*shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Precepts to Matthew 6:32:
Psalms 23:1* The*LORD*is*my shepherd; I shall not want.
Philippians 4:19**But my God shall supply*all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Precepts to Matthew 6:33:
Psalms 34:9**O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for*there isno want to them that fear him.
Mark 10:30* But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers,*and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal*life.
Luke 12:31**But rather seek ye the*kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(You see we are to take no thought for our life, what we*shall eat, What we shall drink, and what we put on. We are to trust in the Most High*God of Israel at all time.)
Conclusion
The whole conclusion of this study lesson is to trust in the Most High and have faith in him. We must understand that while serving the Most high we will have to go through things. The Scripture tells us through much tribulation shall*enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). So by knowing this we understand that we are going to have problems and that we will be tempted by satan. We are to cast ALL of our burdens and cares upon him because we cant do this along and we must pray and fast.
1 Peter 5:7**Casting all your care*upon him; for he careth for you.*
Precepts to 1 Peter 5:7:
Psalms 37:5**Commit thy way unto the*LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring*it*to pass
Matthew 6:25**Therefore I say unto*you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink;*nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Luke 12:11**And when they bring you*unto the synagogues, and*unto*magistrates, and powers, take ye no*thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
Philippians 4:6**Be careful for nothing;*but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your*requests be made known unto God.
Shalam to all who seek truth and understanding. Its important for all of us to not worry or stress about anything because this shows a lack of trust and faith in the Most High. We are going to have to go through things while serving the Most High God of Israel. When you are going through something you must pray and fast before the Most High and put your burdens upon him because he careth for you. So please take the time to read over this study and the precepts for understanding.
Worrying & Stress
Psalms 37:5* commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
(You see when we trust in the Most High God of Israel with all your heart he will bring it to pass, meaning your problems the situation you might be in or what you might be going through, but you must trust in him and pray and he shall bring it to pass.)
Psalms 55:22**Cast thy burden upon*the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be*moved.
Burden*-*1. Load heavily.*
2.*To load oppressively; trouble
Precepts to Psalms 55:22:
Psalms 37:24**Though he fall, he*shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth*him with*his*hand.
Psalms 37:5**Commit thy way unto the*LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring*it*to pass.
(We are to cast all of our burdens upon the Most High and he shall sustain you, meaning support you. That's why its important to not worry or stress about anything because he knows, just pray and believe.)
Romans 8:26-28**Likewise the Spirit*also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we*ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which*cannot be uttered.
27**And he that searcheth*the hearts knoweth what*isthe mind of the Spirit, because he maketh*intercession for the saints according to*the will of*God.
28**And we know that all*things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called*according to*his*purpose.
Precepts to Romans 8:26:
Matthew 20:23**And he saith unto them,*Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am*baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give,*but*it shall be given to them*for whom it is prepared of my*Father.
Zechariah 12:10**And I will pour upon*the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace*and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and*they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for*his*only*son,*and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for*hisfirstborn.
Matthew 10:20**For it is not ye that*speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Ephesians 6:18**Praying always with all*prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all*perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Precepts to Romans 8:27:
1 Thessalonians 2:4**But as we were allowed*of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing*men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
Revelation 2:23**And I will kill her*children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which*searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according*to your works.
1 John 5:14**And this is the*confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will,*he heareth us:
Precepts to Romans 8:28:
Genesis 50:20**But as for you, ye*thought evil against me;*but*God meant it unto good, to bring to pass,*as*it isthis day, to save much people alive.
Proverbs 12:21* here shall no evil*happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
2 Corinthians 4:17* or our light*affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding*andeternal weight of glory;
2 Timothy 1:9* Who hath saved us, and*called*us*with an holy calling, not according to our works, but*according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus*before the world began,
(In*Romans 8:26*we see that the spirit helpeth our infirmity for we know not how to pray for the spirit maketh intercession for us with groaning which can't be heard. That's why its important for us*to trust in the Most High God of Israel and have faith in him.)
Philippians 4:6-7**Be careful for nothing;*but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your*requests be made known unto God.
7**And the peace of God,*which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ*Jesus.
Precepts to Philippians 4:6:
Psalms 55:22**Cast thy burden upon*the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be*moved.'
Proverbs 16:3**Commit thy works unto*the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Matthew 6:25**Therefore I say unto*you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink;*nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and*the body than raiment?
Luke 12:22**And he said unto his*disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye*shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
1 Peter 5:7**Casting all your care*upon him; for he careth for you.
Precepts to Philippians 4:7:
Numbers 6:26**The LORD lift up his*countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Isaiah 26:3**Thou wilt keep*him*in perfect peace,*whosemind*is*stayed*on*thee: because he trusteth in thee.
John 14:27**Peace I leave with you,*my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your*heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Romans 5:1**Therefore being*justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(We are to let our request be know unto the Most High God, because he careth for us. We are to pray unto the Father and ask for deliverance over your situation.)
Matthew 6:25-34* Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye*shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.*Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26*Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they*reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not*
much better than they?
27**Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his*stature?
28* And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the*field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29**And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was*not arrayed like one of these.
30* Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day*is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more*clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31**Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What*shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32* (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek
for your*heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these*things.33* But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and*all these things shall be added unto you.
34**Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall*take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the*evil thereof.
Precepts to Matthew 6:25:
Psalms 55:22**Cast thy burden upon*the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be*moved.
Luke 12:22***And he said unto his*disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye*shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Precepts to Matthew 6:32:
Psalms 23:1* The*LORD*is*my shepherd; I shall not want.
Philippians 4:19**But my God shall supply*all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Precepts to Matthew 6:33:
Psalms 34:9**O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for*there isno want to them that fear him.
Mark 10:30* But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers,*and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal*life.
Luke 12:31**But rather seek ye the*kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(You see we are to take no thought for our life, what we*shall eat, What we shall drink, and what we put on. We are to trust in the Most High*God of Israel at all time.)
Conclusion
The whole conclusion of this study lesson is to trust in the Most High and have faith in him. We must understand that while serving the Most high we will have to go through things. The Scripture tells us through much tribulation shall*enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). So by knowing this we understand that we are going to have problems and that we will be tempted by satan. We are to cast ALL of our burdens and cares upon him because we cant do this along and we must pray and fast.
1 Peter 5:7**Casting all your care*upon him; for he careth for you.*
Precepts to 1 Peter 5:7:
Psalms 37:5**Commit thy way unto the*LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring*it*to pass
Matthew 6:25**Therefore I say unto*you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink;*nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Luke 12:11**And when they bring you*unto the synagogues, and*unto*magistrates, and powers, take ye no*thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
Philippians 4:6**Be careful for nothing;*but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your*requests be made known unto God.
N
Hi ebonie7, I remember your introduction thread so it is with that in mind that I am assuming some questions concerning depression are coming from, and I hope what I said can be of some help.
A big point that needs to be made is first and foremost, depression, grief and mental illness in all the varieties in which they come and can strike (with all the complex interactions of psychological, physiological and spiritual reasons) are not wrong or sinful. You or anyone else is not guilty for having it or going through them, that we suffer from it, like suffering from other causes is due to the broken world we find ourselves in, and grief is a proper reaction to the terrible situations we find ourselves in sometimes. Jesus wept from Jerusalem knowing what was going to happen, He felt the isolation at Gethsemane, the pressure of what was before Him causing such emotional and spiritual distress and pain that it had physical effects in His sweating of blood, and throughout the Bible we see that depression did strike many of God's people, between 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians Paul seems to have gone through what has been a nervous breakdown, not least caused by his deteriorated relations with the Corinthian church, and yet it was this experience and his growth in faith through it that lead to much of the wisdom there. Elijah suffered great depression after his confrontation with the priests of Bhaal, after having his life threatened, Job wished God would kill him, Naomi felt she had lost everything in Ruth and should be called bitter, and the Psalms are full of the Psalmists in periods of deep depression, grief and loss, crying out to God, where is He and where are the promises He gave. In all these many examples we see, God is with them right in their depression and grief, rarely just taking it away but rather walking through it with them, and taking them through that time, as we can see in many Psalms as they cry out to God they go through and come to a new understanding and perspective and see God's Hand and His faithfulness and know He will furfill all He has promised, that He is with them. That He will rescue and deliver, bringing restorative justice and restoring all that has been lost, and for many this walk is a long process, a long journey with God, learning to know He is there even when you don't feel Him, to lean on Him for support and trust in His faithfulness and love.
Faith is not the absence of having to walk through depression, but trusting that God is there, and turning to Him to total honesty and just like the Psalmists holding nothing back but being fully raw and real with Him, and allowing Him to come in and walk you through it. And know that it's ok, God is big enough to hold you and deal with all the hard things and questions you would like to shout at Him, you can cry to Him from whatever depth it you are in and He is there for you, ready for you to turn Him and relating to Him as who you are, where you are and the situation you are in. He wants to deal with you and help you, and help carry your burdens, help give you strength in this midst of the depression, guiding you through it, and showing how you can trust Him even in the darkness times of your life, when everything can seem so hopeless, learning to trust in Him and the victory that is already won, that His power is made perfect in our weakness, and through the terrible hard moments of walking each step forward with the truly horrible cross we have to bear sometimes, His Kingdom in it's power is manifest and brought.
So your depression is not a sign of lack of faith or that God is far from you, so many great men and women of God contended with it and walked the dark journey and found that God was there with them, He ministered to them and brought them through it, with a deeper understanding of God, His purposes, a mature, deeper faith that knows God's faithfulness even in the most terrible of times. And they came through it as deeper and often more compassionate saints then they were going in, and sometimes those times were and are truly hard, so hard, but you are not alone, God is there with you, giving you strength and holding you up even when you don't feel it.
Also, and this is very important, don't decline professional counselling and any necessary treatment that modern medicine and therapy suggests, God has given knowledge and the resources in His creation to help us in many ways, and definitely in these areas. So please, don't go through these struggles alone, go to your pastor and to your doctor and seem what assistance, aid and strategies they can suggest, and let those you love know what you are going through and let them come alongside you, in love and companionship, and sometimes just to be there for you, because sometimes that is all we can do. God works through all these things to to help us to face, deal and heal from the hurts we get hit with, and please open yourself to all their help, we do desperately need such help, and often they need you to as well, so don't cut those who can help out I pray.
I hope others can really help you here, and I pray that you know that depression is no sign of a problem from God or a lack of faith, far from it, and I pray that you know that God is there with you in this right now, and He is there for you, ready for you to turn to Him with all the hurt, pain and distress you have. Don't fear keeping any pretence up, He knows it all already, just let everything out before Him, don't hold anything back and let Him come and minister to you.
I will continue to hold you in my prayers my sister, and I pray that God gives you peace, and strengthens you by His Spirit, enfolds you in His love, protects you and your family, and that you know His Presence with you to walk through this time with you.
God bless and keep you.
A big point that needs to be made is first and foremost, depression, grief and mental illness in all the varieties in which they come and can strike (with all the complex interactions of psychological, physiological and spiritual reasons) are not wrong or sinful. You or anyone else is not guilty for having it or going through them, that we suffer from it, like suffering from other causes is due to the broken world we find ourselves in, and grief is a proper reaction to the terrible situations we find ourselves in sometimes. Jesus wept from Jerusalem knowing what was going to happen, He felt the isolation at Gethsemane, the pressure of what was before Him causing such emotional and spiritual distress and pain that it had physical effects in His sweating of blood, and throughout the Bible we see that depression did strike many of God's people, between 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians Paul seems to have gone through what has been a nervous breakdown, not least caused by his deteriorated relations with the Corinthian church, and yet it was this experience and his growth in faith through it that lead to much of the wisdom there. Elijah suffered great depression after his confrontation with the priests of Bhaal, after having his life threatened, Job wished God would kill him, Naomi felt she had lost everything in Ruth and should be called bitter, and the Psalms are full of the Psalmists in periods of deep depression, grief and loss, crying out to God, where is He and where are the promises He gave. In all these many examples we see, God is with them right in their depression and grief, rarely just taking it away but rather walking through it with them, and taking them through that time, as we can see in many Psalms as they cry out to God they go through and come to a new understanding and perspective and see God's Hand and His faithfulness and know He will furfill all He has promised, that He is with them. That He will rescue and deliver, bringing restorative justice and restoring all that has been lost, and for many this walk is a long process, a long journey with God, learning to know He is there even when you don't feel Him, to lean on Him for support and trust in His faithfulness and love.
Faith is not the absence of having to walk through depression, but trusting that God is there, and turning to Him to total honesty and just like the Psalmists holding nothing back but being fully raw and real with Him, and allowing Him to come in and walk you through it. And know that it's ok, God is big enough to hold you and deal with all the hard things and questions you would like to shout at Him, you can cry to Him from whatever depth it you are in and He is there for you, ready for you to turn Him and relating to Him as who you are, where you are and the situation you are in. He wants to deal with you and help you, and help carry your burdens, help give you strength in this midst of the depression, guiding you through it, and showing how you can trust Him even in the darkness times of your life, when everything can seem so hopeless, learning to trust in Him and the victory that is already won, that His power is made perfect in our weakness, and through the terrible hard moments of walking each step forward with the truly horrible cross we have to bear sometimes, His Kingdom in it's power is manifest and brought.
So your depression is not a sign of lack of faith or that God is far from you, so many great men and women of God contended with it and walked the dark journey and found that God was there with them, He ministered to them and brought them through it, with a deeper understanding of God, His purposes, a mature, deeper faith that knows God's faithfulness even in the most terrible of times. And they came through it as deeper and often more compassionate saints then they were going in, and sometimes those times were and are truly hard, so hard, but you are not alone, God is there with you, giving you strength and holding you up even when you don't feel it.
Also, and this is very important, don't decline professional counselling and any necessary treatment that modern medicine and therapy suggests, God has given knowledge and the resources in His creation to help us in many ways, and definitely in these areas. So please, don't go through these struggles alone, go to your pastor and to your doctor and seem what assistance, aid and strategies they can suggest, and let those you love know what you are going through and let them come alongside you, in love and companionship, and sometimes just to be there for you, because sometimes that is all we can do. God works through all these things to to help us to face, deal and heal from the hurts we get hit with, and please open yourself to all their help, we do desperately need such help, and often they need you to as well, so don't cut those who can help out I pray.
I hope others can really help you here, and I pray that you know that depression is no sign of a problem from God or a lack of faith, far from it, and I pray that you know that God is there with you in this right now, and He is there for you, ready for you to turn to Him with all the hurt, pain and distress you have. Don't fear keeping any pretence up, He knows it all already, just let everything out before Him, don't hold anything back and let Him come and minister to you.
I will continue to hold you in my prayers my sister, and I pray that God gives you peace, and strengthens you by His Spirit, enfolds you in His love, protects you and your family, and that you know His Presence with you to walk through this time with you.
God bless and keep you.
D
The bible is not too clear on depression or mental issues. Yet I know that God can heal them all and I have witnessed God healing a person with bipolar disorder. I have also seen God heal Multiple personality disorder in a good friend of mine. So what ever you are struggling, God is the solution.
Years ago I was very depressed. I was going thru a painful divorce as a young man. One day I came very close to suicide and sought help. In the end my depression was caused from a bad thyroid, not that I am saying all depression is from the same thyroid issue! There are many reasons for depression. I hope you find your healing from depression. I do know how that goes, yet I still claim, Jesus is your answer.
Years ago I was very depressed. I was going thru a painful divorce as a young man. One day I came very close to suicide and sought help. In the end my depression was caused from a bad thyroid, not that I am saying all depression is from the same thyroid issue! There are many reasons for depression. I hope you find your healing from depression. I do know how that goes, yet I still claim, Jesus is your answer.
Here is the verse that pulled me out of a deep depression due to losing a lot of my life to Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is in Holman's Christian Standard, and the word "depressed" means a lot more to me than a sheep that is "downcast" which is the actual image protrayed here. It made me realize that God understood depression much more than I ever woujld and he was with me and would bring good out of it. (Romans 8:28)
"Why am I so depressed?Why this turmoil within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5
God did bring me out of the depression, and gave me a ministry helping the hurting and broken. Be sure to seek a doctor's help, and read your Bible. God wants us to hope in him no matter how bad our circumstances or situatoin or mind is. Put your hope in him.
PM me if you want to talk about it. Praying God will help you through this dark hour!
"Why am I so depressed?Why this turmoil within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5
God did bring me out of the depression, and gave me a ministry helping the hurting and broken. Be sure to seek a doctor's help, and read your Bible. God wants us to hope in him no matter how bad our circumstances or situatoin or mind is. Put your hope in him.
PM me if you want to talk about it. Praying God will help you through this dark hour!
Downcast- usually a few days, changes when situation changes - not looking up, but down
Discouragement - few weeks, downcast feelings do not depart
Depression - when it can't be shaken, you don't know whats wrong - temporary emotional state with exaggerated sadness/hopelessness not based on reality or consistent with the situation
actually happening - serious
Despair - no hope, things will never change - desperate things usually done
Timing of Depression
-intense ministry output
-relational conflict
-after a major victory
-huge dissapointment
3 steps for depression
1) get to a place by yourself
2) focus on the negative
3) forget God's provision
3 steps out of depression
1) let God confront you
2) Let God reveal himself to you
3) Receive God's provision
This was an outline from 1 Kings 17-19
Discouragement - few weeks, downcast feelings do not depart
Depression - when it can't be shaken, you don't know whats wrong - temporary emotional state with exaggerated sadness/hopelessness not based on reality or consistent with the situation
actually happening - serious
Despair - no hope, things will never change - desperate things usually done
Timing of Depression
-intense ministry output
-relational conflict
-after a major victory
-huge dissapointment
3 steps for depression
1) get to a place by yourself
2) focus on the negative
3) forget God's provision
3 steps out of depression
1) let God confront you
2) Let God reveal himself to you
3) Receive God's provision
This was an outline from 1 Kings 17-19