kr12798 said:
not at all sure how this works, but im desperate for help. i am struggling with depression and i know it is God testing my faithfulness and i just cant help but think that he doesnt want me here any more and my worth is nothing. a bible study teacher once told me that the Lord promises us happiness here on earth and we must claim it. i was wondering if anyone had anything else to add ~thanks
I have experienced depression.
Even now, i have periods of depression. It not ongoing, but it come when that part of my mind bring back certain memories. Sometimes a person can get depressed without even knowing why they feel that way.
So the first step in dealing with, not necessarily beating it, is to identify what might be contributing to the negative feelings.
The thing with depression is that it is not easily understood by others.
For example some my say things in an effort to cheer you up, but it might not be the best thing to say. They might say you shouldn't feel this way, and give you a reason why, or they may say, lets go out you will feel better.
When it might be better to say, I understand, would you like to go to this or that with me.
so the next step is to be around people who show understanding.
Once you identify what might be causing the depression then you are in a position to set your thoughts in another direction or busy yourself with things that distract you from that. And if you have friends who support you it can help.
But the best medicine is prayer.
It may actually surprise you to know how much God loves you.
There were men in the bible who did worst things than you can imagine - you can't even imagine. Manasseh was one.
Yet when Manasseh got into trouble, and repeated, God forgive him. How much more loving and merciful can anyone get.
You had not done 15% of what Manasseh did, and do you think God would ever give up on you? Never.
God never give up on anyone. We would have to completely turn our back on him, like Satan did.
Someone else in the bible (sorry i can't remember the scriptures off hand), did a lot of wrong, but God spared his life because he saw something good in him. God sees something good in all of us. He sees something good in you.
So the best way to get help is pray. You may not see the answer, but that doesn't mean he didn't answer. It is just that we may take a little time to see it But when you see it, you will be so amazed, you will feel humbled.
At least this is one scripture I remember because it is one of my favorites.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Take my word, and try praying every day, especially when you feel depressed. Even if you don't know what to say, just tell God how you feel. He know what is in your heart.
I will be glad to hear how things are going so please pm me and let me know.
God bless.
