“How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Psalm 104:24).
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long”
(Psalm 119:97).
Everyone has coping methods for difficult times. These may include eating, drinking, escaping
into movies or books, venting to a friend, taking a trip, taking a pill, staying
in bed, or looking to God. Obviously
some of these choices are healthier than others.
What do we do in our most difficult times - when we get no
relief from the pain; when the treatment is grueling, or when there is no treatment; when friends and family
misunderstand us; when we must give up yet another activity or event. All of these scenarios can lead to
discouragement, depression, and despair.
Based on verses from Job, David Jeremiah suggests two
sources of comfort for any trial – creation and Scripture.
When I was at my lowest with thyroid cancer, depression, and
anxiety, I found solace in nature. Just
sitting on our lawn swing or looking out the living room window was
helpful. I would occasionally buy a
flower bouquet from the store, and I looked at picture books on gardening and
decorating with nature.
We now live in an area full of mountains and waterfalls, and
they both have a positive and calming effect on me. God’s creation does that.
Scripture is also a huge comfort. There are Bible verses that relate to any circumstance
or condition. Sometimes I search a concordance or other resource, using key
words relating to my problem or emotion.
When I find a relevant verse, I read it and seek how to apply it. Then I
claim it in faith and keep bringing the words to mind.
There are many ways of coping with our suffering. But creation and Scripture are two available
and powerful ways that God speaks to us and brings us His comfort and peace. Let’s
thank God for them and benefit from them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, when I am suffering, the
beauty of Your creation and the power of Your Word are able to restore and
refresh my soul. Thank you for revealing Yourself in these amazing ways, and
may Your Spirit prompt me to look to them as sources of encouragement when I
need it. Amen.
Thank you so much Bronlynn for your honesty in your suffering. You always keep the focus of Jesus. It's difficult sometimes when pain just won't go away to not become discouraged....but you are right God's Word refreshes and restores our souls and I sit on my patio and watch the "little hummers" that never cease to bring joy. All these things the Lord uses to let us know that He is with us in suffering. I am so thankful for Our Lord Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte. I pray God continues to encourage you through His creation and Word. I don't know how we would make it through this life without Him :). Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteI am in need of relief from all of the chronic illnesses that I have including severe depression and anxiety. I am in a bad way right now and could use some prayers. Thank You!
ReplyDeleteI am lifting you up in prayer, that God would be merciful, that you would be able to keep in mind that this life is not all there is, and that you would remember and believe the truth that you have God's resurrection power living in you constantly - even if you don't feel like you do!
DeleteOne book I highly recommend for depression is called "Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness" by Edward Welch. It has helped me more than anything else I have read.
http://www.amazon.com/Depression-Looking-Up-Stubborn-Darkness/dp/1935273876/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443543370&sr=1-1&keywords=looking+up+from+the+stubborn+darkness
I also suggest that you make a conscious effort to put on the spiritual armor every day (Ephesians 6:10-18). It only takes a few minutes to pray it on, but I especially pray the helmet of salvation to guard my thoughts, since that is the source of so much of depression.
In the mighty name of Jesus,
Bronlynn
You also might want to check out my post for September 18th.
ReplyDelete