Today's Verse
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 NASB
Thoughts on today's verse...
Here it is, 4:00 a.m. and I've been awake now for an hour. That's one of the effects of depression, at least for me at this stage of my life. When I was much younger it was sleeping, as if that would eliminate the problem and everything would be well and good when I awoke. Or perhaps it was just that during sleep time, I didn't have to deal with anything.
David wrote a number of Psalms and in some of them, it sure sounds as if he also was afflicted with depression. Psalm 42 is an example of depression and despair and yet the way it begins, "As the deer pants for the water, So my soul pants for Thee, O God." Then in verse 11, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance, and my God."
In 1 Kings, chapter 19, Elijah had a very successful endeavor against Jezebel's prophets, and yet when Jezebel sent a messenger to to him saying she was going to have him killed, he became afraid and ran for his life. He told God, "It is enough; now O Lord, take my life..." He sounds despondant and suicidal, yes, depression or even bi-polar disorder!
In these examples, I find much hope, much comfort knowing that the Lord God, creator of all heaven and earth has included these examples to let me and others know that perhaps at times we will face depression and yet we can overcome it. If not by ourselves, then with the help of a health care provider.
There are some folks who believe that if you're a Christian then you should never be sick, never have financial challenges and always be on the winning edge of life. If that is the case, then why are the examples I've cited in Psalms and 1 Kings given to us? Just a question... I don't have the answer, but I am comforted by the examples as they allow me to relate on an even deeper level to the Word of God.
And then you dear ladies and yesterday's emails and comments. How you comforted me with your words and prayers! Just like today's verse in 2 Corinthians. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Today's Prayer...
Lord God, Father of all heaven and earth, hear my prayer... thank you so much for my sisters who have comforted me in my distress. Thank you for Your Spirit that ministers to us in our affliction and despair. Thank you for Your Word that helps us to relate to You. Through all of this, My Lord, I choose praise, I choose thanksgiving. In Jesus name I pray ~Amen!
Yours, because we're His,
Tamara
Good morning Tamara,
ReplyDeleteYou are in my heart and in my prayers, and I love your post and your insight into God's Word. Know dear sister, that God loves you, so much, and try today to give thanks, even for this mood, for it too is all good, for it makes one pensive, and sensitive, and very creative. Even as you are comforted, you comfort others with your creative words. I too, have known the depths of your sorrow, but believe me there is a way out of the pit, just keep looking up, and giving thanks. May God's Grace abound to you! ((((Hugs))))) 555
I am praying for you sweetie. I have known great sadness in my life but I really don't understand a lot about depression....except it can render one almost lifeless with it's horrible clutch on them. I am praying for you and I just know with your faith you will have the faith to see you through this taxing time. Please don't hesitate to see a doctor if necessary, God does work through their hands as well........many, many hugs:-)
ReplyDeleteHi Tamara...I am thinking of you my friend. I e-mailed you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jackie