Read No Further If You Can't Answer Yes...

NOTE: If you can't answer YES to at least 7 of the 10 questions posed on those television advertisements about depression... you probably won't get this post.

If I've learned nothing else from life, I've learned that quite often we don't understand how something feels until we've gone through it ourselves. Even then, the way one thing affects one person can greatly differ from how it affects another. A particular area where I've seen this proven painfully true is with emotional & mental issues - such as depression. Most people who've not experienced depression have NO CLUE what it's really like. There are a lot of misconceptions among those who haven't experienced it.

I've not hidden it. I struggle with depression and have struggled with thoughts of suicide. After moving from the sunny south to the Mid-West, it got much worse as winter approached & settled in. For me, it's not the "poor, pitiful me" depression." I'd describe it as almost "an inability to DO." Things that others do without batting an eye, often cause me to feel overwhelmed & screech to a halt. I was brought up by a mom who was brought up to believe that Christians are not depressed. I tried to adopt that belief for about 25 years. I'm confident that I've done about all I can humanly do... medical consultation, professional help, accountability partners, prayer, diet, exercise, etc.  

The other day I was going from one thing to another & feeling a bit overwhelmed by what would be mundane for most people. I asked God: 

"Am I just not going to get to enjoy some things here on this earth?"  

And, to be honest, I wasn't really expecting or desiring an immediate response. But, almost as soon as my spirit voiced the question, my spirit heard Him say, 

"My child, that's right. Some things you will never get to enjoy on earth... because it opens the door for better things to be possible in My BIG plan."  

It, seriously, was like I heard His voice. But, not only did I hear Him, I got it! Why should any of us expect to have it all here on earth? We've never been told by our Heavenly Father we could have it ALL... just that we will always have what we NEED. 

I have two dear friends who are living their lives joyfully - one has been blind since birth  and one has been paralyzed from her shoulders down since her senior year in high school. What they face is huge - wouldn't you say!  I wonder, do they think about dying? Do they wonder if they can really make a difference here on this earth? Are they okay with what is "their world" now? Do they understand how their approach to life has blessed so many people around them? 

I'm not necessarily thrilled about it but, God has assured me that my struggles are a part of His big plan. They help me see another side of things that draw me close to others who need encouragement & understanding. I'm cool with it - although not always thrilled with it. I believe that the dark threads in the tapestry of my life are enhancing the light threads in the tapestry that God is weaving -- all due to the peaceful, willing submission to His will & way.

photo taken by T. Getz

Many things that I face in life & that my friends face in life help me to better understand & embrace the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: 

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 

In everything, YES EVERYTHING, I can find something for which to give thanks... knowing that God will work in & through everything that happens! 

Opinionated Me :)

You know all those scriptures about God working through tough circumstances and bad things? Well, I have some opinions on that. I can't say it's exactly how GOD thinks about it but, it's my understanding & belief at this time. 

I look at God as a loving Father, one who cherishes His children. 

Matthew 7:11 "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" 

I look at Him as planning for the BEST for us in the future and in the long run - eternity. I take hope in those plans & trust in them. I try to so as the song says, I think I'll let God be God. 

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." 

Seeing down the road of life can get "foggy."
Trust the ONE who sees beyond the fog!

I believe He allows things to happen in our lives but, no matter what happens that He will work GOOD through it -- if we will allow Him to do that. There's just something about the "little girl heart" in me that doesn't feel like God PUTS bad things in my life. 

I love the story about Joseph -- you know, the one whose own brothers beat him & sold him into slavery. When Joseph was confronted by his brothers later asking for help from the brother whom they didn't then recognize, Joseph had some choices to make. He had every right to be upset with them & "give them what they deserved". 
Instead he said in Genesis 50:20, "As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the position I have today so I could save the lives of many people." 

I believe Satan is working overtime to persecute us & cause us to stumble. I think he wants to ravage our bodies... our minds... our spirits! 
John 10:10 "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

Despite that, if we will allow God, He WILL turn into good what was meant for evil & we can be put in a position to save others -- sometimes by merely bringing glory to God regardless of our circumstances. Sometime it's harder to do that than other times. But, a day to day relationship with God gives strength to do what we need to do each day. A new beginning each morning in Christ allows forgiveness, healing, restoration, renewal and the ability to be used by God and for His kingdom!

(14Mar10)