Are you anxious or depressed? Stressed? Fear the future? Some time ago, I wrote a short post about my experience with depression, anxiety, and my runaway feelings.
Recently, I read some of the comments on that blog post, and I realized something. Since January 2012, I have been reading and listening to the Bible a lot. By reading, I can take notes and read previous notes that I've written right in my Bible. By listening*, I can saturate myself with God's Word even while I am doing things around the house. Saturation has made me aware of many things. I believe that has been part of my healing.
God's Word is indeed the answer.
I am more aware of how my sin separated me from God.
I am more aware of how the love of Jesus, the Son of God, kept Him on the cross in punishment for my sins.
I am more aware of how His resurrection cancelled my debt of sin and washed me clean simply because I accepted and received God's forgiveness.
I am more aware of my need to give my life completely to God, and seek Him.
I am more aware that it's all grace not perfection.
I am more aware that it's all about Jesus, about God, about the Holy Spirit.
Draw close to God, dear reader, He will draw close to you. His love for you is everlasting. Jesus is deeply in love with you. Will you fall more deeply in love with Jesus?
Goodness, I've got my preach on this morning. ~smile~
But, you know, when it comes down to it, only one thing is important.
What will our relationship be with Jesus Christ?
Blessings to you!
Laura
*I use YouVersion and Bible Gateway.
Preach on, sweet sister! Go right ahead! You have no idea how much I needed this. You described something that I did not know how to put into words..."runaway feelings". Thank you for sharing what God laid upon your heart and blessing me so much today (and so many other days, too!) God bless your Lord's Day!!!
ReplyDeleteBe encouraged Cheryl. God's arm is not too short. He is watching over you and your family. Trust in Him. I'm learning that the difference between faith and trust is often emotional. Faith is believing God will do something. Trust is not trying to figure out how to tell him to do it!
DeleteMy definition. ~smile~
And, I for one, enjoyed your "preach on". Thank you sweet friend...keep on telling like it is. Have a beautiful week ahead.
ReplyDeleteYou sweetheart! I'm so glad not to be mired in the depression anymore. It rears its ugly head now and then, but I'm learning to stomp on that ugly critter early!
DeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteSomehow I unfollowed you...
By accident!
But I'm back...
And happy to visit. : )
Have a cozy evening.
Oh I'm glad Billie Jo! Welcome back! I had a relaxing evening visiting with my grown son and my husband. Have a beautiful week! It's lush and beautiful here in Southwest Missouri. I love the colors of spring!
DeleteEnjoy!
Oh my, Laura, THANK YOU for sharing this! I struggle with anxiety and reminders like this are exactly what I need when I feel overwhelmed. I so appreciate how the Lord uses the thoughts and words of others to draw me closer to Him when I find it difficult to find the words myself. God Bless You and, again, Thank You! :)
ReplyDeleteDawn, there really is hope. You really can come through this. God is with you all the way. So much of our happiness, fearfulness etc is dependent on where we keep our focus.
DeleteWhen I get really anxious or panicky, I find that just saying His name over and over slowly and breathing helps.
Jesus... Jesus... Jesus....
Our enemy doesn't like the focus to be on Jesus.
It seems to help me be calmer.
Be blessed!
I loved the comments where people said that your post was just what they needed to read at the time. Oh, the power of sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at SYC.
That's just the best when that happens isn't it Carol?
DeleteI find your blog refreshing when I visit.
Your words ring true! Needed this reminder today. Thanks for it!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the words reached you at the right time. May God bless you with peace, hope, clear thinking, and encouragement as you seek His son Jesus Christ!
THANK YOU for this, Laura. Hit the spot tonight!
ReplyDeleteI come back to read this from time to time. It is all true. Thank you, Laura. God bless you.
ReplyDelete