Transformational Thought
Twenty five percent of the US population, 75 million people, will suffer from clinical depression at some point in their lives. Most people suffering from chronic depression feel so utterly unlovable, that they cannot bear the pain of even trying to experience love in a relationship with God, with themselves, or with others. They feel like a failure and think that anyone who disagrees with their assessment just doesn’t understand. Even if you are not suffering from chronic depression, you may experience feelings like this at momentary low points in your life. Almost every person does.
If that’s how you feel, think about this good news: God knows you better than you know yourself, and He still loves you. He knows you are not perfect, but He loves you anyway … unconditionally. He loves you so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins because He wanted to provide a way for you to be with Him … forever … no matter how sinful or worthless you think you are.
God loves you so much. He has even promised never to leave you. The Bible tells us that He is full of compassion for you … He takes pleasure in you … He loves you and gives you honor … You are precious in his sight. He promises He will love you forever.
If you suffer from depression, seek professional help. Even though they don’t cure depression, medications are incredibly helpful for the symptoms of depression. This will allow you to work on some of the underlying issues that fuel your depression.
If you aren’t depressed, give thanks and then work on strengthening a solid spiritual and psychological foundation of understanding who God is, who you are, and how to be a Godly decision-maker in all you do. This will renew your mind – the actual biology of your brain chemistry. It is the most effective strategy to prevent and protect you from depression and other mental health and addiction struggles when the storms of life come your way. The Bible calls them trials and tribulations, or times of refining and purification.
Today, help yourself by reading the short Bible passages below. Let His message sink deeply into you. The Bible says Jesus loves you so much that He seeks after you. You are never alone. Right this very moment you may feel alone, but you are not. Jesus is there with you, seeking to help you. Say yes. Yes to His love. Yes to His help. Yes to Jesus. The Holy Bible is true. You can believe it. He is the Word and the great healer, so His Word does heal. Pass this message on to someone you know who is struggling. Call the Lighthouse Network 844-Life-Change (844-543-3242) Helpline and we will find therapists, resources, and psychiatrists for you. God has help for you. Whether you engage with God to change your lenses and improve your mood, or keep the same old distorted lenses is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for loving me no matter what. Thank You for promising to be with me … always … and for honoring that promise, even though I don’t sense it sometimes. Help my radar tune in strongly to know You are always there. Thank You for showing me reminders of your presence each day. Help me to recognize them. When I start to feel alone, help me rely on Your instruction book and not my own. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who bled every drop of His blood for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
The LORD is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love. Psalm 145:8
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:4
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
