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Bible Promises – Throughout the Bible, God encourages us to bring before him our worship and praise, confession, thanksgivings, intercessions, and petitions. As Christians grow in the discipline of praying, it becomes clear that there is always more to learn. Joni Eareckson Tada shares insights and personal stories that will hone your skill of including scripture in your prayers.
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SHAUNA: Welcome to Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope.Have you ever experienced a season of life that was doubly hard? Well, our dear friend Joni has something to say about that.
JONI: Not long ago I was in Kansas City on behalf of our ministry, cheering on our team there, and laying the groundwork for a brand-new Family Retreat in that area. After one of my speaking events, I was greeting people, and I met Janice, a young woman who had brought her mother, Eunice. Janice did not want to take my photo or have me sign a book; instead, she just wanted me to talk to Eunice; to pray for her. It did not appear that her mother had a disability, but I did notice that Eunice’s eyes were red and wet. Apparently, my message that night had meant a lot to her. She couldn’t bring herself to speak, and so Janice explained that her mother was suffering severely from pretty serious depression. “Is that so?” I asked Eunice, and she pressed a tissue to her eyes and nodded, “Yes.” I wasn’t about to rush Janice and her mother off the platform; because I have been depressed, and yes, often I still get down. In many ways, depression is harder to deal with than my physical disability. So, in a way, as best I could, I understood Eunice’s pain and my heart really went out to her. And so, I did as Janice asked. I prayed right then and there for her dear mother, and I am still praying for her as the spirit prompts me.
A disability is hard enough to deal with, but depression – whoa, that’s doubly hard. And so, even now, when I begin to sense the blues coming on, I go on the offensive. I do not wait until my spirit plummets into a pit of depression. No, I’m going to take the initiative, and I basically do four things. First, I give thanks to God for everything I can think to give thanks for – great and small things. First Thessalonians 5:18 is a great antidote for the blues. In everything give thanks, it says. And so, throughout the day whether I feel like it or not, I mouth my thanks to God. I force myself to look for things for which I can give thanks, and I tell God so out loud. It’s the best way I can place myself under the shower of God’s mercy and grace, if I want my heart to brighten up, then it starts with giving thanks.
Next, for depression I look out for other’s interests before my own. My depression may scream for my undivided attention, my feelings may whine and complain, but I know full well there are others – many others – whose circumstances are far more difficult than mine. So I look for ways to help them, whether with a note, a prayer, a small gift – I can lift their spirits, I can do something to brighten their heart.
Third, I take responsibility. Galatians 3:5 says that we should carry our own load. In other words, we need to make choices and take actions to avoid those things that only make your depression worse. Don’t get lost in the television, or in a quart of ice cream, or in magazines or books that only deaden your spirit. As I often tell others, get up, get dressed, open the front door, get out of the house, get into the community and serve others. It shows you’re taking responsibility to improve your own well-being, as well as the well-being of other people. Finally, make certain you seek help. If you’re seriously depressed you can get help and share your needs with a friend; a friend who can pray for you and cheer you on.
SHAUNA: Just go to joniradio.org where you’ll find even more comfort for those days when life feels doubly hard. And please also join us in praying for Eunice.
© Joni and Friends