The word of God will help you regain your desire to move forward.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with more hope for your hardship.
And for my hardships, too. Because I never outgrow my need for hope. I guess that’s because I never outgrow my hardships. I rise above one challenge, thinking it’ll be clear sailing and next thing I know, a caregiver cancels and I’m stuck. Or I’m sitting up in my wheelchair and thinking all is good and then when I lie down that night, I discover a pressure sore. From day one in this wheelchair, life’s been hard. Very hard. But! When you put all your focus on how hard you’ve got it; when you sit by a window, thinking how bad things are, or how you've been dealt an unfair hand, I know, I can say for certain, you are asking to be depressed. Your mind is not thinking right. It gets stuck on thoughts that seem legitimate, even when you know they make you feel bad. But do most people, even Christians put up a fight? Not always. It’s easier to retreat. Back away. Escape. Plop on the couch, head to the TV, to the bedroom; back off from life, from friends. You escape to the refrigerator. You don't want to try because you don’t feel like trying.
And do I have empathy for people who struggle like that. You just don’t feel like fighting the fight. Yet God calls us to do just that. So, let me share what helps me. For I’m convinced that God's word is designed for seasons of depression. And Romans 15 says, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction that through endurance [that is, moving forward] and through the encouragement of Scripture we might have hope." Oh, friend, it’s through the encouragement of Scripture that we move forward.
Because Scripturehelps us think right. It gets us focused on what’s true, what’s legitimate, what’s real in our thinking. Scripture boosts our ability to put up a fight. It helps us push forward and get through that dark season. And the more we move forward, the more we endure, and the more hope is within grasp. So, if God’s word says it’ll get me up and out of depression? Then I memorize it’s promises. Like Colossians 1:11, "We are strengthened with all power according to God's glorious might.” Friend, God can give you strength to get off the couch. Switch off the TV. Open the blinds. Turn on worship music. Close the refrigerator door. Memorize a Bible promise. Get outside in the sun. Take a walk on a breezy day. Talk to God outdoors. These are all ways to get moving, to press on, and to push forward with all power according to God’s glorious might.
You know this is Depression Awareness Month. I think that’s something Charles Spurgeon would’ve resonated with because he struggled with depression. He once wrote, “I find myself frequently depressed. And I find no better cure for that depression than to trust in the Lord with all my heart.” And that word from Charles Spurgeon reminds me of Isaiah 50: “If you walk in darkness without a single ray of light, then rely on God and his word.” Friend, the word of God will help you regain your desire to move forward. And if you would like to move forward, up and out of deep sadness, let me send you my new booklet, “Navigating Depression: Hope for Heavy Hearts.” And if your heart’s heavy, then ask for your free booklet at joniradio.org. Because God wants to strengthen you with his glorious might, so ask for your free gift at joniradio.org. And find hope in your hardship at joniradio.org. God bless you today and thanks for listening.
© Joni and Friends