By Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge Associate Pastor for Community Outreach & Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX
Overcoming Depression!
I am concerned about depression. It is responsible for more heartache and waste of human energy than most of us are aware of. It strikes at the heart of contemporary life because so many people are affected by it.
I believe a lot of depression is primarily a spiritual disorder and it can not be successfully overcome without giving attention to the spiritual dimension of life. Depression is, in part, the price we pay for the very heavy investment of our culture in the physical and material order of things.
As a physically "run down" person is more susceptible to the common cold, so a spiritually "run down" person is more susceptible to depression. By spiritually run down, I mean simply a person who has given little or no attention to the development of the spiritual dimension of life.
Depression is real and it is powerful and it is destructive to human potential. It can rob you of all that is beautiful and joyful; if you let it.
There is a power that can help. God's intention for your life is that you should live with a sense of joy and power but it must begin with your initiative! Jesus said in John 14:27, Peace is my parting gift to you; my own peace such as the world can not give. Set your troubled hearts at rest and banish your fears. Again, He said, I have come that you might have joy!
If you want to do something about depression and are willing to try something, I want to offer the assurance that you can get better! I believe God is able to work in your life if you will cooperate in some spiritual therapy.
Open up Your Life- Let people know what is going-on with you.
Admit That You Are Not In Control
Talk to Someone- Working with a therapist can be very helpful.
Live One Day at a Time
Get Some Discipline into Your Life- Physical exercise is a great antidepressant.
Do Something for Someone Else
Don't make excuses
0 comments:
Post a Comment