Lament or Depression
Life is hard at times. Some of the time, life seems unbearable. What do we do?
Turning to the Lord is more than a coping tool. Abiding in Christ is more than a way to control your thoughts or suppress pain through meditation. There is a reality that is beyond natural and we can enter into that reality. This entering into Christ Jesus is not escapism. It is not about avoiding the pain, suffering and difficulty that life may bring to us. It is going through, not around.
Our thoughts are a way that we connect with God, with ideas, with emotions. When we are called to control our though life we are called to avoid some connections, like fear, lust, greed; and enhance others, like love, peace, God and joy. Our bodies and minds are one and when we put one in a situation the other is effected. When the foot touches bath water that is to hot, the mind lets you know. When the mind is inflicted with pain it lets the body know.
Christianity and God are not disciplines or systems to avoid pain or to control suffering. Christianity is a relationship. This relationship is with a supernatural being that is fully able of intervene in our lives. This intervention occurs because of His nature and our relationship to Him. Often His grace is given to those with whom He has not relationship, this is mercy. All the time He intervenes in the lives of His children, this is called life in Christ Jesus.
In our pain and suffering God asks us to seek out a relationship with Him. In physically, emotionally and intellectually seeking this out, we invite His activity into our situation. We connect with God, with His perspective and with His love and care for us. Sure, we often desire only to have an easier life and to avoid all pain and suffering. In our quest for an easy life we often choose to judge God or mistreat Him according to our own desires. We do this all the time when we suffer. Pain makes us lash out at family, be angry at friends, despise those we feel have an easier life or received some unearned blessing.
David in the Bible has some very hard times. Following is one passage where he opens his heart toward God and cries out. We too can do this. We too can share with God who we think He is and How we desire for Him to act. While our mouths vent, our hearts can receive a touch of His compassion and care. On the heart level we can feel God's love and come to a place of peace.
When in pain, turn to the Psalms and read aloud the words of David. Let His words help you make your own expression to God. Seek to connect, to be touched on the heart level in the midst of your pain and suffering. Replace depression with a Lament.
Psa 27:1-14 A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? (2) When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. (3) Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident. (4) One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. (5) For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. (6) And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. (7) Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. (8) When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." (9) Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! (10) For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the LORD will take me up. (11) Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a level path Because of my foes. (12) Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. (13) I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. (14) Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
Turning to the Lord is more than a coping tool. Abiding in Christ is more than a way to control your thoughts or suppress pain through meditation. There is a reality that is beyond natural and we can enter into that reality. This entering into Christ Jesus is not escapism. It is not about avoiding the pain, suffering and difficulty that life may bring to us. It is going through, not around.
Our thoughts are a way that we connect with God, with ideas, with emotions. When we are called to control our though life we are called to avoid some connections, like fear, lust, greed; and enhance others, like love, peace, God and joy. Our bodies and minds are one and when we put one in a situation the other is effected. When the foot touches bath water that is to hot, the mind lets you know. When the mind is inflicted with pain it lets the body know.
Christianity and God are not disciplines or systems to avoid pain or to control suffering. Christianity is a relationship. This relationship is with a supernatural being that is fully able of intervene in our lives. This intervention occurs because of His nature and our relationship to Him. Often His grace is given to those with whom He has not relationship, this is mercy. All the time He intervenes in the lives of His children, this is called life in Christ Jesus.
In our pain and suffering God asks us to seek out a relationship with Him. In physically, emotionally and intellectually seeking this out, we invite His activity into our situation. We connect with God, with His perspective and with His love and care for us. Sure, we often desire only to have an easier life and to avoid all pain and suffering. In our quest for an easy life we often choose to judge God or mistreat Him according to our own desires. We do this all the time when we suffer. Pain makes us lash out at family, be angry at friends, despise those we feel have an easier life or received some unearned blessing.
David in the Bible has some very hard times. Following is one passage where he opens his heart toward God and cries out. We too can do this. We too can share with God who we think He is and How we desire for Him to act. While our mouths vent, our hearts can receive a touch of His compassion and care. On the heart level we can feel God's love and come to a place of peace.
When in pain, turn to the Psalms and read aloud the words of David. Let His words help you make your own expression to God. Seek to connect, to be touched on the heart level in the midst of your pain and suffering. Replace depression with a Lament.
Psa 27:1-14 A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? (2) When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. (3) Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident. (4) One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. (5) For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. (6) And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. (7) Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. (8) When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." (9) Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! (10) For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the LORD will take me up. (11) Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a level path Because of my foes. (12) Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. (13) I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. (14) Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
Architecture design services in Dubai
ReplyDeleteInterior design services in Dubai