Trials and Suffering: Keeping ourselves out of Depression!!

Question:   How is it that we can face on going trials and sufferings and keep our way from depression? 

I remember just 10 years ago, a time when there was not the amount of suffering going on that there seems to be today, both in depth of heartache and length of time!  Oh I know, we here in the USA barely know and understand what suffering really is.  But in accordance with how we have been raised and what we have been through in our lifetime, things are much more intense and ongoing than ever before! 

There is a new, harder hitting, wider reaching financial hardship in the USA than ever before. One that will take a long time to dig out of, if ever!  I definitely see more illness of extreme nature and more heartache in the Harvest Prayer Chain!  The Worlds labor pains are more intense and closer together these days!

When I think of the Laurie family my heart breaks.  They are not the first nor the last to unexpectedly lose a loved one.   Yet, it has hit home with my heart in that I can clearly see how the devil will try to wear them down year after year with this lose, the devil whispering his questioning thoughts on God's love and plan for their family.  I can also see very clearly how God has taken such a tragic circumstance and brought comfort, wisdom, strength out of the ashes.  Much glory has gone to Him, and I stand in awe of the Laurie family as they press forward in their service to the Lord by serving His people and His lost sheep!!!!  They make my desire to do the same stronger than ever!!

Our View:  How we view our trials, sufferings and heart aches is the key to whether or not we can keep moving through them, or if we are gonna get stuck in them, slowly sinking into depression.
(Depression is nothing more than a downward spiraling of the heart because we compile sin on top of sin!  It simply weighs us down when we disobey God in any area of life! See Jay Adams on Depression)

The Lord has placed the helmet of salvation on my head.  As an  army soldier my helmet  protects my skull, brain and head from physical injury. Spiritually speaking I also want to protect my mind which controls the whole of my being. Knowing I am saved is the biggest part of the battle, remembering... I belong to Jesus because I believe and He is my Jehovah Nissi, His banner over me is pure love!! 

We are all striving for something...what are you striving for?
(To strive is to contend against, wage war against, excite oneself against!)
I strive to keep my view and thoughts off my troubles so I can focus them on MY God who has limitless Wisdom, Power and Means to help with  my present troubles. He is Just and Comforting as well as Faithful to His own promises to His children.  That is the key to my faith staying strong.  (Remembering what I've learned in the past and seeking that which I am to learn in the present will keep me growing.)

There are several things I do to protect myself from depression:
 (These things help to keep me pressing forward in the Lords service as a foot soldier)

Reading my bible daily with an eye to learn who My God is and what He wants me to change. 

Gleen every last bit of hope and comfort I can find. 

Use a bible dictionary to help with any words or concepts I don't understand. 
(I have a computer program from Logos to help my studying as well.) 

Pray throughout my day.  When I am overwhelmed I glady and humbly ask for prayer. 

I seek to give praise and thanksgiving to God the Father! 

I read daily devotions.  Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley, both by L. Cowman

I have filled my ipod full of uplifting, fun or dancing music!!

I attend Womens bible study at my church.

I use some herbs and things to help my body as I get older and life is just tougher all the way around!!

I have hobbies that keep me out of trouble and

I love to ride my bike and play volleyball to get exercise as often as I can!!

These days I am focused on being positive and on my cup that the Lord has given me as being half full!  With the Lords help He and I add lemon juice and honey to make lemonade.  I am then content to drink the cup He has given me and am fully satisfied with my half full cup of blessing.

Why am I satisfied with it:   Because I did the best with it that I could with Gods help!
(Not in being perfect about it, because I fall short in all things!)

I hope this encourages you and helps to keep you out of trouble!!  Haha

Monica's Munchies