I struggle with Bi-polar disorder and the past two plus weeks I’ve been struggling with severe depression. When this happens it is easy to believe God has deserted you. Now I am fully aware that that is not Biblically sound doctrine. It’s just when your deep in the pit of despair it’s easy to go by feelings rather than faith of the truth of God’s Word. But this is what God’s Word has to say on the matter:
What a blessed promise. When I’m isolating in my apartment, I’m never truly alone. God is with me. He promises this and He is faithful, He never breaks His Word.
When I keep the discipline of staying in His Word I find these jewels that help me to hold on one more day in hopes of the depression leaving soon and life looking full of possibilities for the future.
I love this version of this particular verse because instead of translating the word to prosper which most people equate with money, something God has never seen fit to lavish upon me, it translates it as peace and that I’d much prefer.
There is another verse that I have found helpful in changing the thoughts that don’t help with the depression that I am fighting.
Filling my mind with positive thoughts rather than negative thoughts literally changed my life that and the decision that suicide was no longer an option. But there is more than just the positive thoughts Philippians 4:9 goes on to say, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Now that’s a wonderful promise! But notice the promise comes with action on our part.
For any of you that are struggling with Bi-polar disorder please don’t get me wrong in no way am I saying that it is easy to deal with. I struggle with wanting to isolate, sleep my life away, gorge myself into oblivion so I don’t have to feel and I have even done less healthy things in an attempt to cope. What I am saying is it is a fight we mustn’t stop, and in that fight use any tool available to you. Take your meds religiously. See your doctors and therapists regularly and be open and honest with them. Make sure you have a support network. If you don’t work occupy yourself so you have a set schedule. Get plenty of rest and have a consistent bedtime. Eat healthy even when you don’t want to. Get exercise and get 20 minutes of morning sun. All of these will help you live a better life.
Joy – Fellow Sojourner & A Woman After God’s Own Heart!
Joy's Words of Encouragement 