Annie's "Necessary Depression" Page

Annie's "Necessary Depression" Page

I have a wonderful Daily Devotional Book that is written specifically for people that deal with chronic pain
and illness. It is a great book but as I understand it is out of print. I have shared a few of the daily
devotionals that have blessed me or touched my heart from time to time. Well today I read another
one that I just have to share with you all!!!

Source: Based on the Devotional from:
"Strength For Today - Daily Devotionals for the Chronically Ill"
by Sharon Broyles

January 18th --- Necessary Depression

"Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow
to the point of death."
~Matthew 26:38~

"Dr. Archibald Hart of Fuller Theological Seminary believes that depression is not only normal, but necessary.
It's purpose is to help me come to terms with loss: the loss of a loved one to death or a reputation to gossip,
the loss of belongings to thieves or of energy to illness.

Depression's mission, Dr. Hart says, is to "bring us to a place where we are willing to let go of the object
we prize." He holds that depression must be allowed to do its work, to bring me to that point of letting go.

Chronic illness involves many losses: the loss of expectations and dreams, perhaps of physical beauty or mental
acuity, and a certain loss of freedom. Jesus understands loss. He lost everything so that I could gain every
thing. Depressed in Gethsemane, Jesus faced the greatest of all losses. He was "overwhelmed...
to the point of death." When I am depressed Jesus understands.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me identify the deeper losses in my life, those things I am unwilling to
let go into Your hand today. Thank You for understanding and not condemning my feelings."

There are no Bible Verses with the words Depression or Depressed in them!

But here are some related words:
Sorrow, Sadness, Grief and Loss

There are 65 Bible Verses with the word "Sorrow" in them
There are 22 Bible Verses with the word "Sorrows" in them
There is 1 Bible Verse with the word "Overwhelm" in it
There are 7 Bible Verses with the word "Overwhelmed" in them

Nave's Topical Bible has this page about: Sorrow & Afflictions And Adversities
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary has this page about: Grief, Grieving
Torrey's Topical Textbook has this page about: Afflictions
Easton's Bible Dictionary has this page about: Afflictions

"Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness
of the countenance the heart is made better."
~Ecclesiastes 7:3~

"How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and
their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality."
~2 Corinthians 8:2~

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise
and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
~1 Peter 1:7~

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened unto you:"
~1 Peter 4:12~

And to BALANCE this out a little the other side of Sadness
would be CONTENTMENT & HAPPINESS & JOY & PEACE!

We know from Ecclesiastes that there is a time for everything.....

There are 25 Bible Verses with the word "Singing" in them

Nave's Topical Bible has this page about: Happiness & Singing
Bakers Evangelical Dictionary has this page about: Hospitality
Torreys Topical Textbook has this page about: Afflictions Made Beneficial

"Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD
hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted."
~Isaiah 14:30~

A Related Link that I found:
What Not to Say to a Depressed Mate

Remember that when we reach out to others we are not just helping them!
When you are helping someone else, for just a few minutes you change your focus from
yourself making you forget your own pain and problems!!!!
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