Dear Ones,
Happy weekend! Hope you have a blessed weekend. Today I plan to clean the apartment and to do food prep.
The question for this week is, have you had times of feeling down and depressed and what helps you the most? What words or actions from others seem to lift your spirit?
Devotions from Judy’s heart
So many people today deal with depression, and statics show that there has been a 60% rise over this last decade. The suicide rate has gone up, especially among young people, and is the third leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. Depression is a major health issue and I read about what Pastor/Dr. Terry Powell writes about it. He suffers from depression, though he is a Christian, a professor, and has trained and taught Christian leaders. He knows what it is like to feel numb, dark and tearful, and identifies with the Psalmist who said, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5)

Even King David had times that He felt that God had abandoned him and was down and discouraged. Although Powell spends time alone with the Lord and in the Word, he still has bouts of recurring depression that is not linked to an external event but rather has a biological basis. Even though he may have medications to help, he knows he must fight with spiritual weapons. He first turns to the promises in scripture and memorizes key verses that help him counter feelings of hopelessness. When Satan throws lies at him, he combats Satan by clinging to God’s promises. He also experiences help from others, letting them know when he needs prayer and support.

But all is not lost when he feels depressed, for he is more open to the Holy Spirit and prays with humility, asking God to search his heart. He becomes more aware of wrong thoughts and sinful behavior, leading him to repentance and forgiveness. If everything were to go perfectly, he may not feel the need for the Spirit to search his heart. He realizes that it is in his weakness that he receives grace and is more motivated to pray, knowing God will get the glory. Like Spurgeon once said: our human need magnifies the sufficiency of God!

Challenge for today: Remember: whatever need you have, seek the Lord for it is an opportunity for Him to be magnified as you receive help from Him!
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy