#depression – rootedbythewater.blog

Good morning 😊 As I was reading in Psalms this morning many scriptures stood out to me and I highlighted them as I read. I love the writings of David. He had a heart for God yet quite often was pursued by his foes. Sometimes he was surrounded by troubles, yet he held tight to his trust in God. Here is one of the scriptures I highlighted this morning; “The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.” Psalms‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Have you ever put your hand over an open flame and held it there? How long can you endure a single flame of a candle? Now imagine a furnace with constant extreme heat and flames. That’s not something I’d want to be near for long. Silver is refined in a furnace. In the intense heat it brings out the pure beauty of the silver. God’s promises are like that, refined in a furnace seven times over. God’s promises are so true and pure. They are trustworthy always. When we are struggling in daily life, we can hold tightly to God’s promises. The Bible is full of the promises of God, but how can you know them unless you read it?

Life can be stressful, coming at us from all sides. You have your own issues to deal with in my case hearing and vision issues. You also have the normal day to day stresses everyone has. You can feel stress that others in your family are facing. There is the helplessness that you feel with “outside” stressors that you have no control over. There have been several days like that recently. I know I’m not alone here. I hear it from others and I pray for their release from the “weight” stress brings. God answered one of those prayers yesterday. I woke to a text from a friend. She said, “Shannon my depression is gone!” I was so overjoyed for her. It’s frustrating how the enemy will come in and steal that momentary joy. I talked with my friend about what was troubling me and she also encouraged me.

The fact remains that we can trust in God’s promises. The world is full of troubles and when your heart is set on pleasing God, you end up as a target for the enemy. Let’s look at one of God’s promises to us. Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”” John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I can tell you that really encourages me. We can expect the trials and sorrows in this world but can be sure that Jesus has overcome it all! Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. I love the following scriptures; “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Be encouraged!!!

Back when I played the piano (chords memorized) my teacher/ friend Charisanne wrote out the chords from an Elevation Worship song Do it again (2017). I love all the lyrics. I will post a YouTube video below in case you’ve never heard it. The chorus goes like this; Your promise still stands Great if your faithfulness, faithfulness. I’m still in Your hands. This is my confidence You’ve never failed me. Towards the end of the song it says; I’ve seen You move. You move the mountains and I believe I’ll see you do it again.You made a way when there was no way and I believe I’ll see You do it again.🙌🏼

Somebody worship the Lord with me this morning. God’s promises stand! He is faithful and just! Absolutely nothing is impossible for our God! Be encouraged. You are loved.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Over the past two weeks I’ve come across scripture and have saved verses to use for this blog. I knew in my heart I would be writing on this topic soon. Today is the day.

Depression and anxiety are a heavy weight. There is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help. I’ve heard this is mental health awareness month. If I can encourage someone to keep pushing forward then hear me out.

I personally deal with depression and anxiety at times. It can grip you so suddenly and you feel a weight of despair. Mine is more or less due to the limitations I face and the sheer frustration to do all I “think” I need to ne doing. The feelings of inadequacy can pull me down. Sometimes thoughts will battle in my mind. “You aren’t good enough! You can’t do all they can do. It’s getting harder so why don’t you just admit it?” These demeaning thoughts are countered by; ”Be quiet in the name of Jesus! Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I might not be able to but God works in my weaknesses! I can’t but let me tell you something, He sure can!” You know the drill? Sometimes these thoughts battle in my mind. How do I counteract against it? I speak God’s Word over myself. I pray and sing praises to Jesus who is Victorious over it all.

When you feel these negative emotions, shutting yourself off from people is the easiest thing in the world but I don’t recommend that. Surround yourself with support. If you don’t have a strong support system ask God for one. Be there for others and watch as they in turn are there for you. Drop your pride. No one has it all together! We all need each other.

God has given me a gift of encouragement, prayer and discernment. I can pick up when someone is struggling. Last night I was reading some social media posts and I saw an old college friend post “I give up”. This persons postings usually range from humor to despair, back and forth. I noticed people commented encouragement but I also noticed his lack of response. God touch this person and give them a reason to keep pressing on. This is not the first person I’ve noticed. There have been many over the years. If I sensed they were suicidal, I prayed and encouraged. One of these people I gathered recourses for so they could get help on their limited budget. Some of those I’ve encouraged are now thriving. Praise God. God surrounded them with strength and encouragement and now they are encouraging others. This is an example of 1Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬‬:‭11‬,“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (‭‭‭‭NKJV‬‬)

If you are a Christian you must realize that God empowers you with His Holy Spirit to fulfill your purpose for His glory! He also strengthens us and anoints us against the attacks we face. Check out Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (NKJV‬‬). For more on the Armor of God check out verses 10-20. These verses are powerful.

God wants us to bring all out concerns to Him. There is nothing too little or big to bring to Him. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving“ Colossians‬ ‭4‬‬:‭2‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (‭NKJV‬‬)

Gods Word is FULL of life giving encouragement. Use it everyday. Pray! Speak life over yourself! Do NOT give up! God has you! Keep pushing forward and keep trusting Him. You’re going to make it!!

A while back I did a short video clip of me signing”In Jesus Name”. I will try posting the video clip link here. Praying for all that read this. God has us!

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c33-vZfRxx-sH0ZySGUWg5qw

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I write when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Tag: #depression

Holding tight