Overcoming Depression...

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God. I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42: 5, 6


We all visit there. Some go there more than others, and to some it feels like they never left. Depression is an all too common emotion. Actually, it’s a form of bondage…mental torture. What a misconception to think Christians don’t get depressed! We’re human, just like everybody else. But there’s a major difference, a definite difference, the difference between life… and death.


“…let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12: 2


You see, we have the Word of God to comfort us. The Psalms seem to be a great antidote in times of trouble, expressing the heart and soul of humanity. David and the other writers of the psalms honestly poured out their true feelings, and asked God for help with their fears and depression. They were real, not holding back their raw emotions. Many times I have risen from the depths of despair to new heights of joy--discovering again and again, the power of God’s everlasting love and comfort.

I don’t know how it works…it just does. There are a couple things I shared in my memoir about my personal struggles with depression and pity parties, and I’ll share them with you… There was one time I was talking to a friend of mine who has Multiple Sclerosis. We shared similar feelings of embarrassment and feeling ashamed of our bodies…it was the epitome of depression. But you know what? She reminded me of how shameful and embarrassed Jesus felt hanging on that cross. He was naked, for all of Jerusalem to glare at and mock. They shouted all kinds of obscenities, hurled insults, ridiculed Him, blindfolded and spit on Him, put a crown of thorns on His head, and threw dice for His clothes. THAT, my friends is embarrassment and humiliation! After being reminded of what Jesus endured, I can assure you that any pity party for myself I was having, was over. Can you see how God works? He sends people to speak truth to my soul, always…always at the exact moment I need clarity.



Many times I wanted to quit, (quit going to church, quit Bible studies, quit volunteering, and quit everything that required me to walk). Walking is just too hard when you always feel tired and drained of energy due to muscle atrophy and weakness. My flesh sometimes overtakes my spirit, where I can get really down and depressed. I think, “What’s the point? I really don’t want to live like this anymore. I’m too tired.” I’ve already begged God to take my life. Do you know what God showed me? He showed me 1 Kings 19; this is when the prophet Elijah felt pretty much like me. He told God that he had enough; it was too much, and begged Him to take his life. God saw Elijah and sent an angel to minister to him, and to lead him out of his depression. The angel gave him food for strength, and then let him rest. God then sent Elijah on his next mission: to speak God’s words. Elijah had many battles ahead of him, but he still had work to do. I whole heartily believe that I have more work to do. And yes, there will be more battles ahead.

I’ve read the story of Moses many times, but something recently jumped out at me… Moses was really frustrated with leading the Israelites in the wilderness. They were a royal pain, constantly whining and complaining. Moses got fed up with it and told God, “If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!” You can read this in Numbers 11. This tells me that I'm in good company! I’m sure that many of you can understand that frustration also. Because I’ve been there and at times still frequent this place, all I can say is: “keep plugging along” – it will get better. We have God’s promise that He has plans for our lives.

God always comforts me somehow, and knows how to get me out of my depression. He is so faithful! He always brings me back! His faithfulness never fails me– I will read something or hear something that touches my situation. While writing this, I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, which says:

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” Praise God!

Discussing the story of Joseph

I absolutely have to share this video. I "happened" to come across this excellent commentary on the story of Joseph. This is the message I try to communicate. My friends- I know, that I know, that I know...somebody, if not many, need to hear this. Please set aside ten minutes to listen.

God Could Use You...Just Look at Ruth!

I’m doing an on-line Bible Study of ‘The Courageous Women in the Bible.’ Today, we’re finishing the last chapter of Ruth. My thoughts are simply this, “Why don’t I just share what insights I’ve received about this book with the people who take time to read my blog?” So there you have it. Today we’re going to look in-depth at the book of RUTH. For those who aren’t familiar with this book, let me provide a brief summary. The book of Ruth is a story about God’s grace in the midst of difficult circumstances…

The Bible starts out by telling us of a severe famine in Israel. And because of this, a man named Elimelech moved his wife, Naomi, and their two sons to the neighboring, but not so friendly, country of Moab. Moab was one of the nations that oppressed Israel during the period of the judges, so there was a hostility between the two nations. After settling in Moab, Elimelech died. Naomi was left with her two sons, who married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Ten years later, both sons died. This left Naomi alone without a husband and without her sons.

Naomi heard that Judah (the northern part of Israel) was being blessed again with good crops, and decided to travel back. With her two daughters-in-law by her side, she set out for Judah. Starting the journey, Naomi turned to her daughters-in-law and told them that they should go back to their parents’ homes and start new families…because they were still young, but Naomi said she was too old and it was of no use to stay with her. Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye, but Ruth replied,

“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more. Ruth 1: 16-18

So they both continued on their travels to Judah. The story of Ruth teaches us that God’s living presence in a relationship overcomes differences that might otherwise create division and disharmony. To make a long story short…Ruth ends up marrying Boaz, who is the Family Redeemer. They have a child, who turns out to be the father of King David. This story is amazing- you must read it for yourself, or maybe you’ll find a jewel in it if should read it again. To some, the book of Ruth may be just a nice story. But the events recorded in Ruth were part of God’s preparations for the births of David and of Jesus, the promised Messiah… Salvation through the Jews. Just as Ruth was unaware of this larger purpose in her life, we won’t know the full purpose and importance of our lives until we are able to look back from the perspective of eternity.

Live in faithfulness to God, knowing that the significance of your life will extend beyond your lifetime. The rewards will outweigh any sacrifice you may have made!!!

Lord, I'm Amazed by You....

“The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3: 17



The thought began last night. There was quiet in the house. The song the Holy Spirit brought to my mind was “Lord, I’m amazed.” Immediately I thought of what was going on in the Spiritual Realm…the amazing thought of the Lord singing and dancing over me. No, I can’t dance in the physical, but in the spirit I was dancing with Jesus. And then I came back to earth—back to the reality that I am physically separated from my Savior, but one glorious day we’ll be together. As for my life now, “I will serve my generation like David did (Acts 13: 36).”


Back to Zephaniah... he points out that gladness results when we allow God to be present in our lives. We do that by faithfully following and obeying Him. Then God rejoices over us with singing. If you want to be happy, draw close and cling to the source of happiness. It is nothing but amazing… the God of the universe—the One who named all of the stars, sings over you!

Perhaps someone who is reading this thinks they don’t matter. Maybe you think you’re life is too messed up, and you don’t mean much to anyone. Take heart-- You are of great worth. Jesus tells us,


“What is the price of two sparrows—on copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10: 29-30





You dance over me
While I am unaware
You sing all around
But I never hear the sound

Lord, I'm amazed by You
Lord, I'm amazed by You
Lord, I'm amazed by You
And how You love me

You paint the morning sky
With miracles in mind
My hope will always stand
For You hold me in Your hand

How deep, how wide
How great is Your love for me

A Wife of Noble Character...

Before I even start quoting things from Proverbs 31, let’s just say that many women find this proverb intimidating, or in the very least… hard to swallow. Yet, the virtues for which the woman in this proverb is praised for are definitely within the reach of women today. Some people have the mistaken idea that the ideal woman in the Bible is retiring, subservient, and entirely domestic. Not so! Let’s begin…

“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31: 10-12


Stop. It’s all about character. As you read this proverb, you’ll see that this woman is an excellent wife and mother. We also are told she is a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and a merchant. Wow, she’s a real go-getter! How is it humanly possible to do all that? Her strength and dignity don’t come from her amazing achievements, but they most certainly are a result of her reverence to God! Search and see that her physical appearance is never mentioned. Isn’t our society obsessed with outward appearances? Her attractiveness completely comes from her character.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31: 25-26, 28, 30

The Bible Commentary brings up an excellent thought: The woman in this proverb may not be one woman at all—she may be a composite portrait of ideal womanhood. We mustn’t see her as the model to imitate in every detail. See her instead as an inspiration to be all that we can be. Isn’t it interesting that the book of Proverbs starts out with the command to fear the Lord; and it ends with the picture of a woman who does exactly that? Her qualities are mentioned throughout the book: hard work, fear of God, foresight, respect for spouse, care for others, encouragement, concern for the poor, wisdom in handling money. When these qualities are coupled with fear of the Lord, success…enjoyment…honor…and worth are byproducts; they are all an expression of her obedience to God.


We made it through Proverbs! Can you feel the wisdom?