Consult the Counselor

Proverbs 12:25

25Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

The Word of God literally addresses every human and  heart condition that man can experience.  The wise King Solomon was assured by God in Ecclesiastes that "there is nothing new under the sun." Though the Bible is old, God's word still stands and is always timely. Right now many are suffering. God's word says that anxiety causes depression. So for any one facing depression, here is the root. But what is anxiety? Merriam-Webster defines anxiety as 1)painful uneasiness of mind over an anticipated ill 2)abnormal apprehension and fear often accompanied by physiological signs (as sweating and increased pulse), by doubt about the nature and reality of the threat itself and by self-doubt.

There are key words stated in the definition: mind, fear and doubt. So when you have anxiety you are playing over and over in the mind whatever you think can go wrong because of doubt in a situation and in yourself. So your mind refuses to rest because you keep playing in your head what you think can happen,  usually focusing on what can possibly go wrong and therefore you become tense and send your mind into a downward spiral. The uneasiness leads to lack of sleep but after a while the body is forced to sleep as the sadness sets in. The apostle Paul stating what he did in Philippians 4:6-7 makes even more sense. It says "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." So basically, a person with anxiety attempts to control a situation but in reality, because they are not God, they will NEVER have all the answers. So the only way to have any peace of mind and not to fall into a depression is to go to the source, which is God since He is the only one who knows what WILL happen. Going to the source means thanking God in advance believing that He will answer and reinforce with good words.

Yes, anxiety and depression are real conditions and it is not being said that they should not be treated professionally. Just remember, Jesus said in His word that He was leaving to us a wonderful counselor, the Holy Spirit which searches all things and knows all things. Consulting God is a medicine that should not be overlooked.

Don't Forfeit Safety and Peace

Proverbs 3:21

21My son, preserve sound judgement and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

King Solomon talked about the benefits of God's wisdom. Most know Solomon as the wealthiest king of God's people in the Old Testament and that his wisdom from God brought him wealth. But Solomon talks about the other, more important benefits of God's wisdom. God's wisdom outweighs man's wisdom because the word says that the Lord's ways are higher than man's in Isaiah 55. Solomon talked of two common benefits that many overlook. First God's wisdom, discernment and judgement in your life keep you safe. When you listen to the Lord, He keeps you from stumbling and will move you into safety. How so? For example, the Lord tells you not to go somewhere and take a detour. You taking that detour may very well mean your own life has been preserved and keeps you from harm. Many take for granted when God says to not do something or to do an alternative. But it is better to heed the voice of the Lord's wisdom for your own protection. Secondly, King Solomon talks about following God's wisdom will allow you to sleep better at night further in chapter 3. Have you ever been worried? Jesus said worry does not add to your life but it takes it away. Worry keeps one from sleeping at night. But Solomon speaks of one who follows God's wisdom. Following God will allow you to be at peace and sleep. Decisions may be difficult but once you follow God's guidance, there will be a peace.

My pastor mentioned the song "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" a couple of weeks ago in reference to Jesus being a friend and the following line has echoed in my spirit, "oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.".  It's not just carrying it to God but it's to follow the answer to the prayer if you wait for it. His wisdom will give you peace once you carry out what He says and you will have safety. Even if it doesn't look like it to man, the Lord has your back.

Be At Peace

Proverbs 14:30

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

The wise king Solomon talks about the condition of one's heart and emotions and the effect it has on the body. A peaceful heart allows a person to be happy and they have life in their body and it even shows on the face. Yet one whose heart is filled with envy and unhappiness not only destroys the heart but it begins to weigh on the body, the mind and destroys a person from the inside out. Jesus said what comes out of the mouth is in the heart. So eventually what is in the heart begins to come forth. If a heart is peaceful then the words will be soft and full of life. If the heart is filled with envy then the words are filled with anger and hatred. The anger and hatred however are misdirected. Envy is defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as a painful or resentful advantage one has over another. The anger or hatred is often because one has failed to apply themselves and instead of the person being upset with their own lack of movement to the point they are motivated to move forward, they remain stuck and focus on the person who is moving. This anger or hatred eats away at the person it consumes til they destroy themselves. As you move forward in life, it always better to be happy for others. The Word says that we are to rejoice with our brothers and mourn with them. We are to rejoice in their happiness and mourn with them in their sorrow. So rejoice when one you know moves forward because that means you have the ability to move forward as well if you are willing to apply yourself.

"Men are anxious to improve their circumstance yet unwilling to improve themselves. They therefore remain bound." ~James Allen