Coping With Anxiety Or Depression
Sunday November 19, 2017
When we first come into recovery we may have feelings of anxiety or depression. For some time, we have been medicating ourselves with a substance, involvement in an unhealthy relationship, or something else that provided relief from the uneasiness we felt inside. Now in recovery, as we give our will and our life over to the care of God, we are coming to believe that there might be hope for a better life.
The physical change however, may not be keeping up with the hope we are expressing. We may feel oppressed by something that we cannot explain but know it is causing our minds to be darkened by its presence. If we share with those who have gone through the recovery process, we will find that we are not alone in having experienced this darkness of soul. We need to seek God's comfort in this situation and stand strong in the truth that Jesus has all power in heaven and on earth, regardless of how we are feeling.
The physical change however, may not be keeping up with the hope we are expressing. We may feel oppressed by something that we cannot explain but know it is causing our minds to be darkened by its presence. If we share with those who have gone through the recovery process, we will find that we are not alone in having experienced this darkness of soul. We need to seek God's comfort in this situation and stand strong in the truth that Jesus has all power in heaven and on earth, regardless of how we are feeling. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. (Psalm 46:10-11 NLT)
Because we are struggling, we may conclude that God is no longer with us, or, that He does not exist and we are facing this overpowering darkness alone. This is what the evil one would have us believe. The Bible tells us that as children of God we cannot be outside of His presence. He is in the highest heavens and in the lowest hell. Even though our feelings may go up and down, there is nothing that can hide us from God’s presence.
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. (Jude 24 NLT)
Jesus is with us through the darkest valley of anxiety and depression and when we get to the other side we will give thanks that He steadied us and supported us all the way.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Thank You for being with me when tension and unease cause me to stumble. I am forever grateful that You are always with me and give me the strength to overcome my despair. AMEN
©2017 Partners in Hope
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