"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Many people with mental illness know what it is like to have the heart used, abused and broken. But there is One who will treat your heart right. We can trust that He gives good things. We can trust that He leads us down good paths. We can trust He understands what we are going through.
Sometimes people find it easiest just to trust in themselves because others have hurt them so badly. However, I have learned that trusting solely in myself only leads to more hurt and things getting worse.
Instead, submitting to the Holy Spirit leads to straight paths and things that are good for me. Are you ready to surrender and learn to wholly trust the One who loves you?
Jesus said "I am the Vine." We are to abide in and wait on Him as our everything. As a sufferer of many illnesses, both physical and mental, I have learned much through seeking Him. Tune in every week for a word of encouragement with a Scripture from the perspective of one who has found significant strength and healing and wisdom from those Scriptures. Thanks for liking, commenting, and subscribing.
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Monday, March 26, 2018
Monday, March 19, 2018
Spirit of Fear
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but [He has given us a spirt] of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self control." - 2 Timothy 1:7
Our minds can get off balanced. It can be from trauma or imbalance of chemicals in the brain or the wrong mindset. But these things can be counteracted. Sometimes we can use medicine of therapy or coping skills. However, sometimes the most immediate help is to stop dwelling, sitting on and ruminating over negative thoughts.
God can give us the power to do this. God can make us feel loved unconditionally. God can give us peace that is beyond understanding. Yet we must make the first step to being well-balanced by meditating on and focusing on truth.
We must discipline ourselves to read the truth and hide it in our hearts and minds. And we must practice self-control by rising to repeat those negative thoughts, negative self take, and negative compulsions to harm ourselves. Oppose them!
Our minds can get off balanced. It can be from trauma or imbalance of chemicals in the brain or the wrong mindset. But these things can be counteracted. Sometimes we can use medicine of therapy or coping skills. However, sometimes the most immediate help is to stop dwelling, sitting on and ruminating over negative thoughts.
God can give us the power to do this. God can make us feel loved unconditionally. God can give us peace that is beyond understanding. Yet we must make the first step to being well-balanced by meditating on and focusing on truth.
We must discipline ourselves to read the truth and hide it in our hearts and minds. And we must practice self-control by rising to repeat those negative thoughts, negative self take, and negative compulsions to harm ourselves. Oppose them!
Monday, March 12, 2018
Perfect Peace
"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You, Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength." - Isaiah 26:3-4a
God is our Rock our shelter when the enemy attacks. The enemy attacks with lies and struggles that are beyond what we may be able to handle on our own. But if we can keep our focus on the God of truth instead, we will find peace. And those that struggle with thing like anxiety and depressions long for peace.
We need to keep our minds fixed on the One who is in control in order to access this peace. We need to think upon the Lord's faithfulness in even our past experiences, knowing that we can trust Him with our present and future as well.
On the other hand, if we let our eyes wander to the waves around us and let doubt and fear sink in, we will begin to sink ourselves. Where is your gaze directed toward today?
God is our Rock our shelter when the enemy attacks. The enemy attacks with lies and struggles that are beyond what we may be able to handle on our own. But if we can keep our focus on the God of truth instead, we will find peace. And those that struggle with thing like anxiety and depressions long for peace.
We need to keep our minds fixed on the One who is in control in order to access this peace. We need to think upon the Lord's faithfulness in even our past experiences, knowing that we can trust Him with our present and future as well.
On the other hand, if we let our eyes wander to the waves around us and let doubt and fear sink in, we will begin to sink ourselves. Where is your gaze directed toward today?
Monday, March 5, 2018
Perfect Love
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involved torment, but he who fears has not been made perfect in love" - 1 John 4:18
This passage is referring to fear of judgment, which believers in Christ do not have to fear. But I believe love can cast out any fear, God's perfect love that is.
We can trust God to protect and provide, to comfort and care, to heal and make whole.
PTSD can make even the bravest soul jumpy, on edge, and downright scared or paranoid. It will take time an counseling and therapy and calming techniques to overcome this. But we don't have to live in constant fear. We had access to a peace that surpasses understanding.
As we seek God and learn to rest in Him, trusting Him to love us and give us all we need, we can claim the peace He offers. Prayer is key to this process.
This passage is referring to fear of judgment, which believers in Christ do not have to fear. But I believe love can cast out any fear, God's perfect love that is.
We can trust God to protect and provide, to comfort and care, to heal and make whole.
PTSD can make even the bravest soul jumpy, on edge, and downright scared or paranoid. It will take time an counseling and therapy and calming techniques to overcome this. But we don't have to live in constant fear. We had access to a peace that surpasses understanding.
As we seek God and learn to rest in Him, trusting Him to love us and give us all we need, we can claim the peace He offers. Prayer is key to this process.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Worry versus Peace
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" - Matthew 6:33
This passage of Scripture is talking about worry, when we make our minds troubled with the "what ifs" in life. What if I can't pay my bills? What if I get laid off? What if they leave? But Scripture tells us that God wants to supply our needs if we just put Him and His will first in our lives.
I will not say that all anxiety is produced by worry, but I believe worry will produce anxiety. You cannot abide in peace and worry at the same time.
So if you are tortured in your mind about the "what ifs" in your life, claim God's promise today. Put living for Him as your top priority and claim your peace today. You do not have to worry like the rest of the world, for "tomorrow will worry about itself" (v. 34).
This passage of Scripture is talking about worry, when we make our minds troubled with the "what ifs" in life. What if I can't pay my bills? What if I get laid off? What if they leave? But Scripture tells us that God wants to supply our needs if we just put Him and His will first in our lives.
I will not say that all anxiety is produced by worry, but I believe worry will produce anxiety. You cannot abide in peace and worry at the same time.
So if you are tortured in your mind about the "what ifs" in your life, claim God's promise today. Put living for Him as your top priority and claim your peace today. You do not have to worry like the rest of the world, for "tomorrow will worry about itself" (v. 34).
Monday, February 19, 2018
The Everlasting God
"The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He give strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." - Isaiah 40:28-29
When you can't even take a shower or get out of bed, there is still hope. God gives strength to the weary in His infinite power. Sometimes we need to step out in faith, trusting Him to provide. Get out from under those covers and take a step out of bed, trusting God to give you the strength each step along the way.
Even if all you feel you can do is clean up a bit, that's a wonderful first step. Just keep trying to take another step each day and you may be surprised how much you can do in His strength. Not relying on others, however, because people can help, but they cannot heal. So take that shower, that that medicine, take that job, in faith.
When you can't even take a shower or get out of bed, there is still hope. God gives strength to the weary in His infinite power. Sometimes we need to step out in faith, trusting Him to provide. Get out from under those covers and take a step out of bed, trusting God to give you the strength each step along the way.
Even if all you feel you can do is clean up a bit, that's a wonderful first step. Just keep trying to take another step each day and you may be surprised how much you can do in His strength. Not relying on others, however, because people can help, but they cannot heal. So take that shower, that that medicine, take that job, in faith.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Carry it to Jesus
"And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, 'My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.' So Jesus went with him . . ." - Mark 5:21-24a
When someone you love is struggling, whether it be physical or mental illness, the best thing you can do for them is carry the request for healing to Jesus. Plead earnestly with the Savior to touch them and believe that they will be well.
It is all good to be there for your loved one, crying with them, watching over them and offering a hug or helping hand. But none of those things can bring deep healing like turning to the Lord can. He can ease their pain and alleviate some of the symptoms that keep them from functioning well.
He can bear witness to the truth which combats the lies that bring them down. Remember, He is with you and them.
And if you are struggling yourself, do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for prayer, and specific prayer. Share with those in your life what you are struggling most with, whether it is a physical ailment or depression and anxiety or self harm thoughts. This not only helps break up the stigma in the world and in the church specifically, but it allows others the chance to bring your suffering to the One who brings healing. Be brave and bold in your request, trusting that the prayers for you will be heard.
When someone you love is struggling, whether it be physical or mental illness, the best thing you can do for them is carry the request for healing to Jesus. Plead earnestly with the Savior to touch them and believe that they will be well.
It is all good to be there for your loved one, crying with them, watching over them and offering a hug or helping hand. But none of those things can bring deep healing like turning to the Lord can. He can ease their pain and alleviate some of the symptoms that keep them from functioning well.
He can bear witness to the truth which combats the lies that bring them down. Remember, He is with you and them.
And if you are struggling yourself, do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for prayer, and specific prayer. Share with those in your life what you are struggling most with, whether it is a physical ailment or depression and anxiety or self harm thoughts. This not only helps break up the stigma in the world and in the church specifically, but it allows others the chance to bring your suffering to the One who brings healing. Be brave and bold in your request, trusting that the prayers for you will be heard.
Monday, February 5, 2018
When I am Weak
"Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)
Can we find peace when illness strikes, when there is stigma thrown at us, when w can't seem to make ends meet, when we are made to look like fools because we trust God when things fall apart, when we are going through a crisis? It is only by God's grace we can face these things in peace and come out victorious on the other side. God is glorified when people see how we struggle, yet we come out on top because we trusted and relied on God.
I am freed from the chains of lies in my mind, from the shackles of debilitating illness. Now I walk in the light of truth and trust I can do all things through Christ, whether I have little strength or means, or whether I abound, I press on trusting Him to provide. Now I know peace where there was chaos, comfort where there was agony.
I am living proof that things can change for the better in any life, including yours.
Can we find peace when illness strikes, when there is stigma thrown at us, when w can't seem to make ends meet, when we are made to look like fools because we trust God when things fall apart, when we are going through a crisis? It is only by God's grace we can face these things in peace and come out victorious on the other side. God is glorified when people see how we struggle, yet we come out on top because we trusted and relied on God.
I am freed from the chains of lies in my mind, from the shackles of debilitating illness. Now I walk in the light of truth and trust I can do all things through Christ, whether I have little strength or means, or whether I abound, I press on trusting Him to provide. Now I know peace where there was chaos, comfort where there was agony.
I am living proof that things can change for the better in any life, including yours.
Monday, January 29, 2018
A Heavy Heart
"Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart."
My heart is heaviest when I go through bouts of depression, when self harm and death are seemingly the only way to ease the ache I have inside. At those times, I do not want to hear that things like average coping skills can make it all better. It is like saying a band-aid can make a broken bone that is sticking out through the skin all better.
God can rescue during those times and lift you out of the pit. Sometimes you just need someone to come beside you, cry with you, hug you, reassure you and pray with and for you.
So if you have a loved one who is going through a hard time, don't take away their garment by suggesting they just need to be more positive. Come along side them and carry them to Jesus.
And if you are having a heavy heart right now, seek out those who can come beside you and carry you to Jesus. Seek company with those who are just there for you, not making your heart heavier. And don't be afraid to share with them what you need. Write it down for them if you have to, but don't put up with someone taking away your garment in the cold season you are going through in your heart.
My heart is heaviest when I go through bouts of depression, when self harm and death are seemingly the only way to ease the ache I have inside. At those times, I do not want to hear that things like average coping skills can make it all better. It is like saying a band-aid can make a broken bone that is sticking out through the skin all better.
God can rescue during those times and lift you out of the pit. Sometimes you just need someone to come beside you, cry with you, hug you, reassure you and pray with and for you.
So if you have a loved one who is going through a hard time, don't take away their garment by suggesting they just need to be more positive. Come along side them and carry them to Jesus.
And if you are having a heavy heart right now, seek out those who can come beside you and carry you to Jesus. Seek company with those who are just there for you, not making your heart heavier. And don't be afraid to share with them what you need. Write it down for them if you have to, but don't put up with someone taking away your garment in the cold season you are going through in your heart.
Monday, January 22, 2018
A Broken Spirit
"The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?" - Proverbs 18:14
I believe a broken spirit is what leads to a lot of mental illness. It could be from trauma, loss and grief, or similar things. Here it says a spirit can sustain, like in a cancer patient who keeps on fighting. But what sustains when the spirit itself is broken?
I believe that is when we have to turn to God and sustenance will come through Him. We do not have to fall into destruction or sit and wallow in the pit our broken spirit put us in.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the way to a victorious life. He is the truth that combats the lies that the enemy constantly feeds us. He is the life--He can save your life in more ways than one. He can give you hope for the future.
So if your spirit is broken, seek help because you need outside help to sustain you. Seek counsel, seek a support group, seek medicine or whatever you can that will help. But most of all, seek the God who cares for you and wants to be your ultimate sustenance through it all.
I believe a broken spirit is what leads to a lot of mental illness. It could be from trauma, loss and grief, or similar things. Here it says a spirit can sustain, like in a cancer patient who keeps on fighting. But what sustains when the spirit itself is broken?
I believe that is when we have to turn to God and sustenance will come through Him. We do not have to fall into destruction or sit and wallow in the pit our broken spirit put us in.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the way to a victorious life. He is the truth that combats the lies that the enemy constantly feeds us. He is the life--He can save your life in more ways than one. He can give you hope for the future.
So if your spirit is broken, seek help because you need outside help to sustain you. Seek counsel, seek a support group, seek medicine or whatever you can that will help. But most of all, seek the God who cares for you and wants to be your ultimate sustenance through it all.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Trust. Period.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5
It is easier for me to trust when things are looking up and going well. However, when I have a bad day, it is easier to doubt. Doubt that God truly heals. Doubt that God gives good things. Doubt that God is even good. I seem to forget that He did ease my pain. I seem to forget where I cam from and how far He has carried me. I seem to forget the basic truths I know from God's Word.
Yet, "blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him." (Jeremiah 17:7). This confidence is not found in having good days. it is not circumstantial or dependent on any one thing happening or not happening. It is based solely on the character of God. I trust in the Lord. Period. Not when I understand or when things go my way. I trust in Him because of who He is. He is God and I am not.
It is easier for me to trust when things are looking up and going well. However, when I have a bad day, it is easier to doubt. Doubt that God truly heals. Doubt that God gives good things. Doubt that God is even good. I seem to forget that He did ease my pain. I seem to forget where I cam from and how far He has carried me. I seem to forget the basic truths I know from God's Word.
Yet, "blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him." (Jeremiah 17:7). This confidence is not found in having good days. it is not circumstantial or dependent on any one thing happening or not happening. It is based solely on the character of God. I trust in the Lord. Period. Not when I understand or when things go my way. I trust in Him because of who He is. He is God and I am not.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Stop and Listen
"And He said, 'Go out an stand on the mount before the Lord' and behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice." - 1 Kings 19:11-12
The enemy's lies are bold and loud in our minds. Our worries drown our everything positive in our thoughts. Yet God is not in the loud and boisterous lies. He is in the gentle truth.
Do we stop and meditate on His word and just listen, or do we rush to our next worry? If we do not slow down our minds, focus on him, and be still and listen, I am afraid we will miss any and everything He is trying to tell us.
Stop and listen.
The enemy's lies are bold and loud in our minds. Our worries drown our everything positive in our thoughts. Yet God is not in the loud and boisterous lies. He is in the gentle truth.
Do we stop and meditate on His word and just listen, or do we rush to our next worry? If we do not slow down our minds, focus on him, and be still and listen, I am afraid we will miss any and everything He is trying to tell us.
Stop and listen.
Monday, January 1, 2018
What's on your mind?
"Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]." - Philippians 4:8b
"What's on your mind?" my fiancé will ask me as I stare off into nothing in particular. This is a good question to ask myself. What am I thinking about? Is it negative and self-centered, or is it praiseworthy and lovely?
Am I criticizing myself or am I thinking of myself as God thinks of me? Am I blaming others for things instead of rightly taking on the responsibility that I may be doing or thinking something that keeps me in a pit?
Our thoughts can change so many things-our attitudes, reactions and choices all hing on "what's on your mind?"
"What's on your mind?" my fiancé will ask me as I stare off into nothing in particular. This is a good question to ask myself. What am I thinking about? Is it negative and self-centered, or is it praiseworthy and lovely?
Am I criticizing myself or am I thinking of myself as God thinks of me? Am I blaming others for things instead of rightly taking on the responsibility that I may be doing or thinking something that keeps me in a pit?
Our thoughts can change so many things-our attitudes, reactions and choices all hing on "what's on your mind?"
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