Getting Your Joy Back! Part 1

Do you want to hear what God has say?  Spend some time in His Word! 

 

 

Wise Prophets

 

If you listen closely to the prophets in the Bible they often forewarn the people about things that are going to happen as well as vociferously proclaim God’s Word. The word prophet in Hebrew means; spokesperson. God’s people were quite deep into sin, disobedience, civic confusion and rebellion. Isaiah reminds us that our actions have consequences.

 

More often than not the people did not want to hear what God had to say. They conformed more to the ways of the world than to the way of God.  Right now in this 21st century things really are Not TOO much different from what was going on then. Some of everything is going on. What we are seeing are the results of man’s choices down through the generations. Many look to the ways of the world to resolve conflict and problems rather than to God.  No wonder that there are so  many unresolved issues.  Taking into consideration what God has to say about daily living is not as much of a priority.  Think about it for a moment. God is omniscient. He knows everything  about everything, past present and future.

 

 

Whenever I read Isaiah, I can feel the anguish and heart wrenching despair that intensively emits forth from his soul.  The Prophet Isaiah speaks forth the  oracles of God.  Isaiah had a very difficult mission. Quite often when you speak Truth you can expect to be labeled as “negative” or the bearer of “bad news.”   Along with a lot of other flavorful words that I do not subscribe to.  Usually because it shows a contrast to what someone wants to do.  Isaiah was a true visionary! He had great spiritual insight.  He had the arduous task of speaking to a group of despondent people. 

 

Isaiah passionately shares of the purity of God, how powerful and loving God is and that God is a Holy God! That God is also a God of wrath. But  most of all God is a God of Justice!  Isaiah exalts God! He vehemently proclaims to the community at large the pitfalls of evil. Yet in return he is called everything but a child of God. He told them that the land was becoming a wasteland. He pleaded with them to turn Back to GOD!

 

There is a desire to bring about change!

 

Isaiah did not have some morbid desire to make anyone unhappy. He did not try to tell them anything just for the sake of making them feel bad. He was not a lunatic, neurotic, uncaring, self centered or mentally challenged in any way.  He did not have a hidden agenda. He could see that they were suffering.  It was because he was obedient to the call God had placed on his life he said the very things they did not want to hear…  Although hurtful at times he did it to bring about good. To promote change and encourage the people to move towards God’s Way of life.

 

Look at what has been happening around us!

Today our country is slowly still recovering from the last recession.  Our government even “SHUT DOWN” because President Obama and Congress were not able to agree.  It “SHUT DOWN” again  for and extended period of time  again because President Trump and Congress could not agree. Has anyone every really considered what God would say. Is not America a country under God?  Well there have certainly been a lot of decisions made that go contrary to His Word! LORD HELP US!

 

We are always on alert for terrorists both foreign and domestic.  Yet those who make decisions in the political arena  often  cause much havoc in the lives of the people because they cannot come to an agreement.   We should also be aware of the many things that are happening; really it’s because the principles of God have been laid aside.  All one has to do is gather together a mass of people to support their cause. It does not matter what it is? Just the fact that you can get many to agree and join with you to do whatever. Man often advocates freedom without God. This really  will not lead to true freedom but eventually to more  chaos.

 

During the recession; Properties values fell drastically and are now on the rise, homes were lost, corporations were closed, careers lost, many relationships broken, unemployment rates were at an all time high, stock devalued and  pensions lost. This is more results of man’s decisions. We can see the aftermath.  Now  divorce is at an all time high, families being pulled and torn apart,   murder, crime you name it on the rise.  Many things were tremendously impacted.  Some things will never be quite the same.

 

There has been a moral decline

The moral decline is unspeakable as well. The astronomical percentage of abortions continues to increase. The plethora of mass shootings continue. Let’s not forget the continual fight to making “Marriage God’s Way” the same as same sex unions. Marriage God’s Way is “Holy Matrimony” which is between One Man & One Woman!” Now today we have many also confused about their gender?

It is important to seek the will of God Almighty above the ways of the world. God has made it clear in His Word about what constitutes marriage. He also teaches us about traveling on the broad road. But what does that matter? Check it out for yourself in His Word!

WoW!   Everybody knows it and no one wants to say it.  GOD IS SPEAKING in many ways!  You can only ignore Him as The Creator and Sustainer of life  for so long. No wonder pandemonium and mayhem have really set in.  What has been happening in the dark is coming to the Light! We are seeing the influences of the prince of the power of the air.  Some of everything is happening.  PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT! Ask the LORD to open your spiritual eyes.  In these “Latter Days” the Word of God is being fulfilled.

 

There really is HOPE!

But wait there is Hope! And yes there is still Joy! GOD HAS NOT CHANGED. Ultimately He has everything and everyone under his control.  The battle has already been won.  God is patient. He has given all of us the freedom to choose. Always  keep in mind that there are consequences for the choices we make.  Seek the will of the Lord daily. Life is learning how to make better decisions. God teaches us in His Word.   “Those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40.

Trust the Lord!

http://alpha7.org/2019/02/06/getting-your-joy-back-part-2/

Depression: Spiritual Relief

Depression is America’s number one health problem. A growing number of our population suffers from depression. Depression can be brought on by trauma, prolonged stress, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic pain, living with a substance abuser, sexual abuse, obesity, unemployment or unresolved family dysfunction. A decrease in neurotransmitters is also a major factor in depression. When anger is not dealt with properly it can actually manifest in the form of depression. Depression is actually unresolved anger turned inward. A person can actually be depressed for years and not know they are depressed.

A depressed person suffers from self- defeating beliefs. Here are a few of those beliefs. I have to be loved to be happy. I must give up my beliefs to please others. If others don’t like me I can’t be happy. I can’t trust others they will only hurt me. I’m inferior to others. I should never hurt anyone else’s feelings. This is why it is so important not to compare yourself with others. Comparing will either make you feel superior or inferior. Everyone has there own unique shortcomings. We all are in a state of “becoming”. Know that God made us all uniquely different yet equal.

There are varying degrees of depression.The foundational causes of depression are usually rooted in some type of personal injury. A deep sense of hopelessness, fear, bitterness, anger, ambivalence and despair are usually a side bar of depression. Depressed people are usually focused inwardly. A deep sense of shame often keeps the depressed person in a state of emotional isolation. Angry with themselves and sometimes even angry with God they experience a great deal of conflict. Depression is often described as feeling as though you are totally alone in a black bottomless hole.

A chronically depressed person may often have suicidal or violent thoughts towards themselves or others. They also suffer from distorted thinking, which can resort in magnifying situations. A great sense of loneliness is realized since they feel unwanted, unimportant and unloved. They may over eat, under eat, sleep excessively or to the extreme be unable to sleep at all.

In extreme depression there is frequent loss of emotional control and frequent crying spells. Overwhelmed by the depression their being inhabits a deep void. Although often remorseful after improper behavior, they have the potential to exhibit extremely violent and self-destructive behavior. A depressed person can use their depression to manipulate others. Attention getting depression frequently ends up in loss of mate and friends.

Bipolar depression alternates between manic and depressive moods. There is much medical evidence to substantiate genetic predisposition in some individuals. In between episodes they can have long periods of normal functioning. This type of depression can take a toll on those afflicted as well as their friends and loved ones. Depression of this magnitude accounts for the majority of mental hospital admissions. In most cases the assistance of a prescribed anti-depressant medication is necessary to correct the chemical imbalance. This helps to replenish the depleted neurotransmitters. This kind of treatment is only viable by a qualified Psychiatrist or a medical physician.

Depression is of a spiritual nature as well. Although the word depression is not mentioned in the Bible, on numerous occasions it mentions hopelessness and despair. Remember when King Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind and wandered eating grasses, grew long, long, hair and his nails grew as claws.

“He finally lifted his eyes to the Lord and praised Him. His understanding was restored.” Read Daniel 4: 32-34. What about Job, Moses, David, Elijah or Jeremiah, these are just a few examples. Or how about King Saul who had a persistent tormenting spirit? Encouraging a depressed person to think realistically from a biblical perspective is crucial to their healing. Depression can be cured with the right therapeutic help when it is not of a biological nature. The power and direction of the Holy Spirit is much needed in dealing with a depressed person. Help them to understand that God loves them because of who He is and not because of who we are. (Without God we really aren’t much of anything.) His love for us is not based on what we do or do not do. That He loved us so much He allowed His son Jesus who was sinless to die for us. When we accept Him as Lord and Savior He stands patiently waiting to help us with our varied sin weaknesses. A truly Christ centered life will give your life new meaning! Fellowshiping with balanced committed Christians is a plus. Spending time doing something for someone else will give them less time to spend in introspection or self- pity.

Let them know God already knows all what has transpired in their life. Encourage them to develop a personal intimate relationship with Him. Not a religious knowledge! But to really begin understanding that the Bible is not a fantasy! The examples therein are for us, then, today and tomorrow! Once you accept Jesus He is forever there for you. Just don’t leave Him out! You are adopted. Your old self should gradually begin to take on the characteristics of your heavenly Father. But for this to take place you must spend time with Him. Begin to meditate on His WORD! Start with Romans 5:1-6 and Philippians 4: 6-9. Be patient know that God has promised to work everything in your life for good eventually. Learn to properly verbalize your anger. Don’t suppress it. It’s okay to be angry!

Christians often experience depression. Feelings of abandonment override their ability to rationalize that God really loves them right where they are. This is why it is so very necessary for committed teachers of the Gospel to expound with wisdom and simplicity. Keeping it on a level for all to understand. To reinforce that we can really do ” all things through Christ that strengthens us”. To know that fear is not from the Lord. “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the daylong; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“Beyond The Walls” by Alpha 7. Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of the soul.

Also see “Getting Your Joy Back”