Michelle S. Lazurek
1. Practice Spiritual Disciplines
Reading the Word and prayer are two great disciplines to develop our spiritual lives. But Jesus practiced additional disciplines that helped him keep himself close to the father. He fasted, spent time alone in silence and solitude, and meditated on the Law. These disciplines helped him do the work he was put on earth to do. But so often, we, as Christians, neglect these additional disciplines. Sometimes all we do is read a quick devotional, present God with our requests, and never give him another thought until the following day. Jesus demonstrated that these additional disciplines were a necessary part of his ministry, and so should we.
2. Demonstrate the Fruits of the Spirit
(Galatians 5:22-23) says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This famous passage tells us that if we live by the spirit, these character traits will be evident in our lives. Yet, we walk out of Sunday church service and quickly get angry with the person who cuts us off in traffic or have a biting comment for our children. While no one is perfect, we can vow to cultivate these fruits in our lives on a regular basis so they can become regular habits.
3.Care for Your Community
While most churches have programs that care for their community and demonstrate godliness, we can go above and beyond our service to others. In this economy where money is tight and times are tough, we can go the extra mile by helping single mothers and widows in their time of need. We can buy groceries for people in our neighborhood and leave the bags on their front porches,
4. Be Missionally Minded
Human nature dictates we think about ourselves first. We put our own needs and selfish desires ahead of others. But when we turn our thoughts to becoming other-centered people, God is glorified. The more we think about others, the more we think about ways we can meet the needs of those whom God has placed in our path. It is easy to go about our day thinking only about completing our agenda and checking off items on our to-do- list. But what does God have for us today?
Make a part of your prayer time asking God to make clear to you anyone to whom he wants you to demonstrate his love. Ask him to open your eyes so you may see the world in a different light. It not only fills our souls, but it also makes us happy to think about others before ourselves. It helps us become closer to Jesus. Change your perspective that missions work only happens in 3rd world countries. Your mission field starts the minute you walk out your front door.
مقال روحي حلو ومهدف بعنوان : أربعة طرق لتصير تابع تقي للرب، في أربع نقط الكاتب بيتكلم عن ضرورة ممارسة التدريبات الروحية، وأزاي ننمي ثمار الروح عمليًا، و……
Bible Characters Who Suffered from Depression and What They Teach Us
Barbara Latta
Abraham
And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” (Genesis 15:3)
Jehovah promised to make Abraham a great nation. It would be natural to start to wonder, “Well, when?” As age crept up on Abraham and Sarah, anxiety would grow because, in their minds, time had run out. They didn’t see any hope and depression would surely set in.
It took a few years for Abraham and Sarah to see the fulfillment of their dream, but Isaac was born because they believed in God. Their example can show us that the Creator’s timetable is not the same as ours, but He is always faithful to fulfill His promises.
Moses
The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.” (Exodus 2:14)
Moses’ heart hurt for his people, but he felt helpless to deliver them (Acts 7:23-25). His actions didn’t help anyone and caused him to leave Egypt.
Years later, the voice from the burning bush gave Moses a mission. When Moses let the real Deliverer lead, powerful miracles followed, and the Israelites were freed.
We may feel depressed when we try to meet a need our own way. Obeying God’s directions will not only complete the goal, but our hearts will also be at peace.
Job
I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. (Job 10:1)
Job certainly is one we can say deserved to feel depressed. He lost his possessions, his children, and his health. Sores covered his body while he sat in ashes. His so-called friends blamed all his troubles on him.
But in all this, Job didn’t turn against the Lord. He lived a long life and riches were restored to him and he gained a new family. Most scholars believe Job’s troubles only lasted a few months out of his long life.
Because Job remained faithful and didn’t let other people talk him into cursing God, the Almighty blessed him more abundantly after these disasters than he was blessed before.
We can learn from Job that no matter how bad things get, our Lord is greater than our problems.
David
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)
David and his men discovered the Amalekites kidnapped their families. The situation was so bad David’s previously faithful men now wanted to turn against him and stone their leader. He faced a tragedy and felt alone.
What did David do? The last part of 1 Samuel 30:6 tells us David found strength and encouraged himself in the Lord.
What should we do when depression attacks us? The same thing David did. Encourage ourselves with promises from the Word of God.
Esther
When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. (Esther 4:4)
Esther was given the news that her entire race faced extermination. What worse news could she receive?
What did Esther do about it? She didn’t act hastily or sit around crying while doing nothing. The Scriptures don’t mention God in the book of Esther but because she fasted and prayed, we know she heard from the Lord. Her conduct would have been in accordance with what He told her to do. She waited for three days before acting.
The Jewish race was saved, and the perpetrator is the one who died. The time of rejoicing was followed with the celebration of Purim.
Tragic news is never welcomed but when we are faced with it, the first and best thing we should do is take it to the Lord. (Philippians 4:4-6)
شخصيات كتابية عانت من الاكتئاب وماذا تُعلمنا. إبراهيم، موسى، داود، أيوب، أستير….
