[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] Brenda Walsh devotion

[Shelly Duffy]

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The Battle of Depression
For some people, fighting depression is a lifelong battle and unless you have actually gone through this dark valley, you have no way of truly understanding how very painful, lonely, and scary it can be. For some, it is a battle that they will fight their entire lives, while others may have short periods of depression due to circumstances that left them in a dark cloud of grief. Whether you have a clinical diagnosis of depression or are simply deeply sad because of a heartache or loss, understanding and empathy is needed. Christians especially need to be sensitive to the needs of others. Why is it that if someone has a brain tumor, kidney failure, or a broken leg, there is no end to the amount of love and support extended, but when it is anything having to do with the mind, there is just a whole lot of judgment. The expectation is that if you are a Christian, you should just pray and snap out of it. But the truth is, sometimes people are too weak to pray for themselves! They need the prayers of those they love. They need intercessory prayers from their church family. David had many periods of depression, and he went to God for strength. He wrote in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” God wants you to love your neighbor as yourself. Show kindness, understanding, and sympathy, especially for those who are so brokenhearted that they don’t know how they can get through another day. You may never know that your kind words, gesture, or simple smile was enough to prevent someone from taking their own life. If you know someone who seems depressed, do something to make their day, their week, their year . . . a little brighter. Perhaps a phone call to say you care, a short visit, a card in the mail, or personally delivering a bouquet of flowers. Pray about what God would have you do and then follow His Holy Spirit leading. Sometimes a listening ear is all that’s needed. Just allowing them to know you care makes all the difference in fighting the battle of depression. TEXT:  Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 9:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Bible Texts:
Psalm 30:5 NKJV - "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." 

Isaiah 40:31 NKJV - "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." 

Psalm 9:9 NKJV - "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble." 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV - "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com



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Shelley Duffy