Titus 2 Men And Women

Whenever I attend a ladies’ meeting I usually find two kinds of people. There are those who are depressed and there are those who are depressing. Believe me I know how you all feel. It’s to those of us I’d like to share this time.

Before I begin though I’d like to share with you some lighthearted things, then I’ll depress you.

During my bout with depression one of my most precious memories came at a ladies meeting where Liz Curtis Higgs was speaking. Have you had the privilege of hearing Liz speak? Her motto in life is Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." She had us laughing from the time she got up till way after she sat down. I wish I had her talent, but unfortunately for you I don’t.

Now I can’t make you laugh--let’s face it I can’t even make my dog mind--but I came across some stuff that tickled my funny bone and I wanted to share some of it with you. If it makes those of us who are depressed or depressing crack a smile then I have succeeded in putting something fun into this lesson.

Some of you have probably already read some of this stuff as my sister-in-law got it off the internet, but try to pretend you are reading it for the first time anyway. It will be funnier, and if it’s one thing we need is more laughter.

These sayings are about getting older which whether we like it or not it is happening to us every day. It’s just that some of us refuse to grow up, but if we would we would discover some things along the way. For instance,

1. We started out with nothing and we have most of it left.
   
   
2. Our wild oats have turned to prunes and all bran.
   
   
3. When we finally get our head together our body falls apart.
   
   
4. It’s funny but I don’t remember being absent minded.
   
   
5. If all is not lost, where is it cause I certainly can’t find it.
   
   
6. It’s easier to get older than to get wiser.
   
   
7. Some days you’re the dog; some days you’re the tree, or as our cards says sometimes the mouse wins.
   
   
8. It’s hard to make a comeback when you’ve never been anywhere.
   
   
9. The only time the world beats a path to your door is when you’re in the bathroom.
   
   
10. If God wanted me to touch me toes He would have put them closer to my knees.
    
    
11. When I’m finally holding all the cards, everybody decides to play chess.
    
    
12. These days I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter...I go somewhere to get something and then I wonder what am I here after? Boy does that one sound familiar.

Have you ever heard the senility prayer? God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway. The good fortune to run into the ones that I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

A lot of this stuff is negative so we who are depressed can really relate to it. Now, all fun aside let’s get to the depressing part.

What is depression and where does it come from? The root word depress means to cause to sink to a lower position-to lessen the activity or strength of-sadden-discourage. Now these are pretty accurate descriptions don’t you think? Did you notice someone or something has to cause the depression? I Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" The one who causes depression is our adversary the devil. Of course if we happen to be a negative thinker we add fuel to that fire.

The meaning of depression that mostly deals with human involvement is a state of feeling sad or dejection (thrown down). All of us have felt that way at one time or another. We can go through a period of depression when we lose a loved one, have a financial loss or our dreams are destroyed. With God’s help and prayer we slowly go through the grief process and become stronger in the Lord. I Peter 1:7 "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

Another meaning of depression that deals with individuals is more complicated, and unless you have been through this form of depression it’s a major mystery, that you may feel, doesn’t exist except in reprobate heathen or ungodly Christians. This form of depression is brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This is marked by great sadness that can be seen in the face and in your bodily movements. There is a marked inactivity, difficulty in thinking or concentrating plus the feelings of dejection. There’s a reduction in vitality along with crying spells for no apparent reason other than you is sad. A chemical imbalance in the brain can cause a person to act or do things they would not normally do. They can withdraw from society and become a hermit or they can become a schizophrenic or worse if not properly treated. This form of depression can come from unresolved problems or prolonged emotions controlling the body aggravated by negative thinking. There can also be a chemical imbalance in the brain from hormonal changes or a great shock to the body.  This imbalance is where the brain becomes depleted of the necessary serotonin and norepinephine that is needed to keep it functioning properly.

Depression that does not lessen or becomes a hindrance to your daily activities need to be diagnosed properly. Most depression is caused by not going through the grieving process. You must go through this process and not try to go around it or take a shortcut. Always remembering we do not go through anything alone. Hebrews 4:15-16 "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Having a negative attitude towards life only causes more pain and keeps the depressed person in captivity. There are times when sinful activities or thoughts bring on depression, but once these are acknowledged, confessed, and forsaken the depression subsides. Usually talking these problems over with a good Christian friend, regular study of God’s word, and a seeking of God’s face daily for help will begin to bring relief. First we must recognize that negative thinking will hinder our progress so that must be dealt with before any real healing can take place. II Corinthians 10:5 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."  If you have taken all the necessary steps to make sure you are doing everything biblically, and you are getting no better but worse, perhaps you do have a medical problem, which needs to be checked out.

There are those who will ask the question, "can’t God prevent depression instead of relying on Dr.’s for help?" My reply would be what Jesus used to do and that is to ask a question with a question. Can’t God prevent cancer, gall stones, high blood pressure, etc. without doctors assistance? Yes, He most assuredly can, yet, He doesn’t always choose to do so.

I am susceptible to migraine headaches. Believe me once I became depressed the depression and migraines went hand in hand because stress and negative thinking on my part aggravated them. I had pleaded and begged with God to take both the depression and the migraines away. As they continued I beat myself over the head thinking I must have done something wrong otherwise why hadn’t He answered my prayer?  I love Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."

In the course of less than two weeks I heard three different messages on pain, depression, and illness. All three different speakers concluded God doesn’t have to tell us why He chooses to do things the way He does. It’s okay not to know nor even understand the why. Isn’t that great? What a relief! I don’t have to explain anything to anyone. As long as I am at peace with my heavenly Father about how He chooses to heal me that is what really counts.

Unfortunatel, for us who have suffered from a chemical imbalance resulting in depression which required medical help to correct, there are many who feel this condition was brought on by some great sin in our life or else it is because we are not trusting God. Why is that when no one questions our requiring extra help for cancer, arthritis or even headaches? There is a certain stigma associated with depression and a lack of understanding has caused many not to seek the help they need early enough. Because of this many have crossed the line between reality and fantasy where they ended up in a mental hospital.

Not all depression requires medical attention and I am not advocating that at all, but the person who does have a chemical imbalance knows something is wrong when healing isn’t taking place. I would never recommend anyone who is depressed to automatically run to his or her medical doctor. We have The great Physician who is waiting for us to call on Him first. If, however, after making sure the depression is not caused by sin or by not going through the grieving process, we find ourselves getting worse then even God would not forbid our seeking professional help which may include medication.

I’m sure we have all had miserable comforters like Job had, and our worse comforter is ourselves. In the midst of depression we express things under normal circumstances we would not express. This can give off a false impression of our relationship with God. For instance the depressed person may say they have lost their joy. Confusing temporary happiness with the joy of the Lord. Therefore someone who doesn’t fully understand depression makes an outward observation and concludes you must have committed some great sin against God otherwise you could not lose your joy. See what I mean, and of course Satan is right there prodding both of you along. Once the suggestion is made the negativity in the depressed person takes that idea and beats themselves up with it until they feel like they are about to lose their mind.

The depression I was going through proved to be a chemical imbalance caused from an automobile accident I was in at the same time as my hormones were in the process of changing, my dreams were being put to death, and my mother was dying of cancer. All these things put together threw me into a major depression. The Lord had to humble me in to admitting my need for help, and yes, I was faced with misunderstandings. Somebody who has never had a chemical imbalance cannot understand what is taking place in another persons’ life, but we must do whatever is necessary to return us to a normal life.

Depression is a very serious condition. Some depression can be dealt with in counseling. Other depression can be cured reading Gods’ Word and acting on what we’ve read. But, whether we like it or not, some depression requires medical help because in order to defeat depression one must be active. Exercise helps build up the serotonin in the brain. The problem with chemical depression is you are so depressed it’s hard to even get out of bed let alone jog around the block.

As I stated before, not every depressed person has a chemical problem, and unfortunately too many are pill popping needlessly. The one thing about the prescription I took was if it wasn't a chemical problem then it would not work, and my doctor suggested I then seek counseling. He felt after testing me that my problem was chemical, and that was why he suggested I try the medication. If it were just caused by sin and my negativity I would not have found relief from my symptoms. Since I found great relief, and was able to start thinking normally again I knew my doctor was right and it was chemical.

I could speculate till I am blue in the face, but only God knows why this happens in some people and not in others. It certainly does not mean God loves one person more than another neither does it mean one is a greater sinner than another is. Such negative thoughts need to be expelled. The key here is not to let negativity keep you feeling bad because you may be one who needs medical help.

In most cases of depression negative thinking alone can cause all the feelings associated with depression. That is why it is so important to stick close to God and His word. The pitfalls of depression of any kind are isolation. Don’t try to get through depression alone. It will not work. That is why God put us here to share one another’s burdens as Galatians 6:2 says. Don’t let Satan steal your happiness and peace of mind. Don’t let that old devil keep you from a healthy lifestyle. Start memorizing II Corinthians 10:5 all the time remembering you a special to God. If you are in a situation that is constantly causing you stress which keeps you depressed then maybe you need to think about getting out of that situation. Get some good counseling on what would be best for your improvement. It may be you need to change jobs, schools, churches or friends to accomplish this, but whatever it takes to make you well is what you need to strive for.

There is a time to mend and that time is today. Don’t put it off, as there are too many blessings God has waiting for you. Purpose in your heart to build a more positive attitude toward life. Start now by counting your blessings instead of all the things your negativity tells you are not right. Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" Right now is your time!

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