"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:2 (NRSV)
Prodigal Thoughts: Why is major/chronic depression such a wide-spread issue? Does it mean that the people being affected don’t have enough faith? Does it mean they don’t want to be free from what is oppressing them? I will tell you, as one who has dealt with major bouts of depression, it isn’t about a lack of faith or not wanting to be free from it. Depression usually occurs due to chemical imbalance, but medicine doesn’t really cure it, it only helps a little. When I find myself fighting major bouts of depression, as I have over the last several weeks, the most comforting things that I do are read scripture and pray. Is the word of God the first thing I reach for when I’m depressed? Sadly, no. For me, depression doesn’t just happen in one moment, it slowly envelops me like a cloud or mist. I rarely even realize it is happening, but in time, I typically withdraw from relationships, interacting with others, doing things I enjoy (like sending these verses to my friends), and then my thoughts get really dark. But the word of God has this amazing ability to stir the Holy Spirit in our hearts and to remind us of how we have always been loved by the One who created us. God can truly transform our hearts and minds if we will only invite Him into our emotional/mental/chemical battles. God can be the light in us when all we feel is darkness and loneliness. Will you invite Him in? I hope so. Will I invite Him in? I am certainly trying.
Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we will seek help when we see that we are in need, as our Father is always ready and waiting for us to call out to Him. That we would allow ourselves to be transformed by His words and by the stirring of the Holy Spirit as we pray and seek the face of God. Lastly, I pray that we would have the strength to be weak with our fellow believers, so that when we need prayer, that we would simply ask. (That last sentence was for me.)
If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
Prodigal Thinker 