dealing with faith in the face of anxiety and depression

jennkatz · Post by **jennkatz** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 12:39 am

I try to be a strong christian, yet when depression hits it seems that God hit the road. I know in my mind that he didn't but I sometimes wonder where's God when I'm depressed or having an anxious moment? I try to pray but it seems like my prayers don't go very far. I'm trying to do the tapes, but can't seem to get very far. I haven't even been on the forums because the instant message one is intimidating. They all know each other and it's hard to enter in when everyone is such good friends.
I just keep thinking if I ignore the depression it will go away. Not working. Why won't God just take it away? Could this have been Paul's "thorn in the flesh"?
I want to turn to God in all things, but depression is very much self centered, and when I get into a "blue funk" it is very hard to get out of it.
I wish there were different times for prayer meetings, I work evenings and can't get on much at night.
Sorry this is rambling, I'm having trouble concentrating, I got that flu going around.

ItsGonnabeMe · Post by **ItsGonnabeMe** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:00 am

I believe God has placed within us the ability to cope with life's burdens. God may not just "Take Away" your anxiety but He will help you overcome or deal with it. Don't pray for a gift, pray for strength.

Don't try to ignore your anxiety, recognize it but know that it can be controlled. You mentioned Prayer Meetings. Some folks prefer a group effort but I have always felt my relationship with God was a very personal thing. I have felt his presence and assistance.

Sometimes we need a purpose for life, my strength is derived from what I can do for others. I like to believe that when I leave this world I will have made it a better place.

Best Wishes

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:48 am

Hi Jenn,

Oldecodger, thanks for your insight. I can tell you that through the efforts you make to help each person you help and give of yourself to provide an encouraging word or thoughtful, you are magnifying God's word and promise. Your very acts of kindness come from the agape love that God instilled in you through the power of His Holy Spirit.

jenn, sometimes when we are so wrapped up in the concerns and worry, it may seem as though God has forsaken us. All we have to do is look and listen all around us:

At God's disposal are so many caring brothers and sister in the faith, and even those we may believe have no belief in God. God will use whatever means is necessary to get His message of Love, Hope, Support and Encouragement. No, He has not forgotten or forsaken us.

Sometimes we just have to open our eyes and our ears:

http://www.stevencurtischapman...radio/speechless.htm

Here are the lyrics:

http://www.klove.com/lyrics/lyrics.asp?104

Here is a library full of inspirational music to make you heart sing for joy. He loves us so much that even giving a light effort it is easy to see that he endured all for us to be able to abide with Him, it has to leave you Speechless.

Please just go here and listen to this title song, and don't stop. Listen to all of it and the more you do, I assure you you will be astounded. So little one, set aside all your fear, and cast them on His strong shoulders and believe. He sees you, He hears you, He loves you! Additionaly, He knows that laughter is the best cure for depressed feelings:

http://www.ahajokes.com/

Believe it!

http://www.klove.com/lyrics/lyrics.asp?241

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 2:16 am

Dear Jennkatz,

just want you to know i'm praying for you... those websites are great, gman, ... thanks for posting those... one thing i try to do is just be thankful, Jenn, God created ALL our feelings and HE knows what it will take for each of us to learn how to deal with them... if we start by thanking HIM, HE will guide us to the next step... and yes, i would be willing to pray with you at a different time than the evenings.. just let me know when...
much LOVE,
kj

BookOfPsalms · Post by **BookOfPsalms** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 3:45 am

Don't ever feel like you don't have friends on here! Everyone feels like that at some point or another, but know that we are all here to listen, talk, and help. If the Lord knows how many hairs are on your head then of course he is there with you, no matter what you are going through. God is there with you carrying you when you need it and holding your hand all the way through all of your problems. He knows what you are going through and what you feel and what you need. Keep faith that He is there with you every step of the way. Even the disciples worked on their faith, because Jesus said ye of little faith. Work on your faith like all the rest of us and believe that He is there with you. You work on the in part of you and the Lord will work on everything that you can't do anything more with. He will pick up where you left off. God bless you and know that it is something that you need to take your eyes off the symptoms and onto the Lord.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 7:09 am

Jenn just keep on going keep writing down your negatives even thought it may seem too dificult to do. I find that when things start to stir up that writing them down and finding replacement thoughts really does wonders.
hope this helps remember everyone in here has or is going through the same difficulties you are definitely not alone.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 7:31 am

trust me there are times with my depression and anxiety that i feel like God is not listening to me or he has just left me alone here in this world by myself but in my heart i know differnt. it is just the fact of keeping our faith in him as well as ourselves. God is always here with us even when we don't feel that he is. God is not going to give us more than we can bare in this life and he knows our strengths and weaknesses. he is teaching me to love myself more and respect myself more through this process of depression. we all have lessons to learn in this life. he is always with you sweety. i will pray for you too.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:11 pm

Hi all,

here is another set of lyrics that should help lead us in and through our battles:

http://www.klove.com/lyrics/lyrics.asp?2351

Over the years, these will ring more and more true than you know.

http://bible1.crosswalk.com/On...=1&new=1&showtools=1

I wish all a blessed day.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:22 am

Hello,
I just read where someone was so depressed this past weekend and I was there. I could not listen to the cds and I did not want to do a thing. I wanted to be left alone and I slept a lot. I did not go to church and just watched Charles Stanley on TV but I could not listen well. It is as if God was not getting through to me.
I got really depressed when I heard one of my former students (I am a school nurse) was shot and killed Saturday night. He is an only child and you don't hear of a lot like this happening where we live. I feel the end is near and it seems I look forward to it. I get tired of going on day by day, feeling the same. I read where GMAN was going to church and I am happy for him. He has been an inspiration to me. I ordered the cd he recommends by
Chapman whom he says is from Kentucky. I am not eating right and crave sugar. if I don't do something, I will have to take a leave from work and the kids always helped me. It seems the cds make me nervous. Maybe, I dread the thought of change and want to be the way I am. I see other people and they seem happy but I really never feel it anymore. When I am home, I do not want to see anyone and I had rather sleep. I need to do something quickly. We have meetings next Sunday night, Monday, and Tuesday away and I dread going. If there is someone out there like me, dreading being around people, write me and tell me how you are dealing with it.
Thanks, jcat

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:03 am

jcat-I use to be there. I don't think you have to stay where you are if you choose not to. Like you said I think we know that place so well to come out of it we just don't want to or feel like we can't. We must remember John10:10-the thief comes only to steal,kill and destroy-Jesus came that we would have life and life mor e abundantly. Satan would like nothing more than for you to have no faith and no belief. We have authority over him. You have to choose to get up each time you get knocked down-this is what I have been doing. I am sometimes lazy and want the easy way, but no more. There is no way I am going to let Satan keep me down. Greater is he that is in me , than he that is in the world-this is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it-the joy of the Lord is my strength. You need to watch some comedy-this has been helping me and this program and seeing a christian counselor on the side-so fight, fight and when your down turn to the throne of God and bask in his Love-no one said it would be easy, but Jesus believed your life is worth it.-God Bless You-Wolverine