General Comments/Inquiries about "Attacking Anxiety & Depres

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birdelljerome
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Joined: Fri Dec 24, 2010 9:40 am

General Comments/Inquiries about "Attacking Anxiety & Depres

Post by birdelljerome » Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:52 pm

Joseph's Brothers' Distress

What particular remorse-eliciting memory lingered in the minds of Josephs brothers? Gen. 42:21. What does that tell us about them?

Genesis 42:21 [/color "They said to one another, Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; thats why this distress has come on us."

Guilt is associated with a particular occurrence of the past, sometimes an image or a brief event that tends to be replayed mentally. Other times it takes the form of a flashback image that invades ones mind or appears in dreams or nightmares. The image of the adolescent Joseph pleading with his older brothers for his life must have come to Jacobs sons again and again.

How else did guilt affect Josephs brothers? Gen. 45:3.

Genesis 45:3 "Joseph said to his brothers, I am Joseph! Is my father still living? But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence."

People affected by guilt think on it repeatedly, lamenting the fact that they did what they did, showing fear for the consequence, and entering into self-blame. Such rumination produces much distress, frustration, and anger at oneself for not having done differently. Unfortunately, no matter how much time is devoted to recalling those thoughts, the past will remain unchanged. Repentance and forgiveness are required. Josephs noble character emerges, and he offers forgiveness and encourages them to stop being angry at themselves. He assures them that the occurrence of events had to do with Gods design to save many lives. The fact that God was able to use their evil action for good doesnt, however, change the fact that they were guilty of a horrible crime.

How would obeying whats in these verses help us deal with guilt? James 5:16, 1 John 1:9.

James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

All sins bring pain to the sinner and to God. Many sins also involve other people. Each corner of the triangle (God/Others/Me) needs to be worked out in order to bring a resolution to past wrongdoings. John tells us that God is prepared to forgive and to purify us from unrighteousness. In addition, James tells us to confess sins to each other; we should do this, especially to those whom weve wronged.

Humble confession is the only way to free oneself from guilt. Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. The work of His righteousness is peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever. What do you need to confess in order to experience the promises here?

SoWhatif
Posts: 341
Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:00 pm

Re: General Comments/Inquiries about "Attacking Anxiety & De

Post by SoWhatif » Mon Jan 24, 2011 3:46 pm

And after the confession, the mountain stills needs climbed, moved or gone around.
God gave us the directions, he did not say he would do it for us.

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