These things I have spoken unto YOU, that in Me
you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Like so many Christians, a young man wrote to me asking for advice concerning matters like forgiving one’s self, dealing with depression and even “mental illness” (his words)...
you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Like so many Christians, a young man wrote to me asking for advice concerning matters like forgiving one’s self, dealing with depression and even “mental illness” (his words)...
None of this is anything new.
In my reply, I told him that as human beings we will have struggles and tribulations. That we as disciples of the Lord are not exempt from such things. But I also stated that we could be at peace within ourselves because the Lord Jesus has already overcome the world.
I went on to let him know that Christ has already made provisions for us to have the ability to forgive ourselves. That if we examine God’s word, He has already forgiven us and washed away all our sins never to be remembered any more.
I explained that we need to see ourselves as the Lord does, forgiven, cleansed, justified and we are now members of His heavenly family through faith in Jesus, and on His finished work on the cross. Knowing these things is the road to freedom and peace and joy.
I also shared that I too experience occasional bouts of depression. How depression would come upon me like a dark cloud. But that I’ve been walking with the Lord long enough to know that this too shall pass. In my darkest moments, the Lord will supernaturally strengthen me from within. He will bring to mind portions of the Scriptures that will serve to encourage me. And the Holy Spirit will come alongside me to bring comfort. Then it’s only a matter of hours or days before I’m myself again.
In addition, I told this young man that he should never think of himself as incomplete or inferior because He’s been told he suffers from mental illness. All kinds of labels get placed upon us for various reasons, I declared. But it is how God sees us, which counts. We are works in progress, and the Lord will finish His work within each of His children when we get to heaven (Philippians 1:6).
D. B.
In my reply, I told him that as human beings we will have struggles and tribulations. That we as disciples of the Lord are not exempt from such things. But I also stated that we could be at peace within ourselves because the Lord Jesus has already overcome the world.
I went on to let him know that Christ has already made provisions for us to have the ability to forgive ourselves. That if we examine God’s word, He has already forgiven us and washed away all our sins never to be remembered any more.
I explained that we need to see ourselves as the Lord does, forgiven, cleansed, justified and we are now members of His heavenly family through faith in Jesus, and on His finished work on the cross. Knowing these things is the road to freedom and peace and joy.
I also shared that I too experience occasional bouts of depression. How depression would come upon me like a dark cloud. But that I’ve been walking with the Lord long enough to know that this too shall pass. In my darkest moments, the Lord will supernaturally strengthen me from within. He will bring to mind portions of the Scriptures that will serve to encourage me. And the Holy Spirit will come alongside me to bring comfort. Then it’s only a matter of hours or days before I’m myself again.
In addition, I told this young man that he should never think of himself as incomplete or inferior because He’s been told he suffers from mental illness. All kinds of labels get placed upon us for various reasons, I declared. But it is how God sees us, which counts. We are works in progress, and the Lord will finish His work within each of His children when we get to heaven (Philippians 1:6).
D. B.
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