#joy – Tattoo It On Your Heart

We can’t always stop the demons from stalking us—ambushes happen. Sometimes they squeeze their way into our lives through the cracks we leave untended. Sometimes they batter down the door. Life happens. Depression, anxiety, fear, apathy, bitterness, anger, suicidal thoughts…. may show up at your house. Just don’t invite them under the covers and curl up in bed with them.

Get up! Cry out for help from God and from others. Remaining silent when we are in need can leave us alone in a crowd. Isolation leaves us open to the enemy.

“Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

God tells us in His Word to be anxious for nothing because He knew we would at some point find ourselves being anxious. Jesus said he didn’t come to condemn but to seek and save. The Word of God is meant to show us where we are and to instruct us how to get to where we need to be.

The Word of God, prayer, time spent with with those who make us laugh and challenge us, positive spiritual things such as Christian music help bring clear vision, strength, deliverance.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs‬ ‭27:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

A good friend doesn’t ignore problems. Neither do they just point out the problems, but rather, they help with solutions. They walk alongside you literally and figuratively. Sometimes what’s needed is just being there and saying nothing; but sometimes it’s taking a stand and saying something. A good friend battles with you and for you. Be one. Find one.

Prayer, the word of God, and love are ultimate weapons against all we face. The love of God trumps all.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Did you notice this scripture says everything and requests? God wants us to bring everything on our hearts, not just our needs, but our requests to Him. He wants to do life with us.

I aim to use whatever the devil shoves at me against him.

“God, help me.”

Use struggle, pain, failure—to help someone else. That’s one way to win.

Fight back!

He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze II Samuel 22:35 (NKJV)

When I can’t rejoice in my own circumstance, I find someone to rejoice with over their victory, or someone to help with their struggle. Count your blessings, one by one. Gratefulness is one of the keys to contentment, joy and peace within, and to intimacy with God and others. Gratefulness seeks to serve others. Our greatest service to others is to share Christ and the hope we have in Him, that they too can be a child of the King and make Heaven their home.

I fail and falter all the time, but Jesus loves me anyway. He loves you too. God said all things are possible to those who believe—not all things are easy. It’s a battle.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1 (NKJV)

LINK TO SONG: Morgan Harper Collins— I Can’t Save Myself

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.”
Isaiah‬ ‭54:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Seek wise counsel.

For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 24:6 (NKJV)

Run from the shadows of the cares of this world and into the safety found under the shelter of the wings of the almighty God.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18 (KJV)

Yet in all these things we more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 (NKJV)

Sometimes the way out is through. Jesus meets us in the midst of the raging waters and calms the storm. He will never leave or forsake us. There is joy in His presence.

SERMON: Helping Those Struggling with Depression & Suicidal Thoughts | Pastor Harold Warner | Door Church

LINK TO SONG: Shane and Shane— Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)

Light dispels darkness. So, let the Light in.

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

Resources

Focus on the Family Counseling Services & Referrals:

To request a conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department with one of their licensed or pastoral counseling specialists at no cost to you: 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time https://www.focusonthefamily.com/…/counseling-services…/