21 Days To Beat Depression Day 16

1 Peter 4:12-13 

12 Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you.

13 But insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].

 

James 1:2-4  

 

 

2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

 

 

How can the Bible even use the words “rejoice” or “joy” in the same sentence with “trials”, “fiery ordeal” or “sufferings” ?! That’s outrageous!
It might be outrageous ... but it is also possible. It is possible to keep our hearts intent on following God during days of harsh trials and unending fires.
We have idolized our feelings to the extent that they have more control over us than does the Word of God when going through a trial. Our human conviction that we must complain, whine and carry on during days of pain are a sad and weak deception.
God never promised that life would be easy but He promised that He would never leave us. I can worship a God like that!
Jesus never declared that trouble-free living was a part of abundant life on earth. He did assure us, however, that He would send the Holy Spirit to comfort us when our lives were uncomfortable. I can rejoice knowing that the Holy Spirit is the best Comforter in the history of the universe!
Today, my prayer for those of you who are dealing with depression too dark to verbalize, is that you would open your mouth and sing.
My prayer is that you would lift your hands toward heaven, at your moment of most excruciating pain, and declare your trust in God.
I pray that you will worship regardless of how you feel. Do not allow your feelings to have the last word.
Practical Application:
1- Write out the words to your favorite hymn or worship song and meditate on them today.
2- Share three things for which you are grateful in your journal, and through Twitter and Facebook. #beatdepression
Declaration:
“I will worship the Lord today! A song of praise will drown out my emotions and I will keep Jesus on the throne of my heart!”
Prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for never leaving me or forsaking me. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to be my comforter in days of darkness and pain. Amen.”