1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”
10Again, it says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”
11And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.”
12And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”
13May
the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so
that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Devotional
After
years and years suffering from debilitating depression, I have asked
God to make me an expert on joy! I already knew more than one woman
should ever know about depression so I was determined to turn it all
around ... and focus on joy! This is what I know:
Depression weakens you and joy strengthens you!
Depression is cruel and joy is kind.
Depression cuts off the source of life and joy fertilizes abundant life!
The language of depression is blame and bitterness; the language of joy is blessing and benefit!
We were not made for depression ... we were made for joy!
The question remains, however, “How do we get from depression to joy?”
We turn away from depression one minute at a time. We set one emotional foot in front of the other and walk away from depression and toward the Kingdom of joy.
We choose to read the Bible. Every day.
We choose to worship enthusiastically when we would rather mope.
We give generously to people who don’t deserve it.
We forgive completely and refuse bitterness.
We walk away from depression and toward joy one step at a time ... one choice at a time ... one minute at a time. The choice is yours. Which way are you walking today?
Practical Application:
1- Determine today that not one negative word will come out of your mouth. Every word that travels across your pearly whites should only be words of blessing, praise and thanksgiving!
2- Be the most thankful version of yourself possible! How about listing 4 things today for which you are grateful? #beatdepression!
Declaration:
From this day forward I will only walk toward joy and never toward depression. The words of my mouth will only bring blessing and encouragement.
Prayer:
“Jesus, I ask You to sit on the throne of my emotions. My emotions will bow to Your loving and eternal Lordship. I need Your presence and Your strength as I travel away from depression and toward joy. Thank You for Your help. Amen.”
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