Welcome. Thanks for joining me today as we continue discussing the Voice of Depression. You can hear the first three parts in the series by going to jamesdallen.com, Apple podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. (Below is link to Podcast.)
Depression often manifests itself in anger, a lack of energy, a feeling of hopelessness, constant sadness, fatigue, a loss of joy in life, etc. One thing, if you have these symptoms for many days, weeks, or consider harming yourself, you should see your family doctor or go to the ER immediately.
The last time we met, we said three things could help move us out of depression: Cognition (our thoughts), Behavior (our actions), and Affect (our emotions). Moving one of these can often have an impact on the other two. This is why different counselors may focus on an issue in their preferred method of helping. Many counselors utilize all three and, as a pitcher, see which one is best for the client.
Today, we want to look at Affect or our emotions. Can we control or partially control our feelings? Paul calls on us to rejoice. We find Paul rejoicing even from prison. Have you ever just decided to sit and smile? You are not feeling happy, but you force your face to smile. Now, if you do this in public, someone may think you are up to something. But right now, smile. There is something about the physical position of the smile that does affect us. It may only be a little, but it does affect our mood.
What other things bring joy to you? What makes you happy? I know a nice giant fudge sundae may do it, but too many of those, and we have another issue. Haven’t you been down and turned on worship music, which lifts you? Or you may listen to a song from your past that brings joy. I suddenly feel like a teenager again when I hear CCR, Credence Clearwater Revival, for those who don’t know. 😊 In Ephesians, Paul talks about singing.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-20, NIV)
Psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
We know what Psalms are, and they plumb the depths of the human heart. We see the broken, the mending, the treacherous people running from God’s help, and others running to him. It was the songbook of the early Church. One habit of getting into is to read the Psalms. If you want wisdom, read the Proverbs. If you read one a day, you will read them all in a month (31 Proverbs).
Are you beginning to understand the inner workings of your thinking, actions, and emotions? A movement in any area toward the positive will move the other two.
Depression is complex, and one of the worst things one can do is isolate oneself from friends, family, and church. We need one another! You know the people that lift you—seek them out. You know the people that bring you down—seek to avoid them. I would walk five blocks out of the way in 100-degree heat to keep from running into some people! You know it is true. Listen—Sometimes, you must let go of someone, which will break your heart; however, it could save your soul.
I want to encourage you today! God loves you. God knows you can do it. God will never give up on you. You can overcome depression. You can do your part, God will do His part, and a good Christian counselor can bring the pieces together.
Wishing you the joy of Christ, the abundance of his blessings, and the HOPE of His coming.
God bless you.
I end this with a special note. These podcasts will be changing a bit. Overflowing Hope is becoming Overflowing Hope 180. The 180 has a double meaning: A turnaround and focused on Christ and 180 seconds (3 minutes) in length or less. This will be a videocast from YouTube and Facebook, with the audio going on air as this podcast. So you can listen on Apple or your favorite podcast platform, watch the videocast on Facebook and YouTube or read it on my blog, Jestasiam. Check it all out on jamesdallen.com.
Please do me a favor today! Go to jamesdallen.com and sign up for the new videocast. I believe you will enjoy it; more importantly, we can grow in Christ together.
Do it now while you are thinking about it—jamesdallen.com. That’s jamesdallen.com
Until next time, God bless you.
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Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!