As I was healing from a season of deep depression and anxiety, I got to sit next to a young woman who was in the thick of it. Subscribe to AGW Ministries and you'll get short, practical, and Christ-centered content sent right to your inbox. He knew the crisis they were about to go through. It is hardly surprising that so many followers of Christ struggle with the reality of trials in their lives. And if theres a God, and if hes sovereign, and if he rules Satan and suffering and me, and causes kingdoms to go up and go down, and if he reigns over all the nations, and over all circumstances, and over my cars, and my children, and my wife, and my marriage, and my job, and my sickness, and this church, and hes good, then its not stupid to say count it all joy; he loves you. I have read a lot about the Divine Mercy and I recite the Chaplet every day. Radical dependence on God is crucial not only for surviving depression but also for ministry and leadership.
Why Does God Allow Suffering? - Life, Hope and Truth Not for His sake, but for mine. God May Be Allowing You to Suffer Emotionally So You Will Be Better Equipped to Help Others in Their Times of Need.
Why Would God Let Me Suffer? (4 Reasons from 1 Peter) - Crosswalk Even if you are so depressed that you cannot put your prayers into coherent words, God understands. I wish I had done those things. May 24, 2022 by Samuel How long will God allow me to suffer? It will be in heaven as it is on earth. But my favorite act of serving God is revealing his truth in written format. We see this in Jesus interaction with two sisters named Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 (NLT): As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. The following is an edited transcript of the audio. "Give Me your heart, so I can give you Mine." Jesus never promised us an easy life, and I find hope in that. Richard Baxter, a 17th century Puritan, wrote a magnificent book entitled The Saints Everlasting Rest, Or a Treatise of the Blessed State of the Saints, in Their Enjoyment of God in Glory. I felt like I was dying inside. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'This is My people'; and each one will say, 'The Lord is my God'" (Zechariah 13:9). In contrast, Jesus was gentle and kind with people who were struggling and even sinning but who were open to God changing their lives. Bless you, prison, for having been in my life! If you do not feel like talking, watch a movie together or listen to music. He provides other ways to heal.
Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Cru God has a way of delighting the soul when all else is stripped away and the mountaintop sunshine turns into the shadow of the valley of death. View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. I heard comments like, Hes the last person I would ever have guessed would be suicidal, or, But he was always so happy.. Our weariness will one day give way to unthinkable refreshment precisely because this life is filled with such deep suffering and pain. Some people will never fully understand the truth about depression. If your leg hurts, you need different treatment than if you are having a heart attack. Concerns weigh us down rather than quicken our pace onward toward him. But for the people of God, the apple of his eye (Deuteronomy 32:10; Zechariah 2:8), it refines; it purifies. One reason: God theres a God. If we put aside the "good" or "bad" ranking - for now - and ask why any person suffers, we can start at the beginning: when our . This is one reason two people may be going through the same or similar situations and one may develop depression while the other does not. We see this in John 9:1-3 (New Living Translation). If thats the case, it is really important to find at least a few key people who can walk through your depression with you. But these are some helpful things to remember if you are a Christian walking through depression or if you know someone who is. Not at all. Our growth in Christ can seem so slow and the road so long, but we can take comfort knowing that God himself is maturing us. This is not a little piece of advice this morning from the power of positive thinking. The Bible provides many examples of people experiencing depression, darkness and frustration with God. Once you come to understand where suffering comes from and why we so often go through trials, you can start working through your suffering. Counter the lies running through your head with the truth in the Bible. I have a Master's Degree in Pastoral Counseling, I've been married since 2008, we have two wild children, and we live in Cleveland, Ohio. They never went back to the doctor or mentioned the diagnosis again. The key is trusting in Jesus Christ. Pastor John traces a key distinction between godly and ungodly praise. Answer (1 of 18): He doesn't, and that isn't how things started. Ultimately, God ordains and brings affliction into a believer's life ( Ruth 1:20-21 ). Thats jolting. How can we celebrate the good we see without succumbing to flattery? 15/3/2018 8 Comments If God Loves me then Why do I Suffer? Sadly, my friend needlessly suffered from depression for years and even despaired of life itself. If you want someone to address your depression in the context of your faith, some large churches have counselors on staff, and there are many Christian counselors available to help. (Avoid emotionally draining movies and music that will feed your negative thoughts.). At one point he asks, Why do the people of God suffer so much in this life?. The Heart of Jesus burned with love for us as He hung on the cross. Really tired. What is the reason for hardship in the life of a believer? Our eternal happiness is all that is important to Him, and all that should be important to us. Numb. Even when things were really bad, I knew that one day, I would be with God in heaven and I would never have to suffer again. But pain insists upon being attended to. But perhaps your question should be rephrased, "Why worship an all-powerful and loving God who allows unjust suffering?" If so, then let me explain. So many passages of Scripture show that God is overruling these things constantly for our great good. . Do you see the purposefulness in suffering now? And If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? Therefore let those who suffer according to Gods will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. It is the moments of deepest need and desperation in which God provides himself as healing balm. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Did we really need to suffer like this to learn this lesson? Daily Surrender Novena with Reflection Prayer
Its a question Pastor John set out to answer from 1 Peter 4:1219, a very important text we all need to understand and return to in times of personal suffering.
If God is so Merciful, Why do the Innocent Suffer so Much? But therell be no imperfect people in heaven. First, He uses pain and suffering to draw us to Himself so that we will cling to Him. No matter what others may tell you, it is not shameful or a sign of weak faith to go to therapy or take prescription medication for a mental illness. He finally got professional help for his depression a few years ago and is now thriving. When Jesus was about to be arrested and crucified, He sensed the distress among His closest followers. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. Perhaps, the question Jesus wants me to ask is not, Why so much suffering? but instead: How in this suffering are You leading me to spend forever with You?. Some Christian counselors have the option of a sliding scale for payment based on income. Once, after I (Elizabeth) shared my testimony with a group of students at my university, a friend came up to me and said, When I feel like that, I try to figure out what Ive done wrong that I need to confess. The comment, while totally inappropriate, was actually meant to be a helpful piece of advice, not a judgment. God sometimes allows sin and/or Satan to cause physical .
If God Wants Me to Be Happy, Why So Much Suffering? If there were two. Physical illness is also frequently triggered by stressors and negative environmental factors. It is similarly foolish to build bigger barns to place our affections primarily on things of this earth (Luke 12:18). "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) Suffering happens on macro and micro levels. God wants us to be pure so we will remain intimately close to him, for as Jesus said in Matthew 5:8, Blessed arethe pure in heart, forthey shall see God.. As his tale unfolded, I could understand why. And sometimes he doesnt for holy and wise purposes because he loves us. As he shared his story, I could sense that he was deeply distressed. Weve been reading Jeremiah these weeks, and its just one chapter after another about how God reigns over Moab and Edom and Syria and Babylon. Facing Depression as a Christian: Beware These Misconceptions, Helpful Things for Christians Walking Through Depression to Remember. I sank further and further until finally breaking down one day at a work conference. It isnt meaningless. Check out these words from Jeremiah, Elijah and David respectively: O LORD, You misled me, and I allowed myself to be misled. And therefore, its okay to resist your suffering in prayer and pray against it and ask God to remove it, like Paul did. Theres only one way that I know of that can be not stupid or not foolish. Not once. Our very natural response is to ask, 'Why?' 'Why do these things happen?' And if God exists, why would he let them happen? VDOMDHTMLtml> Why am I suffering so much God - YouTube Why am I suffering so much God?Do you ever get frustrated in your walk with God where you feel like you must be doing something wrong,. How Do I Help Others Understand Depression & Anxiety? The ultimate pain is the argument that suffering is the price of our free will. by Ken Giese How could a loving, powerful God allow so much tragedy, pain and agony, so many fatal diseases and deadly accidents? Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you [or among you] to test you [its purposeful], as though something strange were happening to you. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say My tooth is aching than to say My heart is broken.. Even when it is ugly and hard to face. Wise people seek to learn from their heartaches so they can deal with them appropriately. The location of the pain and type of pain you experience in your body was put their by God so you can know what is wrong with you and what you need to do to take care of yourself. So the point is, while the text deals explicitly (most of it) with persecution, the principle under Gods loving sovereignty over our lives and how we handle that is the same as when the suffering comes from another source. I believe it will bless you! I began noticing that I felt exactly like it looked outside gray and miserable. Stress can cause ulcers and increase the risk of a heart attack, very serious illnesses that, like depression, need treatment, not condemnation.
Thats Jeremiahs command and his belief and his message to us. Sickness can also be the result of a demonic attack. Jesus never promised us an easy life, and I find hope in that. "Are you not a deliverer? During times of depression, I really identify with the book of Ecclesiastes. As it is now, our weariness readies us for a deeper enjoyment of eternal rest (2 Corinthians 4:17). Were on a mission to change that. Talking about someone elses personal issues when they have not given you permission is never a good idea. I can forget Gods ultimate desire for each of us to spend eternity with Him. When much of life leaves a bitter taste in our mouth, affliction warms the tongue and readies the taste buds to find true satisfaction in God alone (2 Corinthians 1:510). Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. In either case, the emotional pain we experience can always be used by God for the same reason. Thats the kind of God we have. Oftentimes nothing awakens us and causes us to seek Gods presence more than pain. Jorge and his wife Kathy serve the Dallas, Fort Worth (TX) and the Lawton (OK) congregations. When I (Mary) am depressed, I cannot read about Gods promises. Please do not suffer alone, especially if you feel suicidal. This Holy Mass is celebrated via online and presided by the Rev. As much as you do not feel like being around people, its crucial to have someone who can just be with you and be a physical reminder that people love you. Each affliction always flows from a good God working for his good purposes ( Psalm 119:67-68; Romans 8:28 ). Because Ive placed my faith in Jesus and Hes paid for all my sin and brokenness on the cross, He will never walk away from me. At that moment, God gave me the assurance that He would still love me and have a purpose for my life. Count it all joy, James said, when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1:2). Jared Mulvihill is a curriculum developer for. Over and over again, I say this Surrender Prayer until my peace is restored. Does Porn Use Disqualify You from Christian Dating? Though depression, like many medical conditions, may be a lifelong struggle, people often learn to cope well with resources like counseling and medication. Even in Jesus day, people were eager to ascribe blame for illness and disability, but He challenged their assumptions. Give that person a key if you are at the point where you cannot get out of bed. God May Be Allowing This Emotional Suffering in Your Life Because He Wants a Deeper Relationship with You Variation: Sharing someones struggles with mental illness without their knowledge lets other people know they need to be sensitive. Often, insurance will not cover faith-based counseling services, so secular counseling may be more financially viable for you. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God Himself, living and active in the life of everyone who trusts in Jesus. God created a perfect world, but when evil entered, perfection was shattered and the world was never the same. In the Bible, we see Jesus heal many people from physical illnesses, but Christians who understand the Bible well would not use that as proof that people with physical illness lack the faith to be healed or are being punished. In these moments of great clarity, I can begin to rejoice in my suffering because I know through it, He is leading me home to His Most Sacred Heart and eternity with Him. Sometimes you will have to overcome the stigma and misconceptions that surround depression as you seek support. While prayer alone usually is not enough to end someones depression, prayer is still powerful and important. Life is a feast (Psalm 34:8). And he gets the glory. Variation: You are letting God and your church down if you are too depressed to serve or minister. Take my life. (1 Kings 19:4, NLT), O God my rock, I cry, Why have You forgotten me? You crave the eternal. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow not even the powers of hell can separate us from Gods love.
As Psalm 34:18 (NLT) says, The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.. He shared that he had similar experiences. He allows trials and suffering to occur in our lives for one purpose onlybecause it's . While the devil and earth lull us away from Christ, affliction courses through our soul, making us feel more alive than ever, and then pushes us back to the straight and narrow in order to find life in the fountain of life itself. Seeking help for depression does not mean you do not have enough faith or that you are a bad Christian. He is sovereign over all our suffering, though he uses means to accomplish his purposes ( Luke 23:25; Galatians 1:4 ). Variation: Depression is an indication of unconfessed sin or weak faith, so people with depression are not fit for leadership. I began noticing that I felt exactly like it looked outside gray and miserable. Depression plays tricks with your thoughts and emotions. What Does It Mean to Turn the Other Cheek According to the Bible? So that's what AGW is all about! Mr. Weaver wrote: I have a few questions I need to ask. Fine Print (Required)
Why do the voices of despair sound so much louder than yours?".
How Could a Loving God Allow So Much Suffering? - BioLogos Reality: Church community should be a safe environment for people to discuss mental health without judgment. Let us know your preferences below! Were all imperfect; everybodys imperfect. It begins with a scene in heaven which provides the reader with the background of Job's suffering. Variation: Being depressed means you are failing to trust God.
If God exists, why is there suffering? - Christianity Explored While pain and suffering are never enjoyable, God often allows them in our lives because he loves us so much, he is willing to allow us to experience short term problems so we will reap long-term pleasures in him. The assumption that depression or any mental illness is a punishment for sin is just as faulty as the disciples assumption that the mans physical blindness was a result of sin. We need you.
1. Views on human suffering and God's role in it No one should try to guilt or shame you for not being able to do what you would normally do as your Christian service. When they got home, his mother threw the medication sample in the trash and said that depression was not real. Reality: Depression usually needs to be treated with more than prayer. When a church or a Christian goes through times of darkness and trial, its because he loves us so much that he will spare us nothing to get out of us what he really hates namely, sin.
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