I just now realized I did not reply to the topic. I have been sick with a cold and that really doesn't help me mentally, when I am congested and with headaches.
My #1 comfort is the book Psalms. I really can relate to David in his songs/prayers. I definitely feel closer to God in his word and in prayer to Him
My #2 comfort is someone who can relate to me with my depression. It is always so nice to talk to someone about it. The more talk about it, the more I can deal with it.
Thank you all for sharing your comforts this week. Let's continue to share, the week is not over.
I know what you mean about your #2 comfort...until this year, I had never talked personally with another Christian openly about depression as a medical illness. I have been able to talk with a woman in my church and the wife of my boss at my former job (who are both Christians) who understand. What a gift my conversation with these women was. I have talked a bit with two others at church who I believe also struggle.
Before that, I found support from a wonderful non-Christian woman who I worked with.
Actually, I have felt support from even those who do not struggle with this illness....which is a blessing (and have also been ridiculed by others as well...)
Other comforts to me are a good doctor who shares my faith and listens to me...taking the time to answer all my questions, massage therapy,(from a therapist, or caring husband or friend!), suntanning or sun lamps (during the winter where I am where there is less sunlight per day than in the summer), stopping perfectionistic/ unrealistically anxious thoughts, and marriage counselling.
Well...that's more than two comforts, but really I've tried many things...but really getting to know God more has been most helpful.
Also, I'd like to join Sarita in welcoming you, Brother John!
The Psalms have always been a huge comfort for me as well. As well as the few people I could talk to about what was going on without them dismissing it as a lack of faith in God or something - they only made me feel worse about everything.
Dear Brethren in Christ,
Thorns in the flesh persist and have kept me from posting.
As ever, I hope in the healing purchased by Christ's stripes will become manifest in our earthly days as well as in His Eternal Kingdom!!!
As for a weekly topic, perhaps request for fav. Bible verses on a topic like Deliverance or Healing or whatever topic seems most fiitting for us keeping the faith in spite of afflictions?
Gospel JN 7:37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. v.38 Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
Beloved Brethren in Christ,
The gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit can empower each of us to let "living water" flow out from us. Sharing Biblical Truth with each other and those yet to believe in Christ can 'refresh' weary souls.
The world's media can take up space but not point us to the source of healing: Our Lord Jesus the Christ!!!
No matter the physical afflictions, we have opportunities to share the Acts 3:19 "times of refreshing" from Our Lord. Anytime we help renew faith and certain hope in Jesus, we are refreshing sisters and brothers in their earthly journey. Rather than allowing your encouraging work be pigeon-holed as 'preaching to the choir', rejoice that you serve the brethren Christ redeemed!
Though I may ramble in this wee hour, surely the Goodness and Truth from the Bible can be a refreshing for one willing to receive His Gifts!
