I have a very simple proposition: rejoicing and weeping, great joy and great sorrow, leave us in places of great temptation to idolatry.
All in Discipleship
Closing Thoughts
Depression does not define you. You are a person, not a condition. You are more than your darkest feelings, your worst mistake, or your lowest moment. There is good news. You matter. You are loved.
Blue Skies, No Rainbows (Part 2)
A conversation alone will not solve every issue; it merely preserves the relationship so we can work out everything else.
Depression and Addiction
People battling depression often turn to a wide array of coping mechanisms, many of which are addictive and ultimately destructive.
Children and Heirs of God (Galatians 4:4-7)
God adopted us because our reception as sinners into a familial relationship with God, by the work of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, well—all of this is God’s gift, God’s work, God’s initiative.
Holy Ordinary
I am convinced that our spiritual lives aren’t defined by the mountaintop experiences but, instead, by the ways in which we utilize and redeem the wholly ordinary moments of our daily lives.
Depression and Doubt
While I never stopped believing in God during my struggle with depression; I questioned God’s involvement in my life deeply. Was God there? Did God care? Why was God so unresponsive?
Engaging Depression
People battling depression need loving words, emotional support, encouragement, and presence. While medicine and counseling are often vital in winning the battle against depression.
Holiday Sufferers
We would prefer is a simple greeting, a heartfelt smile, and freedom from having to relate a “spun” or flat out untruthful rendition of what we got for Christmas or what wonderful family gathering we had.
Treating Depression
Is there a cure for this pain? Is there a way out of this darkness? Is there light that will break through these clouds? Is there hope for a better future? Yes.
Blue Skies, No Rainbows (Part 1)
We are only strong because our relationships have withstood conflict. And we can only grow from the conflict if we are willing to engage. So the choice is ours: engage or withdraw.
A Meditation on Psalm 23
So today I will say yes instead of no to what is gained in darkness. I will take my hands off my ears and stop closing my eyes to the invitation to intimacy that is found uniquely in darkness.
Reframing Depression
We must debunk these myths in order to understand depression more fully. Only then can we intervene in ways that will truly be helpful.
You Want Me to Do What?!
Spiritual growth is considered work, then it becomes work, instead of wonder-filled. So, I would like to suggest one spiritual discipline that is likely missing from your life: PLAY.
Thanksgiving as Color Vision
When we neglect to give God thanks, our hearts become darkened, and we perceive everything in shades of grey. Our minds spin in futility, unable to grasp the reality of colors beyond our grasp.
Unpacking Depression
Reclaiming your true self is something you can only do by drawing close to God. Counseling, support, and medicine alone won’t do it. It is only by drawing near to God that you will find yourself again.
Where's the Water?
I have come to realize that the moments when I felt the most overwhelmed were the times I was neglecting my time with God.
Approaching Depression
I know single people whose lives are full of vibrant community. I know married people who feel empty. There are lonely people in every situation in life: single, married, rich, poor, old, young, etc.
The Key to Unlocking Fear
Jesus' departure from the sanctuary and peace of oneness with the Father must have been like our trial of leaving the zone of safety.
Ministers and Money
He walked away from a life of guaranteed comfort, and walked into the mountains in solitude, before walking back into the church, and behind its pulpit.