 | Dealing With Depression Part 3 ". . . It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." (1 Kings 19:4) |
Another cause for depression is comparing ourselves with other people. We think,- "If I could just be like so-and-so I'd be happy." When you compare yourself with other people you're asking for trouble (See 2 Corinthians 10:12). There's only one person you should strive to be—and that's yourself. When you try to imitate another person and act like them, invariably you end up depressed. You need to be honest with yourself, and be who you are. That's all God wants. That's all He expects. When we start comparing our-selves with other people, we fall into another trap: We compare our weaknesses with their strengths. We forget that those people may be weak in areas where we are strong. What's more, we try to motivate ourselves through self-criticism and condemnation. We do it by "shoulding" ourselves: "I should be able to be like that person. I should be able to act better. I should be able to accomplish it. I should be able to stop it"—as if whipping our-selves verbally is going to change us! Nagging doesn't work when we do it to another person, and nagging ourselves doesn't work either. So what's the solution? Start reprogramming your mind with God's Word. "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:3-4).
| Promise "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21) Reflection My Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for all Your splendid majesty and mercy! Thank You for dying on the cross and suffering my consequences. Yet more than anything, thank You for conquering death that I may be with you forever and ever! Help me to keep focused on You. May I never look right or left, but continue to faithfully walk on Your holy path. Continue to guide me in all my ways! |  |
 | Week #42 Schedule for reading the Bible This schedule will take the Bible student through the Bible in one year. Just click on the text to read and get started today. Sunday: (Law) Numbers 28-30 Monday: (History) 2 Chronicles 21-24 Tuesday: (Psalms) Psalms 120-121 Wednesday: (Poetry) Proverbs 31 Thursday: (Prophecy) Nahum Friday: (Gospels) Acts 7-8 Saturday: (Letters) Hebrews 11-13 |