Be Strong In God’s Grace
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I will confess – depression, it ain’t fun.
And yes, I deal with it – discouragement; it can be very fearful, especially when I’m afraid of the future; I can get the blues, when pain medication doesn’t do a thing for my back; yeah, I struggle with worry and loneliness when I can’t find anyone to get me up and out of bed in the morning or when my husband needs a break from caregiving routines, and it seems like everybody is busy and not able to assist. Yeah, I can feel down when I get what I call sweats and flushes and they won’t stop; it’s kind of a blood pressure problem connected with something pinching me or twisting or jabbing me in the body somewhere; it’s so frustrating when I can’t tell where! And it gets me discouraged; it gets me down; I feel downright sick and tired of being sick and tired and disabled. And I’d better stop here or else this could end up a pity party!
But let me say here that I’m also keenly aware of this tendency to worry or get depressed. I know this about myself! I’m not ashamed of it; it’s just part of what it means to be human in a broken world. But! When these problems start creeping up on me, or become overwhelming, that’s my cue; it’s like little yellow flags waving or red lights blinking, warning me, “Go to Scripture, Joni! go to Scripture; go to Scripture; go to God’s promises; go to the Word!” And thankfully, I’ve got at least enough maturity to do just that. 2 Timothy 2:1 explains what I need when I get fearful or discouraged. It simply says, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
To be strong in the grace of Jesus is to remember three things; this, according to the Puritan, Thomas Boston. And I already know that my physical challenges set me up for failure, so, number one, “Be ready for action,” he says. Luke chapter 12 says to gird your loins and keep your light burning. In other words, be diligent. Know that tough times will undoubtedly come, so get prepared. Don’t you be blindsided; don’t be surprised when fiery ordeals test your faith. Be ready for action, and you won’t be totally ambushed by your emotions.
I mean, they who have a mind for heaven, must be strong; they’ve got to be ready for action.
Next – be ready for action – and be resolved. What was King David’s advice to his son who was about to build God’s temple? He said, “Be strong and do it.” Just do it. Do not get diverted by your feelings. I mean, there are times I have just kept repeating the promises of God over and over and over as though my life depended on it. And it does. Why do I do it? Because I am resolved to stay hopeful in Christ. I’m committed; I’m not going to succumb to fear and discouragement and worry. It’s what courage looks like in the face of hard times.
So, be ready for action, be resolved, and the third thing? Thomas Boston says to “be in Christ.” Trust and embrace Him. Flee to Him; confide to Him. Confess and repent and empty yourself before Him. Make nothing of yourself and everything of Him. Now, there is so much more to say, and if you struggle with serious depression and bad mood swings, go to joniradio.org today and ask for our booklet on bipolar disorder by Dr. Ed Welch. Even if you don’t struggle with depression, it’s great advice for anyone who struggles with the blues. So, get your free copy today at joniradio.org.
Oh, and one more thing. I want to send you a copy of our Joni and Friends newsletter. So, just go to joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Help for Extreme Mood Swings
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Help for Extreme Mood SwingsBipolar disorder is confusing and difficult both for those who struggle with the disorder and those who care for them. Edward T. Welch applies God’s Word to this serious, life-dominating disorder and offers practical strategies for change. Rejoice in the hope of God’s grace as you or your loved one face the daily challenges of bipolar disorder.
