I have had several responses to the article I wrote last week concerning the importance of waiting on the Lord.  Some of these women are really struggling with depression and the feeling of despair.  I think I understand somewhat what they are saying now.  These past several weeks have been tough ones for me as well.  With all the financial burdens of a tight economy, the impact of raising children for the Lord 24/7, running a family business, missing my mother (who passed away almost a year ago), and having more things to do than I have time, it’s been easy to get discouraged.  My husband and my father recognized this long before I did.  As a result, my wise and loving husband decided that I needed a long overdue break.  Since it was our 20th anniversary, he sent the kids to our friend’s home and took me to the town where our courting days began.  For three days we spent time renewing our marriage and renewing the memories of days gone by.  I never dreamed that I was so burnt out until I was able to take a step back from it all.  After some much needed sleep, exercise, spiritual refreshment, and loving care from my husband, I am able to begin again with the important ministry of motherhood.  I have been reading one of the books we sell in our bookstore, “Lies Women Believe” and I have especially been interested in the section on “Emotions”. 

Psalm 42:5,6 says “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: For I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.  O my God, my soul is cast down within me: Therefore will I remember thee… (vs.8) yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.”

This passage reminds us that it is vitally important that when we are feeling down or overwhelmed, it is necessary to immediately turn to the Lord. No matter how things are going in our life, we should acknowledge God and ask Him to direct us in responding to the various situations properly.  Our goal is to glorify God in all we do and say.  We cannot do this if we are turning to other people or other things instead of going to God in His Word and in prayer.  There is a place for other people (as a means of encouragement).  In James, the importance of other believers ministering to those who are hurting is emphasized.  God has placed individuals in our lives for a purpose.  However, let’s make sure that going to God and seeking his desires is first in line.  God has given us so many promises that we can cling to.  For example:  God promises to always be with us (Matt.28:20).  Philippians 4:19 promises that God will meet all our needs.  John 14:27 states that we don’t have to fear, no matter what our circumstances are.  As my husband reminded me this week, “Phil. 4:6 tells us that we don’t need to worry about ANYTHING”.  We can’t forget I Thess. 5:18.  “Give thanks in all things”!  It’s mighty hard to be depressed if you are singing praises to the Lord!

As Nancy DeMoss stated in her book, “Lies Women Believe”, when we fix our minds on Christ and bring every thought into subjection to the Truth, the Holy Spirit sanctifies our emotions and grants supernatural grace, comfort, and peace.  II Corinthians 10:5 b says, “We take every thought to make it obedient to Christ”.  

This week, I have renewed my desire to the Lord to dwell on Him and not on the circumstances around me.  With God’s help, may I have renewed energy and strength as I learn to lean on God’s promises.  May you do likewise in the days ahead!   Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece

THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE; BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE!  Isaiah 26:3

*Various books mentioned are available through www.godseternalmasterpiece.com.