Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast, changing day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the wind was blowing and the clouds hid the sky, so no stars were visible. Since the oak trees are in their shedding stage, our porch and yard are covered with brown leaves. However, our kind friend who does our yard, gave me an electric blower, so when the wind dies down, I can blow everything instead of the sweeping.! God is good!
I have to confess, I am a saver. I save prayer requests and various other things. Some of the personal ones, I put in my treasure box. But today I decided it was time to clean up for the new year, and in reading over the requests I had saved, I could clearly see God's Hand at work in answering. Sometimes it takes a while to see the answers, but even though I forget that I have prayed for certain things, God does not forget, and in His time, He will answer.
Sometimes, I will receive an email, or response from someone who has asked for prayer and that is always heartwarming to read and hear. Yesterday, I had a few errands to run, and shopping to do, and even though I didn't ask, at a couple intersections where I usually have to wait a long time for traffic to clear..I was able to move right out! I praised God for it. Little things mean a lot! God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find inspiration and encouragement in times of depression?
Proverbs 16:20 Those who listen ti instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be happy.
John 15:11 I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
When we are depressed, we need to stop listening to the voices of discouragement, and listen instead to God's word. The instructions in God's word help us to recognize the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil that fuel our depression. Trusting the Lord and his word bring us unshakable joy.
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weadnesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.
When we are weak we may be more receptive to the Lord's strength. When God works through our weakness we know it is his work and not ours.
Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Depression is one of the ways God gets us to rest and to finally slow down long enough to be with the Lord. As we come to Him through prayer and the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens us--often in ways we cannot explain.
Romans 8:31-32 What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son, but gave him up for ua all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?
Never underestimate the power of God's affirmation and his willingness to give us all we need for this life. Everything else we need is minimal compared with the infinite and costly gift of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
