Whispers From God 16a

Why is quiet time with the Lord on a daily basis so hard for us to do yet so necessary? Why is saying no to those extra calories so hard for us to do yet so necessary? Why is saying no to buying that pair of shoes that you do not need so hard for us yet so necessary? Why is exercising so hard for us to do yet so necessary? Why is forgiveness so hard for us to do yet so necessary?

We have the answer to those questions in Hebrews 12:10-12:

Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on,however, it yields a peaceful harvest of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.…

In regards to forgiveness, it is pretty simple, “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15  Do you struggle forgiving yourself? Dr. Michelle wrote an awesome article on forgiving yourself and I have linked it here.

This week listening to God while reading Dr. Michelle Bengtson book on depression, Hope Prevails as I am part of her launch team. I find myself applying the truths written in the book. A wonderful quote from the book,

“Only when I started to understand what depression does to us spiritually, as well as what it cannot do, and then started cooperating with God did I finally begin to experience the chains of depressions falling off.’

What does depression have to do with lack of discipline you ask? Well for me, when I am in the depths of despair from depression I do not want to do anything.

Dr. Michelle shares,

“Without hope, what reason do we have to get up in the morning? With hope, we want to move forward, press on, get to the other side, and then share with others what we have learned to offer them hope during their time of trial.” #HopePrevails

“The enemy of our soul thrives on keeping us in darkness and unable to live in the fullness God created us to be.” #HopePrevails

So why is quiet time important? Why is saying no to temptation important? Why is exercising import? Why is forgiving important? All of these things play an important part in healing from depression.  Dr. Michelle Bengtson book releasing on August 16, 2016, I can hardly wait to buy my copy?  As always for those who can not afford a copy if you would like a copy please contact me at blessingsrockwell@gmail.com

Beloved, do you struggle with depression? do you struggle with forgiveness of others, yourself? do you have a daily quiet time? do you struggle with exercise?

Father God, we thank you that you give us your word, you gave us Jesus, you call us to forgive others as you forgave us that includes forgiving ourselves. Father, I ask for those that are suffering with depression will find help from Dr. Michelle Bengtson’s book. Lord, I pray for Dr. Michelle that you give her an extra measure of strength. I pray today for those reading this prayer that you would prevent the enemy of their soul from stealing the fullness that God created them to be. We claim our healing and hope in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen