PROTECTING YOUR
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable
whatever is just, whatever is pure, what ever is lovely,
whatever is commendable - if there is any moral excellence
and if there is any praise - dwell on these things.
-
Philippians 4:7-8
FOCUS FOR TODAY
When negative emotions threaten
to hijack your day, lift your thoughts -
and your prayers - to God.
Emotional health isn't simply the absence of sadness; it's also the ability to enjoy life and the wisdom to celebrate God's gifts. Christians have every reason to be optimistic about life. As John Calvin observed, "There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice." But sometimes. when we are tired or frustrated, rejoicing seems only a distant promise. Thankfully, God stands ready to restore us: "I will give you a new heart and out a new spirit in you." (Ezekiel 36:26) Our task, or course, is to let Him.
If you're feeling deeply discouraged or profoundly depressed, then it's time to seriously address the state of your emotional health. First, open your heart to God in prayer.Then talk to trusted family members, friends, and your pastor. And, if you or someone close to you considers it wise, seek advice from your physician or make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional.
When your emotional health is at stake, you should avail yourself of every reasonable resource. Then, armed with the promises of your creator and the support of family and friends, you can go about your business of solving the challenges that confront you. When you do, the clouds will eventually part, and the sun will shine once more upon your soul.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
If you're feeling deeply discouraged or profoundly depressed, then it's time to seriously address the state of your emotional health. First, open your heart to God in prayer.Then talk to trusted family members, friends, and your pastor. And, if you or someone close to you considers it wise, seek advice from your physician or make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional.
When your emotional health is at stake, you should avail yourself of every reasonable resource. Then, armed with the promises of your creator and the support of family and friends, you can go about your business of solving the challenges that confront you. When you do, the clouds will eventually part, and the sun will shine once more upon your soul.
FOOD FOR THOUGHTWEIGHT LOSS MADE SIMPLE
It's really very simple: to lose weight, expend more energy and take in fewer calories. To gain weight, do the opposite. Likewise, the cure for obesity is also simple, but implementing that cure isn't. Weight loss takes lots of planning and lots of discipline. But with God's help, you're up to the task.
MORE FROM GOD'S WORD
Matthew 6:25
New International Version (NIV)
Philippians 4:6
New International Version (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 6:34
New International Version (NIV)
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Psalm 23:4
New International Version (NIV)
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Isaiah 43:2-3
New International Version (NIV)
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
The busier we are, the easier it is to worry, the greater temptation to worry, the greater the need to be alone with God. - Charles Stanley
We sometimes fear to bring our troubles to God because we think they seem to small for Him. But, if they are large enough to vex and endanger our welfare, they are large enough to touch His heart of love. - R.A. Torrey
A God wise enough to create me and the world that I live in is wise enough to watch out for me. - Philip Yancey
Worry does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrow; it empties today of it's strength. - Corrie ten Boom
The spiritual life is a life beyond moods. It is a life in which we choose joy and do not allow our selves to become victims of passing feelings of happiness or depression. - Henri Mouwen
SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION
It's been said, and with good reason, that depression is the common cold of mental illness. Why? Because depression is such a common malady. But make no mistake: depression is a serious condition that, if left untreated can take a terrible toll on individuals and families alike.
The sadness that accompanies any significant loss is an inevitable fact of life. In time sadness runs it's course and gradually abates. Depression, on the other hand is a physical and emotional condition that is, in almost all cases, treatable with medication and counseling. Depression is not a disease to be taken lightly. Left untreated, it presents a real dangers to patients' physical health and to their emotional well-being.
If you find yourself feeling "blue", perhaps it's a logical reaction to the ups and downs of everyday life. But id your feelings of sadness have gone on longer then they should - or if someone close to you fears that your sadness may have evolved into clinical depression - it's time to seek professional help. Consider the following:
- If you have persistent urges toward self-destructive behavior, or if you feel as though you have lost the will to live, consult a professional counselor or physician immediately.
- If you experience persistence and prolonged changes in sleep patterns, or if you experience a significant change in weight (either gain or loss), consult with your physician.
- If you are plagued by consistent, prolonged, severe feelings of hopelessness, consult a physician or professional counselor.
WORKING IT OUT
WALK MORE, RIDE LESS
In earlier times,our forefathers (and mothers) walked a lot. In these times, we walk a little. Our ancestors had it right - walking is healthy, and most of us should walk more than we do.
BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Emotional health is contagious, and so is emotional distress. If you're fortunate enough to be surrounded by family members and friends who celebrate life and praise God, consider yourself profoundly blessed. But, it's time to look realistically at your situation and begin making changes.
Don't worry about changing other people: you can't do it. What you can do is to conduct yourself in a responsible fashion and insist that other people treat you with the dignity and consideration that you deserve.
In a perfect world filled with perfect people, our relationships too, would be perfect. But none of us are perfect and neither are our relationships...and that's okay. As we work to make our imperfect relationships a little happier and healthier, we grow as individuals and as families. But, if we find ourselves in relationships that are debilitating or dangerous, then changes must be made, and soon.
If you find yourself caught up in a personal relationship that is bringing havoc into your life, and if you can't seem to find the courage to do something about it, don't hesitate to consult your pastor. Or, you may seek the advice of a trusted friend or a professional trained counselor. But whatever you do, don't be satisfied with the status quo. God has great plans for your life; He has promised you the joy and abundance that can be yours through Him. But to fully experience God's gifts, you need happy, emotionally healthy people to share them with. It's up to you to make sure that you will do your part to build the kinds of relationships that will enrich your life and allow you to enrich the lives of your loved ones.
MORE FROM GOD'S WORD ABOUT
THE DIRECTION OF YOUR THOUGHTS
Colossians 3:2
New International Version (NIV)
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
1 Corinthians 14:20
New International Version (NIV)
20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23
New International Version (NIV)
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Psalm 19:14
New International Version (NIV)
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Proverbs 16:3
New International Version (NIV)
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
and he will establish your plans.
NOTES TO YOURSELF
Write down at least three things you're worried about, and then ask God to help you turn those worries over to Him.
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