Thursday, February 4, 2021

Reflection - Health and Frailties - Turn to Christ for help with Depression

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART IV: HEALTH AND FRAILTIES, Chapter 28, "Dealing with Depression", Question 2, Page 186.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


How does turning to Christ help us when we are depressed?
PHOTO: How does turning to Christ help us when we are depressed?
Spiritual writer Kathleen Fischer notes that in the case of Abraham and Sarah, we can find the dual themes of humour and human limitation on the one hand, and hope and human possibility on the other. The old couple suffered, not surprisingly, from infertility, and laughed when told that they were about to become parents (Genesis 17:17; 18:12). But God has the last laugh, and when their son was born, they named him "Laughter" (Isaac). God enters our fruitless lives and changes everything.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had downcast faces because Jesus had been crucified (Luke 24:17). The risen Christ joined them and explained the Scripture to them (Luke 24:27). Then He joined them at a meal, and their eyes were opened and they recognised Him (Luke 24:30-31). Their hearts were thrilled and they ran joyfully to the other disciples to tell them the good news. Jesus then appeared to them saying, "Peace be with you", and told them not to be troubled (Luke 24:36-38).


How would you help someone who is struggling with depression?
Some may feel depressed and socially marginalised with advancing years. Anglican priest Michael Butler and psychotherapist Ann Orbach describe what it's like:
"Getting old may feel like acting in a play where the rest of the cast is new and most of the props have changed. There is something familiar about the plot, but we have smaller parts to play, with a lot of time waiting in the wings before making a final bow. For many people, the worst fear is to be 'unwept, unhonoured and unsung', but serenity comes through managing not to mind."

Help someone who is struggling with depression by achieving serenity through managing not to mind.


What would you say and do?
What I would say to those with depression: "Put your hope in God"

The psalmist asks himself, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" (Psalm 42:11). He answers his own question with what he has learned about God - that God is trustworthy and full of love for us. He therefore tells himself, "Put your hope in God" (Psalm 42:11).

We may get depressed when we look at ourselves and our circumstances, but when we lift our eyes and thoughts to God, we will see another perspective and receive comfort, courage, and strength. The "twilight time", writes Joan Chittister, "has its own tasks, its burdens, its subtle gifts to give us."

What I would do to those who are having depression:
Besides seeking medical help, confiding in others or joining a support group, and taking common sense measures like having good meals and adequate exercise, encourage the depressed to turn to Christ, who gives us peace (from depression).
Picture posted by Big Hugs, Jane on 26 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisG0eCEkqX18xCKumCNVaL5BGrtfgM2AZ1MRXpBF1g8udwtoqdX5nrqZTYttGwUDTURbsFuGUp0scxGQvI6Il9b7Btp7RJwBqB0pYw7kP6vcVc1Xi7PVEB34nntkqU3qtKmK4IPBRCNY/s1000/Prayers-to-overcome-fear-anxiety-and-stress_1.png
https://positivelyjane.net/blog/praying-through-the-fear/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/02/reflection-health-and-frailties-dealing.html
 

How does turning to Christ help us when we are depressed? How would you help someone who is struggling with depression? What would you say and do?
 
How does turning to Christ help us when we are depressed? [1]
Spiritual writer Kathleen Fischer notes that in the case of Abraham and Sarah, we can find the dual themes of humour and human limitation on the one hand, and hope and human possibility on the other. [104] The old couple suffered, not surprisingly, from infertility, and laughed when told that they were about to become parents (Genesis 17:17; 18:12). But God has the last laugh, and when their son was born, they named him "Laughter" (Isaac). God enters our fruitless lives and changes everything.


In the case of Abraham and Sarah, the old couple suffered, not surprisingly, from infertility, and laughed when told that they were about to become parents (Genesis 17:17; 18:12).
PHOTO: In the case of Abraham and Sarah, the old couple suffered, not surprisingly, from infertility, and laughed when told that they were about to become parents (Genesis 17:17; 18:12). But God has the last laugh, and when their son was born, they named him "Laughter" (Isaac). God enters our fruitless lives and changes everything.
Picture posted by keralapool.com

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkK2GcZBiIIWlwPXKNZRYlI6r-6AVPanYNlcXvDvqadQfWaxg01OMHcfL9wAHPx8AbS2bGwxWBfrbmJLrSV7J3Gh22SMF6hY43ryguigJytpjF3tIhcC7hPpUHGBj2fxVSFozBcFg_JY/s1200/4640666c6e9feca58909d824c62725e4.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/46/40/66/4640666c6e9feca58909d824c62725e4.jpg
https://www.keralapool.com/photos/abraham-sarah-and-isaac.html



The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had downcast faces because Jesus had been crucified (Luke 24:17). The risen Christ joined them and explained the Scripture to them (Luke 24:27). Then He joined them at a meal, and their eyes were opened and they recognised Him (Luke 24:30-31). Their hearts were thrilled and they ran joyfully to the other disciples to tell them the good news. Jesus then appeared to them saying, "Peace be with you", and told them not to be troubled (Luke 24:36-38).


The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had downcast faces because Jesus had been crucified (Luke 24:17).
PHOTO:
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had downcast faces because Jesus had been crucified (Luke 24:17). The risen Christ joined them and explained the Scripture to them (Luke 24:27). Then He joined them at a meal, and their eyes were opened and they recognised Him (Luke 24:30-31). Their hearts were thrilled and they ran joyfully to the other disciples to tell them the good news. Jesus then appeared to them saying, "Peace be with you", and told them not to be troubled (Luke 24:36-38). 
 

How would you help someone who is struggling with depression? [1]
Some may feel depressed and socially marginalised with advancing years. Anglican priest Michael Butler and psychotherapist Ann Orbach describe what it's like:
"Getting old may feel like acting in a play where the rest of the cast is new and most of the props have changed. There is something familiar about the plot, but we have smaller parts to play, with a lot of time waiting in the wings before making a final bow. For many people, the worst fear is to be 'unwept, unhonoured and unsung', but serenity comes through managing not to mind." [102]

Help someone who is struggling with depression by achieving serenity through managing not to mind.


Help someone who is struggling with depression by achieving serenity through managing not to mind.
Help someone who is struggling with depression by achieving serenity through managing not to mind.
PHOTO: Help someone who is struggling with depression by achieving serenity through managing not to mind.
Some may feel depressed and socially marginalised with advancing years. For many people, the worst fear is to be
'unwept, unhonoured and unsung', but serenity comes through managing not to mind.
Picture saved by Nadie to Necromancy
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2d/df/71/2ddf71c3c6359a479fe3cd261414cd42.jpg
https://www.pinterest.es/pin/847028642412544471/



What would you say and do? [1]
What I would say to those with depression: "Put your hope in God"

The psalmist asks himself, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" (Psalm 42:11). He answers his own question with what he has learned about God - that God is trustworthy and full of love for us. He therefore tells himself, "Put your hope in God" (Psalm 42:11).


The psalmist asks himself, 'Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?' (Psalm 42:11).
PHOTO:
The psalmist asks himself, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" (Psalm 42:11). He answers his own question with what he has learned about God - that God is trustworthy and full of love for us. He therefore tells himself, "Put your hope in God" (Psalm 42:11).
Picture posted by Dianna on 01 May 2017 - Psalms 42:11

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8iBJOHZP6J0wLRTNGefUhSF2epH6c85lqWGKSt3JmTew3i-jwbcXZrSmBqlOU8JFzPJwkqR1i3Xo13ulsSt6WG8uvTtlJE6DqIHSTUiBIQK-hsFuJuVzo1Wd5kDn07ZFki8nYgWfEjY/s800/ps-42-11.png
https://diannaauton.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/ps-42-11.png
https://diannaauton.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/psalms-4211/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/02/reflection-health-and-frailties-dealing.html



We may get depressed when we look at ourselves and our circumstances, but when we lift our eyes and thoughts to God, we will see another perspective and receive comfort, courage, and strength. The "twilight time", writes Joan Chittister, "has its own tasks, its burdens, its subtle gifts to give us." [103]


We may get depressed when we look at ourselves and our circumstances, but when we lift our eyes and thoughts to God, we will see another perspective and receive comfort, courage, and strength.
PHOTO: We may get depressed when we look at ourselves and our circumstances, but when we lift our eyes and thoughts to God, we will see another perspective and receive comfort, courage, and strength.
Picture posted by Depositphotos

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgndbYc9iuYWmi3PnDGdJtXFCJXbMSzolV-vR5uVoDhROLmKJPwKQg8qWrzBOepD0gyYtBHqnnmYUhPqYeYFw_bPDMkOffv6gWi96IneZ3OfmlPtSrb9hZFdnZSZyFkH8-BVd1Fszq66E/s1600/depositphotos_281207374_11.png
https://st4.depositphotos.com/1037473/28120/i/1600/depositphotos_281207374-stock-photo-remorseregretsfearanxietyuncertainty-in-a-young-woman.jpg
https://br.depositphotos.com/281207374/stock-photo-remorseregretsfearanxietyuncertainty-in-a-young-woman.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/02/reflection-health-and-frailties-dealing.html



What I would do to those who are having depression:
Besides seeking medical help, confiding in others or joining a support group, and taking common sense measures like having good meals and adequate exercise, encourage the depressed to turn to Christ, who gives us peace (from depression).


Besides seeking medical help, confiding in others or joining a support group, and taking common sense measures like having good meals and adequate exercise, we must turn ultimately to Christ, who gives us peace.
PHOTO: Besides seeking medical help, confiding in others or joining a support group, and taking common sense measures like having good meals and adequate exercise, we must turn ultimately to Christ, who gives us peace.
Picture posted by tumblr

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGJ41PDCcXWqJ0HpvpFVqwsGEQZqVQ1pMSGI9DxjHwBHUKMtL9M505mvisj6cp5GjfD_DIxc0hctC5tkYdtyg6BZtvYfZG7tomE2urafT_wTHnzMBK91LEpn75T62ONawatdNF9fv3KA/s994/tumblr_cf5de1722c2f0970cc26bc37fb40794f_4e8604ed_1280_1.png
https://64.media.tumblr.com/43ab61bb8c2764942b2b0c0b73936626/tumblr_oul0cqFo2r1u19ezpo1_1280.jpg - (tumblr_cf5de1722c2f0970cc26bc37fb40794f_4e8604ed_1280_1.png)
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, the Bible has shown us that when we are depressed, God enters our fruitless lives and changes everything. Just like in the case of Abraham and Sarah, the old couple suffered from infertility, God overcome their human limitation, and has them give birth to their son, Isaac.

In another case, two disciples on the road to Emmaus had downcast faces because Jesus had been crucified. The risen Christ joined them and explained the Scripture to them. Then He joined them at a meal, and their eyes were opened and they recognised Him. Their hearts were thrilled and they ran joyfully to the other disciples to tell them the good news. Jesus then appeared to them saying, ‘Peace be with you’, and told them not to be troubled.

Lord, help us to help those who are struggling with depression to achieve serenity through managing not to mind the worst fear of being 'unwept, unhonoured and unsung'. This is so especially during our advancing years when we feel depressed and socially marginalised.

Help us to say to those with depression: ‘Put your hope in God’, just like the psalmist answers his own question with what he has learned about God - that God is trustworthy and full of love for us.

We may get depressed when we look at ourselves and our circumstances, but when we lift our eyes and thoughts to God, help us to see another perspective and receive comfort, courage, and strength.

Besides seeking medical help, confiding in others or joining a support group, and taking common sense measures like having good meals and adequate exercise, help us to encourage the depressed to turn to Christ, who can give us peace from depression.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
"
Picture posted by Вячеслав on 29 August 2018 at 21:58:40
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http://vyacheslavromantik.mybb.ru/viewtopic.php?id=1305#p31299

 
Reflection - Health and Frailties - Turn to Christ for help with Depression
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART IV: HEALTH AND FRAILTIES, Chapter 28, "Dealing with Depression", Question 2, Page 186.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



Other Books

Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART IV: HEALTH AND FRAILTIES, Chapter 28, "Dealing with Depression", Page 185-186.

[102] Michael Butler and Ann Orbach, Being Your Age: Pastoral Care for Older People (London: SPCK, 1993), 62-63.

[103] Joan D. Chittister, The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully (New York: Bluebridge, 2008), 221.

[104] Fischer, Winter Grace, 126.


Links
Other Books - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-books-links.html


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Luke 24:30-31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A30-31&version=NIV

Luke 24:36-38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A36-38&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV