Hold tight to the joys and blessings in life. Let go of the Heartbreak.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Family & Friends
“A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.” — Donna Roberts
"The love of family can keep you warm during the loneliest of nights."- Anonymous
I was reminded recently of the truth in these quotes. I was feeling defeated. I was feeling completely helpless, not able to see out from the dark place I was in. This is the place where Satan lies to you and tells you that you are alone. It's so hard to ignore his lie. So, reaching for a sort of emotional life vest, I posted my feelings on Facebook, all the while feeling completely selfish and self-absorbed. But through that, God shined a spotlight on the truth: that I have family and friends who love me and who care about me. They encouraged me and prayed for me as only true friends and loved ones can. I was overwhelmed and at times surprised.
The point? Simply put, Satan is a liar, and the truth is I am loved and so are you! So, when depression tries to knock you down into this pit of lies, remember this point and let those who care about you help lift you up.
God's Love
No matter how much we are loved by our friends and family, no one can love us more than God! His love is taller, wider, deeper, truer and more reaching than any person's love. This is the one truth that Satan really wants us to forget. DON'T!!! God created us, sees and knows all of our flaws, problems and failures (even though we try to hide them) and loves us anyway. Unconditionally, eternally, sweetly and without limits. It takes my breath away when I realize this. It's a love that we can't fully comprehend and yet know instinctively when we find it. Jesus loves us forever. His Spirit is a sword, a blanket, a hug, a poem, a song and a shield all at once. When we grasp this truth, depression has to fall away. It can't stand up to that kind of love. I know from experience that Satan will try everything he can to keep you from God's love. But as I press in and let grace and mercy wash over my soul, I am transformed and given a joy that is durable. Durable just like Jesus. A love that conquers all, even death.
“God’s unconditional love is a very difficult concept for people to accept because, in the world, there’s always payment for everything we receive. It’s just how things work here. But God is not like people!” Joyce Meyer
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
Hobbies & Talents
Satan, through depression, tries to steal these from you. This depression tries to devalue what God has put in your heart and soul to do. For me, that's playing the violin (a.k.a. Violetta), writing (especially poetry), dancing to my Zumba game, and worshiping God through music. I find that I have to fight to do these things at times, but when I do my spirit is lifted. God is good and all His gifts are good. When we enjoy them and use them for His glory, we win! So, do whatever it is God has gifted you to do and see where it takes you!
Things in your life that Inspire Beauty
