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"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:13-14)
A helpful reaction in times of crisis is to search for the good, the positive, or the silver lining. Find the bright shaft of sunlight that is penetrating through the ominous and foreboding clouds in your life. I am so grateful to God for His power and strength that He provides moment by moment, enabling me to look to Him and serve Him at all times.
There is much for which to be positive and thankful. Recently, the Washington Post had an article about a new treatment for depression. Jim Denison, in commenting on the article, writes, "The Washington Post reported this week on a 'promising new depression therapy' that 'focuses on finding paths to joy.' The article notes that while depression treatments seek mostly to decrease negative emotions, a recent study found that increasing positive ones might be more effective. 'Positive affect treatment,' or PAT, is designed to help people find more meaning, connection, and joy in their lives. Patients are taught a variety of skills that boost mood, such as introducing positive activities into their lives and focusing on their enjoyment of these experiences. Clinical trials indicate that this can help people change the neural pathways in their brains to feel more positive emotions and less negative ones." ( Source.)
I know a great way all of us can change the neural pathways in our brains, and that is by reading and meditating on the Word of God. It is the greatest mental, emotional, and spiritual therapy one can engage in. God's Word is unlike anything written. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:22 about the power of the Scriptures: "For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh."
I am all for new treatments and progress in treating depression. I have been acquainted with the dark cloud of gloom as many of you have as well. I praise God for the victories that He gives me in this battle with anxiety, but I still must choose to do what the Apostle Paul said we all must do, and that is reach forward and press on. Thank You, Lord, that in heaven there is no worry, fear, anxiety, depression or anything that does not glorify Christ!
To move forward is a choice. You can do one of two things in a crisis: step forward and get busy doing what you know is right, or instead, step backward, cocoon, and become isolated and focused only on you and your problems. |
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