#12 - What can we do? The Fight to Beat Depression. And, the Power of Prayer. 1 Thes 5:14, 1 Thes 5:17, 1 Pet 5:7.

I have one message for you. in two parts.

1 everything is going to be alright.

2 The little ones must come first. Keep them safe.

You though, living in "these difficult last days" of this "wicked generation" and "system of things", PLEASE, hold on! Just turn the page, and catch your breath if possible, “A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism” says Proverbs 14:30.

Do your utmost, to make it you goal, to “just see” for yourself, how things turn out.

Maybe you will be surprised.

I know age and sickness can be tiring too, despite your circumstance, your life is valuable, and you have merit. Jehovah promises, “No resident will say, ‘I am Sick’”. Isaiah 33:24.

Turn the page and hold on. War, Covid, violence and bullying too can cause fear anxiety and distress, Hold on, turn the page.

If you are in a pit, that is, in a dangerous unsafe environment,, or thoroughly depressed, pray! Let God know your situation, he cares about you. Jehovah is our Shepheard. he may not be able to step in for you today, but your trust in him will be rewarded.

The prophecies the Lord Jesus said to watch for have mostly occurred. Jesus himself said; "But as these things start to occur, raise yourself erect and LIFT YOUR HEADS UP, because your deliverance is getting near." Luke 21:28. That is, instead of allowing life and stress drag us down with the flood of life's problems and negative emotion, let these things give us focus, strength and confidence that things will improve. Jesus said life would be hard in out time period, personally and through the Apostles. Not only for each individual, but for all life.

When we are distressed, we tend to look inwards, focusing internally, blaming ourselves, really focusing on the hurt in our hearts. Obviously this can only drag us down further, correct?

But when we "lift our heads up, we see what's going on around us.

We can then focus on the needs of others and in turn what can personally see what can be done to improve our life, and spiritually. We then begin to see a better tomorrow, for us, our loved ones and creation. "All things ARE possible for one who has faith", Mt 17;20.

Try then not to dwell on life's challenges but look forward to the future, while you seek the joys of life that ARE there if you pay attention.

The future is already a certainty, He can see a new day for you, so hold on, we can have confidence based on God's promises, which have never failed, not one word.

I personally struggled with major depression for decades, I still have my moments, but instead of taking weeks or months to pick myself up, it now only takes a day or three.

I now focus on good things now and in future, instead of pain. Of course days can be tough but with evidence based faith, it's easier to deal with. Texts like that found at 1 Thes 5;14. "Speak consolingly to the depressed souls". And 1 Thes 5;17, "Pray incessantly". Show that life was difficult for even the early Christians. Also, as this was recorded in God's word, doesn't this tell you that The Living God is well aware of your fight. He will keep your tears, Ps 56;8 says, "Keep my tears in your skin bottle". King David was confident that God was aware of his pain. He is aware of yours also. Hold on, Turn the page. "He cares for you". 1 Pet 5;7, "Throw ALL your anxiety on Him, because..... He cares for you". Yes! Even you!

What can you do?

Work out little techniques to control your thinking. I would even sing nursery rhymes to myself to get my mind re-focused. Whatever works for you, keep at it. Each time you try, it gets just a fraction easier.

You are worth the effort, turn the page, just keep breathing.

Also, focus on the external, on what you can do to help yourself and others.

The wise man Solomon wrote: "My son, (or daughter) to my wisdom o do pat attention. To my discernment incline your ears, so as TO SAFEGAURD THINKING ABILITY; and may your own lips safeguard knowledge itself". Keep learning from wise ones around you, set goals you can achieve and work towards as draw close to God.

(Added later) I will share with you a technique I had to self teach.

When my depression was severe, the only thought going through my head due to the pain from my depression was, "i wish I was dead". This went on for weeks, even months at a time. What started it?

I had a self loathing for past mistakes and I suspect a Hormonal trigger and potentially a Genetic tendency. I have lost a number of relatives to depression and suicide.

Every time then, during my day to day life that I had a negative thought. like "I'M too stupid", or "I'm a bad father or husband" Not evidence based but usually based on fear and self doubt. I would then spiral out of control, helpless to stop it. Why? My heart believed it, even if my head knew otherwise. Until I began to control my heart with my thoughts. How?

I reflected on a childhood experience that helped my heart to get a grip on reality and stop believing the lies that popped into my head.

When I was young, from time to time I would swim in the ocean with my brother. (He also suffered severe depression) At times we would swim out past the breakers.

Not being a very strong swimmer, I would feel a little fear. I could touch the sand with my feet, until. The swell would roll in! It would raise me off of the Sea floor. Whoops! Fear would kick in.

"Am I out too far?" "Can I get back if I am"? Interestingly, it is a similar fear I felt in my heart when I would think, "I'm Just Not Good Enough"!

But, If I waited a bit......... The swell would begin to pass, and .... wait for it! ..... I could feel myself lowering in the water, and...wait for it.... and... Yes! Sand!

My toes would just touch the sand and a wave of relief would come over me.

Of course I would begin heading back in and Not! Push my limits.

O.K. How does this apply to my depression bouts? I clicked one day, IF I apply the same attitude to my depression, Maybe, just Maybe it might help.

I realised that the absolute exhaustion that you go through mentally when in a bout of depression, eventually caused a reset of sorts. But If I done my own reset, It may finish earlier?

I began to see, that instead of the 5 or 6 weeks average state of severe depression, it began to shorten.

This is how I did it, I, as usual, Had a negative thought or experience that triggered doubt. Which led to a depressive state.

But now, instead of allowing it to consume me, I knew it would PASS eventually and I would FEEL relief.

So, I would remind myself, WAIT for it, WAIT for it, be calm, keep breathing, focus.

And instead of 6 weeks, it was 3. Then after some months of doping this it would only be a couple of weeks. Now, as I mentioned earlier, only 3 days maximum and I'm O.K.

So, Can you try to remain calm? Can you think of something like my experience in the surf that You can apply? Like the relief of the calm you sense after days of rain and Storms or cold.

Eventually, what happens? The Sun shines again, the trees and earth smell fresh, newly cleaned.

Yes. after a storm there is some changes, but! A new chapter begins, correct? If you wait calmly, It inevitably comes, Doesn't It?

You think for yourself, Ask, How can I cope better with stress, anxiety, depression, mental illness, a failing brain? Is getting upset going to help? Really?

My advice, teach yourself techniques to recover more quickly from bad situations. Don't allow your heart to drag you down deeper. Don't allow your fears to win, EVERY battle.

But Gently and without hating yourself, Keep Calm, Keep regaining your focus. ASK yourself, How long will I be Grieving this way? Not living? How long will I hold a grudge with So and So? And so on. Even set yourself a limit for being angry, sad, depressed. It can work IF you train your heart.

I hope this is useful to you.

I personally want you to succeed in your fight for self. Raise yourself erect, you can do it.

Let your love (concuer) all fears. You can do it, TURN the page and HOLD ON.

Sorry I cant remember how to spell that word and my computer doesn't know what I'm going on about, lol. I mean to win the battle in defeating and enemy, Do you know the word I mean?

Anyway! Hold on, you are important. Even if you can't see it today, God can see your joy and worth, even your glory in the future. Of course don't think too much of yourself, ever.

Not more than we should. May you be blessed in your efforts to not succumb to Depression or suicide. We have much to see, much to learn. Warm love, Man In expectation :)

Continued from original text.

The Power Prayer

Pray to God for help and be patient, it takes a time to start to win the battle with depression and other internal fights.

How can we do so and be sure our prayer is heard by God?

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus indicates some vital factors so as to have a hearing ear, Matthew 6:1-15. Do not say the same thing over and over, or pray the prayers of another.

When a child gets home from school, does he or she talk to a picture on the wall or a statue in the garden? No! They walk into the home, and if in an ideal world, and in a loving environment with a loving family, they are greeted with, “tell me, how was your day”? By an interested parent or loved one, someone who genuinely cares.

Similarly, Jesus said we should direct our prayers to the one who also deeply cares about you as a person, the Father, and he mentions that his NAME is important in the Lord’s Prayer. He is the hearer of prayer, Psalms 65:2. And in turn when another is interested in us, we likewise should be interested in what is important to them. Not even to Jesus should our prayers be directed.

Jesus continues that we should pray for Gods Kingdom to come, to be our guide. it is God's mechanism for salvation and instruction.

Also pray for what Gods will is, or what is important in the outworking of his will, not only in heaven but also on earth.

Can you see by this suggestion that if we want a relationship, it goes both ways? Then he says mention what we need.

In short pray, Jehovah, Heavenly Father and Grand creator, Loving God or other title of reverence and love your heart is inclined to address him as, in that moment.

Show interest in him by mentioning important things to him. And then tell him about your day, what’s troubling you, what you saw today that you loved or hated. Have a conversation with him as to a trusted friend, be specific. He wants to hear from you.

The moon and sun and stars are impressive but, they can’t thank Jehovah in joy or cry to him in grief, can they? We can!

In our daily lives, try to develop qualities he loves. For example his word says, “Hate what is bad and love what is good”. If in yourself you can see an attitude or a desire for something, not so desirable. Don’t just try to say; “I’m never doing that again”. Or worse “nobody knows”.

We need to think and meditate on issues of importance. Questions like: Why is that bad? What is the outcome of my actions? Why did I say that? What was I hoping to achieve by my actions in that situation? It’s our life, our heart, our actions.

Prepare your heart beforehand, if possible, so as to be fortified before a trial. But remember, we can all still disappoint ourselves. It's a fact. But by Gently redirecting our behaviours, we can make headway.

We must worship with our whole; “mind, heart, soul and strength.” Mark 12: 30. Our “heart is treacherous and is Desperate” says the scriptures, Jeremiah 17:9.

If anyone doesn’t sound Gods feelings of what is good and bad into his heart, he will stumble.

It can take decades to overturn deeply entrenched things, but it can be done. With prayer and thoughtfulness. Time and patience.

Why is this important, Jesus himself explains that “no-one comes to the father except through the Son.” If our prayers are to be heard by God they first must make it past His Son. Jesus then sees to it, that any required action is carried out in Jehovah’s behalf.

Jesus "delights to do" this for you, he wants you to come to his Father in prayer. He will help you too. Never think "I'm just too bad, God won't want to hear from me". Far from the truth, he assures us that "whatever it is that our heart condemns us in" is no problem too big, "for he is greater than our hearts".

When finished our prayer Jesus Suggests we conclude with, "In Jesus name". Recognising the channel of communication and his vital role.

Tomorrow has been foreseen, your future and your tomorrow can be improved by the decisions you make today. Hold on, turn the page. There is no such thing as destiny, Adam had a choice, and so do we.

How Doe’s Prayer Work?

The scriptures explain that Jehovah is the hearer of prayers, Psalm 65:2. A man can hear a radio signal from one side of the earth to the other. Similarly, Jehovah can hear what is in, the heart, of those in tune with Him. By listening to what’s in our hearts and thought, (when invited to do so) We can even do silent prayers, without speaking words, and he hears them.

Often before we say it, he knows it, but like to any parent, your voice is special.

So invite him to "examine your thoughts and your inward parts". Remember free will, he won't pry uninvited. Psalms 26:2.

To continue the illustration of a radio, a receiver is required to focus a signal to the right frequency. Although Jehovah God can do it, but because He needs to remain Holy, as we are all in an unclean state, Christ our Lord has the role of an inbetween.

When does he listen to prayers? He does this in an instant of time. Revelations 8: 1-3. Explains that “A half hour, Silence took place in heaven” Imagine that, all Heavenly activity stopped for half an hour. Why? Just so that Jehovah could listen to us. “the prayers of the holy ones”. Like incense, pleasing to him. A "sweet smelling odour", our "fat pieces" burning before the alter.

Being the creator, “Time” is in his full control. He can in affect take, just a small amount of it, listen to all prayers and know exactly what needs to be carried out, at any point of time, in behalf of his loyal ones, and when.

Time, to Jehovah, is irrelevant, everything is constantly before him.

If you had a time machine, you could theoretically go back in time see what events shaped the future and then go forwards in time and see the results. You could try to adjust events to get a better outcome? Jehovah does not need a Machine. He can by hearing what is important to us and what happens also to even you, can instruct us so we can then make things right for the future. If we are willing to listen.

To a large extent though, he does not interfere. Our choices are our choices. Good or bad. And once time has passed, it’s gone, we can learn from it, but its set. We can’t change the past, just the future.

This however may seem a bit of a conundrum. Why then didn't Jehovah stop Satan, or Adam for that matter? Free will!

We already discussed how we are free moral agents. Even Satan, formerly an Angel “close to his God”, began to think more of himself than was necessary. He in time challenged Jehovah’s, “Right to rule”. Not his ability etc. So, the issue of rightful sovereignty was born.

Was Jehovah within his rights, even as a loving father, to expect his children to want to do what’s right in his eyes? And, would they willingly do it? Satan was banking on the answer being, NO!

But as we also discussed, he, (Satan) was proved a liar.

So yes, Jehovah could use his power to do whatever he wanted to, but then that would likewise be an abuse of power, and negating free will. He himself lives by his own laws, his sense of Justice, placing restrictions on himself. He himself will not break his own requirements. Isn’t that what we have needed from our leaders for millennium? Those who provide stable government with standards and “loving “rules to guide “All”?

The issue raised by Satan has been answered. Now remains judgement, for him and all who side with him, former Angels or his willing minions on earth. Satan however is not like Jehovah God, he has no guiding principles, no sense of Justice, and no moral compass. And has continued to cause harm and damage to countless billions.

Prayer however is a strong force, giving us a voice and an audience with the most powerful being in existence, a loving God and father, Jehovah.

If we use it effectively and try to work in harmony with our prayers and his direction, they can not only bring us a "path for our foot" but draw us ever closer to the one who is "good" and truly cares.

Sorry if I have, swamped you with too much information, hopefully it helps you personally.

Don't give up. Hold on, Turn the page of tomorrow.

man in expectation :)

The mash-up! "You must love Jehovah your God, with your whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength and keep His Commandments. If you do, you will be wise enough to bypass any trial with ease, and have an indefinitely lasting name with The Living One. Those who fail to take these things to heart, will suffer shame and fall short in a large way, all that is his, will be destroyed and cease to exist.

You who love Him, however, will flourish with joy, under the tent cloths of Jehovah, always." Ecc 12:13, Mark 12:30 and Ps 37:18-20.