A Change in Attitude

Lately, it just seems that everything has gotten the best of me.  Like one thing after another seems to happen and its just taken its toll.  Whether its the slow driver on the "fast" lane.  Or just not being able to take a nice vacation away somewhere to clear my head get the right perspective.  Sometimes, we just all need to check our attitudes regardless of what's going on.  Below is a question and answer that was recorded by one of my favorite devotional speakers.  Her name if Elisabeth Elliott.  You might have heard of her.  I'm sure you have.
She speaks about maintaining a good  attitude in any situation in our lives.  This is what she wrote: 

Elisabeth Elliot: "You are loved with an everlasting love." That's what the Bible says, "and underneath are the everlasting arms." This is your friend Elisabeth Elliot talking with you today about choosing your attitude.
St. Teresa said, "Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you, all things pass way, God never changes." I think of the words of Jesus Himself. He said, "Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me" (John 14:1). We are supposed to love our neighbors and pray for our enemies. All of this, of course, comes under the heading of "Choosing Your Attitude."
Probably I'm talking to some people who have rather difficult neighbors--people you would hardly even want to call enemies, yet you know that things are not the way you would like them to be. Be content with the things the Lord has given you. The Bible says be thankful for everything, be anxious for nothing (Phil. 4:6).
Many of you know the story of Fanny Crosby who wrote several thousand hymns. And she was blinded when she was only six weeks old because of a mistake of a doctor. When she was just a little girl eight or nine years old, she wrote:
Oh, what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world contented I shall be.
How many blessings I enjoy that other people don't.
To weep and sigh because I'm blind, I cannot--and I won't! Can you choose your attitude as this little girl did? Of course, I don't know what your problem may be, what attitude you may be facing and realizing that it's not quite right. You can choose you attitude.
Now just let me give you three points. You might be able to remember them better this way. Number one is "The Cost," number two is "A Few Specifics," and number three "Let This Mind Be in You."
Now it's going to cost something for you to choose your attitude when you don't feel like choosing your attitude or you don't like the attitude of someone else that perhaps you have to work with. I may be talking to people who live in a workplace and you find it very difficult to work with the people that you are supposed to be nice to. So there's going to be a cost, of course.
The Lord Jesus was willing to be a totally helpless baby when He came into this world. As He grew, He grew like a boy and then a man. He had to be tired. Just think of it--the Lord of the Universe, He needed to sleep. He had to get away from the multitudes in order to pray with His Father. He said, "I am among you as One who serves" (Luke 22:27). That cost Him something, didn't it.
In Philippians 2:5-8 it says, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing," made Himself nothing, "taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!" That was the cost to the Lord Jesus in choosing His attitude.
Ephesians 4:23 tells us that we should be made new in the attitude of our minds. I think it would be a good idea for all of us when we wake up in the morning if we would ask the Lord to make us new in the attitude of our mind for this day, whatever may be facing you. I happen to be facing some difficulties. "Lord, what am I supposed to do--fall apart, be angry at God?" The Lord is speaking to me as I speak to you; He wants me to be made new in the attitude of my mind.
Number two under "Choose Your Attitude" is "Specifics." I am quite sure that there are some mothers listening to me. Mothering is a tough job, isn't it? It means day by day putting yourself at the disposal of other people; very likely, very small people who can be an awful nuisance and make a lot of noise and a lot of messes. I don't know what the specifics may be of your particular challenge today, but God knows.
Day by day the Lord Jesus Himself was followed by multitudes of people. I can imagine them plucking at His sleeve, calling out to Him, yelling at Him at times, trying to catch up with Him--all the demands that human beings could make on the Lord of the Universe. What was His attitude? He chose an attitude of total abandonment to His Heavenly Father's demands.
You wives who are listening to me, how do you like being subordinate to your husband? "Well, Elisabeth, if you knew my husband, you'd know that I have a tough job." Well, of course, I don't know your husband. But I do know my husband and the Lord has given me not just one husband but three different husbands at different times. I have to choose my attitude with my present husband.
You singles--I get so many letters from single women asking me, "When is the Lord going to give me a husband?" Well, what can I say to that? Choose your attitude. This particular day you are single. As far as you know, God does not have a husband for you. He may give you a gift some time, the gift that you think you are longing for and would be the most wonderful thing in the world, but today is all you have.
When you hurt, can you bring yourself to rejoice? One of the old saints that I read said, "Accustom yourself to injustice and unreasonableness." Those are good words to remember--accustom yourself to injustice and unreasonableness.
Maybe you live with someone who is moody. That can be very difficult--people who just go off into a corner, they are silent, they don't want to talk, they look angry. Are you able to respond to that person with a calm, loving, unselfish silence? The Lord Jesus doesn't intrude upon us. He doesn't pry. He wants us to knock at the door of His heart. When we do that He's there for us. He wants to help you. Can you choose your attitude?
My dear friend Nae Bailey was traveling one time in Europe and she discovered when she got on the train that she was missing all the things that had been in her shoulder bag. Someone had robbed her as she was getting onto the train and she had her passport, her money, her tickets and I don't know what all stolen. You know what Nae did? She just sat there in the train on the seat, the train had started off, and she just said, "Well, Lord what are you going to do about this?"
Of course, there was nothing that she could do. I haven't got time to tell the whole story, but the Lord gave her peace and she just sat there trusting God that somehow or another He was going to enable her to retrieve those things--and it happened. We never know in what way we may have to choose our attitude. But today there may be a challenge.
Number three--"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5). Philippians 2:12-15 says, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure."
Now, may I see the hands of those of you who would be able to say, "I can do everything without complaining or arguing." Of course, I can't see your hands and I don't know you. But you are listening to a woman who is a born arguer, so I have to read this verse in Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing."
We are to be "children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Verse 17 says, "even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."
I hope that some of my listeners will be glad and rejoice with me today. Whatever your particular situation may be--and you have heard me say many times--"do the next thing." You know what the next thing may be, some little thing, some distasteful thing, some daunting thing that you really don't want to face. Lift your heart to the Lord, choose an attitude of trust and trust that God is going to enable you to do the next thing.
Will you choose that kind of an attitude today? God bless you.

Defeating Depression

We’ve all wrestled with depression. Everyone experiences their “dark days” and “blue moods”. Each of us has felt “down” at various points in our lives. But, depression is not inevitable.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Though all of us have a vague understanding of what depression is, most of us would have some difficulty in defining it.  

Depression comes from the word “de­pressed”. Simply stated, it is a feeling of hav­ing been pressed low in our spirits. It is a condi­tion of feeling dejection and heaviness in our heart. It has been described as feeling down, feeling blue, or feeling dis­heartened. It is often a state of desperation which gives a person the feeling of hopelessness. It is a close relative of despair, despondency, and discouragement.

WHO SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION?

Depression is so common and widespread that everyone experiences it in some form at some point in their life. It cuts across every conceivable boundary. It is considered to be the most common mental and emotional problem affecting mankind. In fact, it is claimed that more human suffering has resulted from depression than from any other single disease!

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Though the word “depression” is not mentioned in the Bible, the scriptures contain many references to this common problem. The Bible points to many incidents of depression­ in the lives of godly men. As we have stated, it is not a problem which just affects the ungodly.

It appears that Job, Moses, David, Elijah, Jonah, Peter, Paul, and the entire nation of Israel suffered from depression. Jeremiah even expressed his deep depression in a book entitled, Lamentations. PAUL stated that he “despaired even of life” because of the intense pressures he experienced [See Job 3; Num. 11:10-15; Psa. 42, 43; 1 Ki. 19:4; Jonah 4:1-3; Matt. 26:75; 2 Cor. 1:8; and Ex. 6:9].

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

The most common cause of depression is stress. Life is filled with pressing difficulties, delays, disappointments, setbacks, and tragedies. If we do not deal with the problems of life properly, they can gradually wear us down, weaken us, and create a growing sense of depression.

Often, these pressures are beyond our control. The loss of a job, health, an opportunity, possessions, or a loved one can all contribute to a state of depression. When it appears that we have no real control over the problems we experience, depression and discouragement are often the result. Sometimes it seems we have no say concerning the events which crowd into our lives. Occasionally, we feel like we’ve lost control and become a helpless victim of circumstances. At times like this, we may feel like we’ve reached a dead-end with no way out. When we feel like we are unable to do anything to change our situation, a sense of hopelessness and frustration sets in.      

When we encounter circumstances over which we have no control, we may assume that our actions are useless, no matter how hard we try. When it seems that we’ve run out of answers for our problems, we begin to sink beneath the waves of depression.

NEGATIVE THINKING

Depression can usually be traced to negative thinking. Negativity is so strongly rooted in the thought life of some people that it adversely affects every area of their life.

Our thinking patterns have a great influ­ence upon our emotions, our attitudes, and our will. Depression and discouragement are often a result of wrong thinking. Depressed people see only the dark side of life. They usually have a pessimistic outlook. Life to them is an endless succession of burdens, obstacles, and disappointments. They have convinced themselves that life is hopeless. Having painted a picture of despair in their own minds, they reinforce their feelings of despondency.

Many who suffer from depression also have a negative view of themselves. They have little or no self-esteem. They often feel deficient, inadequate, and useless. They constantly minister self-doubt and criticism to themselves. This negative feeling of failure inevitably breeds self-pity and a deep sense of depression.

Negative thinking not only affects the way we think about ourselves, but it also causes us to view the future pessimistically. All the future holds is continuing failure, hardship, and frustration.

This common tendency to think negatively is an extremely destructive pattern. Negative thinking only encourages despair and self-pity. It is a mental rut which many people have fallen into. It is a habit which must be broken.

SIN AND GUILT

A person can experience depression because of unresolved sin in his life. He may become despondent because of guilt from a particular sin which has not been properly dealt with.

Depression is often the result of ignoring sin or failing to deal with it promptly. Occasionally, we may try to conceal sin rather than face up to it honestly. When we try to cover up sin, it inevitably takes its toll. A spirit of heaviness and condemnation can develop as a consequence of sin which has been allowed to stubbornly remain in our life.

Often the sin of self-pity is a common cause of depression. Pent up resentment, lingering anger, unforgiveness, a critical spirit, or a tendency to murmur and complain can all be contributing factors to depression.

PRESSURES OF RESPONSIBILITY

Sometimes the trials, deadlines, and respon­sibilities that we face can create pressures which contribute to depression.

Occasionally, we all fall short. At times, we don’t quite measure up. We fail to meet dead­lines, achieve goals, or fulfill expectations. The many demands of life can overwhelm us and produce depression and discouragement.

When facing the responsibilities of entering Canaan land, the Israelites were overwhelmed by the challenge and sank into discouragement (Numbers 13, 14). When we sometimes face our own formidable giants of responsibility, we can also sink into depression.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Physical factors can, and often do, contribute to depression. No matter how good our philosophy, no matter how well adjusted we are, and no matter how ideal our environment may be, if we don’t take care of ourselves properly we can pay the price in depression. When we allow our physical health to “run down”, we begin to prepare ourselves for possible depression.

Sometimes we suffer depression not because of sin, stress, or negative think­ing, but simply because we have neglected our bodies. Physical health con­tributes to mental and emotional well-being. A healthy body is less suscepti­ble to mental and physical illness. A lack of sleep, improper diet, or a lack of exercise can all contribute to depression.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION?

There are not only many causes of depression, but depression produces many symptoms and manifests itself in a variety of ways, as well. This can include sadness, pessimism, fear, apathy, weariness, fatigue, a loss of energy, a lack of enthusiasm, an inability to make decisions, a desire to withdraw from life, self-criticism, a sense of worthlessness, helplessness, a loss of interest in work, sex, and normal activities, a difficulty in concentrating, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. As we can see, depression has many side effects, all of which can be very destructive.

WHAT IS THE ROOT PROBLEM?

The root problem is sin. Depression is not always sin, but our failure to deal with the problem is. “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Though we may not always be responsible for the circumstances which contribute to depression and discouragement, we are responsible for handling the problem in God’s way. We must recognize that we are not helpless, but responsible and accountable to God.

When we don’t seek God for answers, we assume the burden ourselves and inevitably fail. Depression is often the result. The first step to victory is in focusing upon Christ, rather than ourselves. This requires confessing our faults to God, and asking Him for grace and guidance.

IS THERE A SOLUTION?

*Yes! One of the greatest lies of Satan is that there is no hope for those suffering depression. This is a lie because God has the answers. Even though our circumstances may look dreary, we don’t have to give in to depression. Many times a depressed person is overcome by a sense of hopelessness, but God understands our pain and offers com­passion. He is here to help if we will not shut Him out of our lives.

Christians must recognize that there are no hopeless situations in Christ. People allow themselves to become hopeless because they haven’t looked to Jesus. Our situation doesn’t have to look bleak if we will bring Christ into the picture.

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO DEPRESSION?

*In God’s way – not ours. Many Christians sink into a pit of despondency simply because they have not responded to their problems scripturally.

King David probably suffered from depression more than any other Bible character. He experienced great depths of prolonged depression, yet he learned some vital lessons for dealing with this problem. The Psalms are filled with examples of his suffering:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?” (Psa. 42:5; see also Psa. 42, 43, 69, 88, and 102).

Though he had many bouts with depression, he discovered some impor­tant keys for finding victory. We will examine the seven keys to overcoming depression.

I.                   TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION.

One of the most important things we can do is to deal with the problem of depression immediately.

Depression must be challenged promptly. If you allow it to remain, it will spread like a cancer and corrupt every area of your life. A common tendency is to brood over our problems and quietly nurse our depression, rather than taking decisive steps against it. Many sink into depression simply because they do nothing about it – instead they dwell upon self-pity and reinforce their despondency. David recognized this important first step and responded by forcefully challenging himself and his depression: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God!” (Psa. 43:5) Take action now!

II.                WE MUST DISCIPLINE OUR THOUGHTS.

“ . . . bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). Christians must discipline their negative thoughts by submitting them to the Lordship of Christ. If we don’t, they can become very destructive. This involves submitting our thoughts to the reality of God’s Word. Christians must guard their thought life. We must not yield to corrupt thinking or indulge in negative confessions. The Word exhorts us to “meditate on” whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report (Phil. 4:8). We must look at our life, our situations, and our future from God’s point of view. We need to fix our thoughts obediently upon the reality of God’s Word, meditate upon the scriptures, and cleanse our minds with the cleansing water of God’s Word.

III.               HOPE IN THE LORD.

David challenged his soul to “HOPE IN GOD!” (Psa. 42:5). In 1 Peter 1:3 we see that God has called us to a “living hope.” Our hope is not dead but alive because it is fixed upon a living God. It is a hope that is never disappointed because of God’s loving commitment to us. When we get our attention off of our problems and upon the power of God, we have access to confidence, courage, and strength. David affirmed this in Psalms 31:24: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

IV.             STAND ON THE PROMISES OF GOD.

Christians must stand upon the reality of God’s Word. We must recognize that “ALL THINGS” are working together for our good. When we receive this truth, we can accept our circumstances realizing that God has not forsaken us in them. There are no hopeless situations in Christ because God is in the midst of our circumstances. This is the absolute guarantee of God’s Word!

When we trust in the reality of God’s Word, we have great hope. The scriptures contain all of the answers to life’s problems. They sustain us and encourage us in every way. The counsel of scripture can minister genuine hope in spite of our circumstances. David confirmed this when he wrote: Psalm 119:81.

V.                REJOICE IN THE LORD.

Philippians 4:4, “REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS. AGAIN I WILL SAY, REJOICE” This is the Christian’s way to escape depres­sion. The answer is not in running from our circumstances or withdrawing from life, but in rising above them through praise. We don’t rejoice just when everything is going smoothly. Paul said we are to rejoice always. He also said “Rejoice evermore … in everything give thanks” (1 Thes. 5:16, 18, KJV). We don’t rejoice because we feel like it, but as an act of obedient faith, realizing that “in the Lord” we have grounds for confidence and rejoicing. We know that the Lord is bigger than our problems, and is working everything for our eventual good!

VI.        CONFESS OUR FAULTS TO THE LORD (1 John 1:9).

Sin can be both a cause of depression and a product of depression. Often, when we have unresolved sin in our life, it produces guilt and self­-condemnation which lead to despair. When we harbor bitterness, resent­ment, anger, ill-will, jealousy, or any other sin in our hearts, it affects us nega­tively. Often, we fall into the pit of despair because of the sin of self-pity, murmur­ing, and complaining. Sin defiles our conscience and perverts our walk. If we have been concealing our sin or failing to deal with it promptly, we need to confess our sin to the Lord and seek His cleansing power. Often, when the weight of sin is removed from our shoulders, we are released from the burden of depression.

VII.          WE MUST WATCH OUR HEALTH.

We not only have a responsibility to care for ourselves spiritually, but physically as well, because our bodies belong to the Lord (1 Cor. 6:19). When we abuse or neglect the temple of God, depression is often the consequence.           

Written by:  William R. Kimball 
Copyright © 1984 CHRISTIAN EQUIPPERS INTERNATIONAL

Single & Satisfied

Since when did the world dictate that all women had to be married by a certain age and have kids by this age?  Why do they get to dictate if you are normal or not by your marital status?

I walked into a restaurant the other day and  told the hostess, "table for 1".    She took me behind this wall where I noticed there were other single people eating as well.    I was so offended,  I told the lady that I was going to sit in the open room.  she just looked at me funny. 

There is nothing wrong with being single.  There is nothing wrong with not wanting children.  Has everyone  been brainwashed to believe that someone cannot be happy if they don't have a child or a significant other?    Yes, there are times where there is loneliness, just like in any relationship. For even Jesus was lonely at times.    Maybe I wasn't called to be a Mother or a wife.  But God has called me for a specific purpose that does not include the distractions of a family. So don't feel sorry for me.  I don't need your pity.  Do you know what God's purpose for your life is?