Comments on: Life (Good Friday meditation) http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/ A Lutheran View of Depression Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:20:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: CSchellenbach http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1663 CSchellenbach Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:09:30 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1663 Barb, It's hard when things keep us away from church, especially because we begin to feel guilt about it. We think to ourselves about how we are not old, shut-in, or have some other physical illness such as pneumonia that is keeping us from the Word and Sacraments. The guilt, however, is not given to us by God, nor is it correct. All sorts of things, things that we normally wouldn't think about when the thought crosses our minds that we shouldn't go to church, can keep us from the gathering of believers. However, as long as you are not despising God's preaching and His Word (ie. "God didn't help me in my time of sorrow, I'm not going back to church until He gives me a sign."), God does not see you the way that you see yourself. You see what you didn't do. You see guilt of failing to live up to His expectations as set forth in the Third Commandment. Whenever the focus is on what you do, that's going to be the result. Guilt. Shame. Failed expectations. But that isn't how God sees you. God sees you through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. He doesn't see depression, hospitalization, or other scary thoughts that you had and condemn you. He sees all of those and declares you righteous before Him as you are washed in Christ's blood and clothed in Him through your baptism. Make sure you keep your pastor informed about what is going on with you. Stay in prayer and daily devotions and remind yourself that it isn't about what you do but what Christ has done. Barb,

It's hard when things keep us away from church, especially because we begin to feel guilt about it. We think to ourselves about how we are not old, shut-in, or have some other physical illness such as pneumonia that is keeping us from the Word and Sacraments. The guilt, however, is not given to us by God, nor is it correct. All sorts of things, things that we normally wouldn't think about when the thought crosses our minds that we shouldn't go to church, can keep us from the gathering of believers.

However, as long as you are not despising God's preaching and His Word (ie. "God didn't help me in my time of sorrow, I'm not going back to church until He gives me a sign."), God does not see you the way that you see yourself. You see what you didn't do. You see guilt of failing to live up to His expectations as set forth in the Third Commandment. Whenever the focus is on what you do, that's going to be the result. Guilt. Shame. Failed expectations.

But that isn't how God sees you. God sees you through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. He doesn't see depression, hospitalization, or other scary thoughts that you had and condemn you. He sees all of those and declares you righteous before Him as you are washed in Christ's blood and clothed in Him through your baptism.

Make sure you keep your pastor informed about what is going on with you. Stay in prayer and daily devotions and remind yourself that it isn't about what you do but what Christ has done.

]]> By: CSchellenbach http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1667 CSchellenbach Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:09:30 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1667 Barb, It's hard when things keep us away from church, especially because we begin to feel guilt about it. We think to ourselves about how we are not old, shut-in, or have some other physical illness such as pneumonia that is keeping us from the Word and Sacraments. The guilt, however, is not given to us by God, nor is it correct. All sorts of things, things that we normally wouldn't think about when the thought crosses our minds that we shouldn't go to church, can keep us from the gathering of believers. However, as long as you are not despising God's preaching and His Word (ie. "God didn't help me in my time of sorrow, I'm not going back to church until He gives me a sign."), God does not see you the way that you see yourself. You see what you didn't do. You see guilt of failing to live up to His expectations as set forth in the Third Commandment. Whenever the focus is on what you do, that's going to be the result. Guilt. Shame. Failed expectations. But that isn't how God sees you. God sees you through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. He doesn't see depression, hospitalization, or other scary thoughts that you had and condemn you. He sees all of those and declares you righteous before Him as you are washed in Christ's blood and clothed in Him through your baptism. Make sure you keep your pastor informed about what is going on with you. Stay in prayer and daily devotions and remind yourself that it isn't about what you do but what Christ has done. Barb,

It's hard when things keep us away from church, especially because we begin to feel guilt about it. We think to ourselves about how we are not old, shut-in, or have some other physical illness such as pneumonia that is keeping us from the Word and Sacraments. The guilt, however, is not given to us by God, nor is it correct. All sorts of things, things that we normally wouldn't think about when the thought crosses our minds that we shouldn't go to church, can keep us from the gathering of believers.

However, as long as you are not despising God's preaching and His Word (ie. "God didn't help me in my time of sorrow, I'm not going back to church until He gives me a sign."), God does not see you the way that you see yourself. You see what you didn't do. You see guilt of failing to live up to His expectations as set forth in the Third Commandment. Whenever the focus is on what you do, that's going to be the result. Guilt. Shame. Failed expectations.

But that isn't how God sees you. God sees you through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. He doesn't see depression, hospitalization, or other scary thoughts that you had and condemn you. He sees all of those and declares you righteous before Him as you are washed in Christ's blood and clothed in Him through your baptism.

Make sure you keep your pastor informed about what is going on with you. Stay in prayer and daily devotions and remind yourself that it isn't about what you do but what Christ has done.

]]> By: Barb the Evil Genius http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1661 Barb the Evil Genius Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:20:21 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1661 I don't really have any advice, except to say that Lent was difficult for me this year as well. I was hospitalized during Lent last year because I had suicidal plans. Attending Lenten services afterwards still in somewhat of a fog with my mental issues was difficult. I'm sorry to say I stayed away from those services this year. I still avoid anything that takes me back to the hospital time. I don't really have any advice, except to say that Lent was difficult for me this year as well. I was hospitalized during Lent last year because I had suicidal plans. Attending Lenten services afterwards still in somewhat of a fog with my mental issues was difficult. I'm sorry to say I stayed away from those services this year. I still avoid anything that takes me back to the hospital time.

]]> By: Barb the Evil Genius http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1666 Barb the Evil Genius Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:20:21 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1666 I don't really have any advice, except to say that Lent was difficult for me this year as well. I was hospitalized during Lent last year because I had suicidal plans. Attending Lenten services afterwards still in somewhat of a fog with my mental issues was difficult. I'm sorry to say I stayed away from those services this year. I still avoid anything that takes me back to the hospital time. I don't really have any advice, except to say that Lent was difficult for me this year as well. I was hospitalized during Lent last year because I had suicidal plans. Attending Lenten services afterwards still in somewhat of a fog with my mental issues was difficult. I'm sorry to say I stayed away from those services this year. I still avoid anything that takes me back to the hospital time.

]]> By: REE http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1659 REE Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:39:26 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1659 "My grace is sufficiant for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Co. 12.9) In my own battle with depression, those memories of dark days and nights, of weakness and sin, compel me to God's grace for me. I am thankful for the reality that Jesus experienced even greater darkness and depression both in the garden and in His forsakeness upon the cross than we will ever suffer. He has been there, done that, and has the nail holes to prove it. When He says He is with us in all ways, He is. Over the years, I have been privileged, it catch but a brief glimpse of times when the Lord has used His and my journeys through the valley of the shadow together to minister to others. Trust, as you trust His resurrection, that His promise to Paul is His promise to you as well. His power is made perfect in our weakness. I agree with Alms, your blog is a help to me as well. Our Lord is using your weakness to show forth His power. "My grace is sufficiant for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Co. 12.9) In my own battle with depression, those memories of dark days and nights, of weakness and sin, compel me to God's grace for me. I am thankful for the reality that Jesus experienced even greater darkness and depression both in the garden and in His forsakeness upon the cross than we will ever suffer. He has been there, done that, and has the nail holes to prove it. When He says He is with us in all ways, He is. Over the years, I have been privileged, it catch but a brief glimpse of times when the Lord has used His and my journeys through the valley of the shadow together to minister to others. Trust, as you trust His resurrection, that His promise to Paul is His promise to you as well. His power is made perfect in our weakness. I agree with Alms, your blog is a help to me as well. Our Lord is using your weakness to show forth His power.

]]> By: REE http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1665 REE Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:39:26 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1665 "My grace is sufficiant for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Co. 12.9) In my own battle with depression, those memories of dark days and nights, of weakness and sin, compel me to God's grace for me. I am thankful for the reality that Jesus experienced even greater darkness and depression both in the garden and in His forsakeness upon the cross than we will ever suffer. He has been there, done that, and has the nail holes to prove it. When He says He is with us in all ways, He is. Over the years, I have been privileged, it catch but a brief glimpse of times when the Lord has used His and my journeys through the valley of the shadow together to minister to others. Trust, as you trust His resurrection, that His promise to Paul is His promise to you as well. His power is made perfect in our weakness. I agree with Alms, your blog is a help to me as well. Our Lord is using your weakness to show forth His power. "My grace is sufficiant for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Co. 12.9) In my own battle with depression, those memories of dark days and nights, of weakness and sin, compel me to God's grace for me. I am thankful for the reality that Jesus experienced even greater darkness and depression both in the garden and in His forsakeness upon the cross than we will ever suffer. He has been there, done that, and has the nail holes to prove it. When He says He is with us in all ways, He is. Over the years, I have been privileged, it catch but a brief glimpse of times when the Lord has used His and my journeys through the valley of the shadow together to minister to others. Trust, as you trust His resurrection, that His promise to Paul is His promise to you as well. His power is made perfect in our weakness. I agree with Alms, your blog is a help to me as well. Our Lord is using your weakness to show forth His power.

]]> By: Alms http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1657 Alms Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:47:23 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1657 No words of wisdom other than to say your blog is a help to me and to pray you God' s peace on this Holy Saturday No words of wisdom other than to say your blog is a help to me and to pray you God' s peace on this Holy Saturday

]]> By: Alms http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1664 Alms Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:47:23 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1664 No words of wisdom other than to say your blog is a help to me and to pray you God' s peace on this Holy Saturday No words of wisdom other than to say your blog is a help to me and to pray you God' s peace on this Holy Saturday

]]> By: CSchellenbach http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1656 CSchellenbach Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:31:58 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1656 With some of my worst anxieties, sometimes I find that they are always there, but their sting starts to fade. The days that they plagued me before still plague me later, but instead, it gives me time to be reflective and not seized by the anxiety. It may be that those new memories do happen, but don't think there is something wrong if the old ones are still there as well. They will always be there and you will always carry them. However, it may be that instead of looking back with fear and depression, you will have an appreciation for God's gifts. But don't expect it right away. It will take time. Some of the memories that haunt me are a decade old. It's another way that this particular part of original sin haunts us. However, God is bigger than this, as well, with the "It is Finished" on the cross. Stinging memories or not, this fact remains. With some of my worst anxieties, sometimes I find that they are always there, but their sting starts to fade. The days that they plagued me before still plague me later, but instead, it gives me time to be reflective and not seized by the anxiety. It may be that those new memories do happen, but don't think there is something wrong if the old ones are still there as well. They will always be there and you will always carry them. However, it may be that instead of looking back with fear and depression, you will have an appreciation for God's gifts. But don't expect it right away. It will take time. Some of the memories that haunt me are a decade old. It's another way that this particular part of original sin haunts us. However, God is bigger than this, as well, with the "It is Finished" on the cross. Stinging memories or not, this fact remains.

]]> By: CSchellenbach http://www.darkmyroad.org/2009/04/life-good-friday-meditation/comment-page-1/#comment-1662 CSchellenbach Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:31:58 +0000 http://darkmyroad.org/?p=265#comment-1662 With some of my worst anxieties, sometimes I find that they are always there, but their sting starts to fade. The days that they plagued me before still plague me later, but instead, it gives me time to be reflective and not seized by the anxiety. It may be that those new memories do happen, but don't think there is something wrong if the old ones are still there as well. They will always be there and you will always carry them. However, it may be that instead of looking back with fear and depression, you will have an appreciation for God's gifts. But don't expect it right away. It will take time. Some of the memories that haunt me are a decade old. It's another way that this particular part of original sin haunts us. However, God is bigger than this, as well, with the "It is Finished" on the cross. Stinging memories or not, this fact remains. With some of my worst anxieties, sometimes I find that they are always there, but their sting starts to fade. The days that they plagued me before still plague me later, but instead, it gives me time to be reflective and not seized by the anxiety. It may be that those new memories do happen, but don't think there is something wrong if the old ones are still there as well. They will always be there and you will always carry them. However, it may be that instead of looking back with fear and depression, you will have an appreciation for God's gifts. But don't expect it right away. It will take time. Some of the memories that haunt me are a decade old. It's another way that this particular part of original sin haunts us. However, God is bigger than this, as well, with the "It is Finished" on the cross. Stinging memories or not, this fact remains.

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