How can I be less depressed?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I have recently lost two friends who overdosed on drugs. It has made me depressed and most of my thoughts are unhappy. I can't do anything for them now, so how can I change my thinking? -- H.I.
A: Grief can kill a person emotionally and physically. If not counteracted with God's strength and power, our personal weakness may debilitate us. An onslaught of grief can cause people to think they are losing their minds. The grief-stricken person can lose the ability to concentrate, which adds to his or her panic. This may lead, then, to emotional paralysis. Guilt, anger, resentment and panic are some of the faces of grief. None of these reactions are abnormal.
Like soldiers going into battle, we need to be prepared for grief, but the culture of today does not prepare us for it. What we need more than anything else during times of grief is a friend who stands with us; someone who will not leave us. Jesus is that friend. The Lord prepares us to weather life's storms. He tells us to have faith in Him. He has told us that He will be with us always and never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Often it takes that "knife in our heart" to drive us to Him. Our faith is dependent upon God, and when we enter the valley of grief, we need His help or we will never overcome the sorrow that weighs us down.
If you belong to Christ ask Him to give you joy. The Bible says to fill our minds with things that are true, honorable, pure and lovely and "His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7, NLT).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
