The Focus of Depression and The Binoculars around Your Neck (Day 5 of our challenge against seasonal depression) - EncouragementMama.com
*Please note that I am not a licensed physician or medical professional of any kind. All advice, tips, and resources on this blog are given purely from personal testimony, Biblical wisdom, and encouragement. If at any time, you feel hopeless or in despair, please do not hesitate to call your physician, seek medical help, or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. (Find out more HERE.)
Where is your focus?
If life has dealt you some unfavorable circumstances lately, I’d like to encourage you by reminding you that God is fully aware of what you are facing. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “In this world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Even with that beautiful reminder, it’s not always easy to be of good cheer, is it?
And when we are in the thick of the burden, it’s easy to become ultra-focused on it instead of the magnitude of the beauty around us.
Whatever you are going through, try to take a moment today and look up from your present situation. Lift your eyes to the Savior and ask Him for a new perspective regarding your circumstances.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Unto You, I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. Psalm 123:1
Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing. Isaiah 40:26
Today’s Action:
I want you to draw two circles, about the size of binocular lenses, in the middle of a sheet of paper.
Next, I want you to fill in the circles with your current burdens, your situational depression, or any circumstances that are unfavorable but out of your hands at the moment.
Then, I want you to write the promises from our Bible passage outside of the circles in BOLD letters. Please write…
NOT CRUSHED
NOT IN DESPAIR
NOT FORSAKEN
NOT DESTROYED
And finally, at the very top of the page, as a declaration over your circumstances, write the words…
I CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST, NOT MY CIRCUMSTANCES!
Sisters, can’t you just sense the power of the Holy Spirit as you write that declaration over your life? I pray, in the precious Name of Jesus, that each of you is finding a breakthrough this week. I pray that you are rising above your seasonal depression and gaining a new perspective–God’s perspective!
Grateful to be on this journey with you,
Jennifer
*Additional Resources:
Listen to one of my all-time favorite songs, The Word by Sara Groves. It is sure to lift your spirit redirect your focus back to Jesus, the Living Word.
