It is not the work that is the reward

"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith"

Romans 4:13

Faith as we have focused on is the cornerstone to the experience of hope. But is is not faith that is blind. It is faith that is chosen through Him. God has kept the promises He told those who follow Him. He has kept the promise of those who have kept the faith. "It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith" Romans 4:13. God did not make these promises because He needed them. He made these promises because He loves us, and we needed them.

This love shines in the sending of His son: "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification" Romans 4:25.

Of all the trials and tribulations in the world, what makes one thinking that their experiences of depression and anxiety are the exception to His love, grace, and mercy? He calls us by faith, and follows through by the same call. Depression and anxiety do not qualify ones justification. The works or lack of works that one does is not the criteria for His grace and mercy. Romans 4 reminds us that it was not because of what Abraham did work wise that God kept His promise. It was because of Abraham's commitment to faith, that God kept His promise. This holds true also for those experiencing depression and anxiety. This holds true for those experiencing life. All of these experiences are hard sometimes, and He keeps His promise despite how hard it is.

Think about all the life changes that He has made. He created Heaven and Earth. Night and day. Land and sea. Are we that sure of the power of depression and anxiety that we cannot entrust those experiences also to Him?

Romans 4:19 "without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-- since he was about a hundred years old--and that Sarah's womb was also dead." This is true even today when experiencing depression and anxiety. Without weakening one's faith, even when faced with the challenges and setbacks that depression and anxiety can have--there is a promise from Him.

It is not the one who copes best with depression or anxiety that is rewarded. It is not the one that overcomes depression or anxiety that is rewarded. It is not the one who manages depression or anxiety better that is rewarded. While coping is important. Overcoming is also important. And managing is also important. It is not these acts that bring the reward. The reward was already brought and bought on the cross.

Scripture:

Romans 4

Romans 4:13

Romans 4:25

Romans 4:19

Questions:

When reading Romans 4 what other scriptures can you relate to and reflect?

Knowing that the reward is Him, how does that change your goals of managing depression and anxiety?

How can you be a source for someone else going through depression and anxiety?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart set on you. Lord I pray that others may also find their hearts focused on you Lord. I see and experience the changes that you have made in the experiences of depression and anxiety. Lord I know that you have called me and others to be present with those that are hurting. Lord I seek you, to show others that their value, their worth, their reward, is in the promise you already made. The promise that you have kept through your Son. Lord I pray that others may find healing in their struggles with depression and anxiety. I pray that there is healing through you, through support systems, and their team Lord. Guide them in the direction of healing, wherever that may be. So that they may experience your promises. I pray this in your son's name, Amen.