Love in action

"Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to rest and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

Often times when discussing depression and anxiety you focus on those who experience depression and anxiety. You focus on them and their experiences. On occasion you look at how they can be supported and helped. Romans 12 brings this to your attention in that Paul shares with you how you are to be; how you are to act towards yourself, towards others, and towards Him. If you read the whole chapter, you walk through a path that invites you to look at the world, and then to look at Him.

Conformity is something that is often encouraging more and more people to be alike, rather than to be different. Different has, in a sense, received a bad reputation. But it is these differences that were specifically designed by Him. There is little, to no, doubt that if He wanted everyone all the same, everyone would all be the same. But it is your differences that allow the world to exist, make sense, get messy, and find Him through it all. Romans 12:2 "do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to rest and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will." Paul reminds you that in turning your life away from the world, and towards Him you become a new creation. This new creation is a creation that lives according to His calling. It is in the world that depression and anxiety (and all that comes with those experiences) exist. In Him, these experiences do not exist. It is not His will for these experiences to be part of your life. But being the good God that He is, He uses these experiences to draw you closer to others, and to Him. He puts you into action.

This renewing of the mind is exactly what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches from a psychological perspective. Your thoughts, lead to your feelings, which lead to your actions. If you think negatively about something, you will feel negative, and then behave negatively. If you think positively, you will feel positive, and then behave positively.

Hate depression and anxiety, and love the individual. "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" Romans 12:9. Depression and anxiety, and the symptoms related to these experiences, are evil. They may not be evil in their stand alone presence, but how they may be turning you further away from Him and keeping you from being able to connect in a godly manner with yourself, with others, and with God. Depression and anxiety by themselves are not evil. How they effect you is. And still He calls you to be action focused, "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" Romans 12:12. These action focused statements are coping strategies to be used when experiencing the experiences related to depression and anxiety.

In the dark times, the challenging times, the hard times--be Joyful in Hope, that these times are not forever.

In the dark times, the challenging times, the hard times-- be Patient in these pains, that these times are not forever.

In the dark times, the challenging times, the hard times-- be Faithful in prayer to the one who can comfort you best.

Be action focused during times that are hardest. And if you are watching your friends, family, loved ones challenged by these experiences-- be action focused in the support you can offer them. Be the Joy, Hope, Patience, Faithful, and Prayer that they need, when they cannot be it for themselves.

These actions do not have to be boastful, they can be silent between you and Him. For some who go through the experiences of depression and anxiety, it is challenging when it is made into a production or scene. Be aware of what the individual needs, how your support will be received by them. Love is sincere, even when quiet.

Cling to Him which is Good.

Scripture:

Romans 12

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:9

Romans 12:12

Reflection:

What is your mind telling you right now? How can you renew it in Him?

What actions do you need to take for yourself to be closer to Him? For others?

What are you clinging to? How would your experiences of depression and anxiety change, if you were clinging to Him?

Prayer:

Lord Heavenly Father. I cling to you now in moments of pain. I turn to you in all things that would otherwise turn me away. I pray for those who are lost in depression and anxiety. I pray that they may have a renewing of their minds and be action focused in your Love. Your love is sincere. You hate what separates us from you. Lord, I ask that those who are seeking comfort, are comforted. I ask that those who are seeking answers, see your response. I ask that those who are struggling to watch their loved one go through the experiences of depression and anxiety can also find comfort in you and your love. I pray for all of those who are struggling. I pray for those who are coming out of the darkness and that they may experience a new hope. Lord it is through your love and your guidance that we can bring action and focus back to you and your will. I pray all of this in your son's name. Amen.