Showing Up

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause division and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.." Romans 16:17

Paul reminds you to greet other, as he goes down a list of people that he encourages Romans to greet (Romans 16:2-16). To connect with others that are seeking Him. Paul reminds you in Romans 16 about the people who have made decisions to follow Him. Paul also reminds you to keep a close eye out for those who do not have good intention in their hearts and the relationship with Him (Romans 16:17).

There are many people who know and understand depression and anxiety. Even writing this blog, much of it is stuff that can be learned on many different platforms. There is a lot of information out there to support managing depression and anxiety. And it is important to always be watchful and seeking good counsel. Paying attention to where the support is coming from whether personally in the relationships that you foster or the material that you read.

Being able to identify individuals in your life that are intentional in understanding and being present in the midst of depression and anxiety is important to the healing, as well as the acceptance. Acceptance is willfully receiving the moment as it is in the here and now, and can be worked on to change later. There may be many people in your life who say that they understand depression and anxiety, be sure to pay attention to who shows up for it. There may be many people or places that seek to understand, be sure to pay attention to who listens before explaining.

For those who are not experiencing depression or anxiety. Pay attention to your own intention of reaching out, or the intention that may keep you from being present for those in need. As Paul reminds you, there are people who will pick and choose what they want to hear or what they want to be present for, and they will not be there for the whole picture. Thankfully, you can count on Him who is there. And even He designed you to be relational beings, to seek out relationships and support from others. It is important that you seek support from the right places, and give support in the right reasons.

There is power in being present. He will show up in your life. Romans 16:20 says "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." He will show up sometimes through your own experiences and silence. And sometimes He shows up through the lives of those around you. Find a way to be personal with those around you, to recognize their benefits in your own life. To recognize the benefit that you have. In each of the greetings that Paul shares, he identifies their importance. I challenge you to identify the people in your life that show up, and even if just in journaling identify how you would greet them and acknowledge them. But do not forget to include yourself in that list.

Remember, you show up everyday in your own life.

Scripture:

Romans 16

Romans 16:2-16

Romans 16:17

Questions:

Paul went through Romans 16:2-16 naming each of the people coming to Rome to be greeted by the Romans and how they hare an important part of the growing church. Write your own list of people who are coming to you and are around you and their importance in your growth and progress through depression, anxiety, and life in general.

Recognize where temptations may be to not be healing from depression and anxiety.

How can you allow Him to be present more consistently in your life?

Prayer:

Lord, Heavenly Father. I seek you because you are good counsel. I pray that you guide me to those who are also good in their counsel and that I may be good in my counseling towards others. I know that depression and anxiety are the trials that happen in the world and I know that they are not of you. I pray that I can take this knowledge and be support towards those who seek understanding. I pray that those who are searching find you, and come to know you as the loving Father that you are. I pray that others may find good counsel that lead them closer to you daily. And for those who are currently lost. I pray that they find a home in you. I pray that your arms continue to be wide, open, and welcoming. I pray that others can see this invitation. Lord, thank you for allowing me to share with others, to be a platform for guidance and support. I pray for continued strength to support those who need it. I pray all of this in your Son's name. Amen.