God’s people were under bondage by the Egyptian regime. Their cries of desperation and frustration went up to Him, and He heard them and elected Moses, a faithful warrior, to go to Egypt with a central message to Pharoah, “let my people go”. Pharoah’s prideful response was “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2. God, the supreme authority, sent a command to Pharoah His subject that was ignored. Of course, he didn’t know God because he was an idol worshipper. As we know, through a series of divine events, he had to let them go.
Today, many of God’s children are being severely oppressed by principalities, powers, spiritual wickedness in high places, and wicked and evil people. The burdens are so heavy it is infuriating. However, they continued to pray, believe, praise, worship, and trust God for their deliverance. God heard your prayers and has issued a mandate to Satan to let you go. Like Pharoah, the devil will not let you go easily because your soul is of great value to him too. We must continue to press on in prayer, believe, and trust God to fulfill His promises in our lives. He is getting ready to show signs and wonders in your life, and the devil must flee. He will cover you with the blood of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and march you out of the land of the enemy. You will not go out empty-handed because He will take back what the enemy has stolen from you; health, wealth, relationships, and countless missed opportunities. Then He will guide you every step of the way with a pillar of cloud by day and a fiery pillar at night. He will bring you to the Red Sea to test your faith and then He will part it so that you can walk to victory on dry land. Those who troubled you will not anymore.
God can do anything. He is limitless and boundless because He is the Almighty God. Let us speak of His goodness and praise Him always because we have all been benefactors of His richness. Today, if you are being oppressed by the devil or evil people, they have been warned. God is getting ready to take all the stumbling blocks out of your way. Let’s praise the Lord for His bountiful goodness to us all!
Do you often find yourself stuck between belief and unbelief while waiting on God? Although you pray and believe, and claim every Bible promises applicable to your situation at the time yet you experience no breakthrough. In your disappointment, fear and unbelief creep in and you question yourself and even God’s word. Also, we judge and condemn ourselves just as harshly as others do. They tell us that there must be some sin in our lives that are hindering our prayers. He is not an impartial God. He is our Father and even though we might not be perfect or fully committed, He will provide for our needs. He allows His rain on the good and the bad (Matthew 5:45). Like a good Father, His ears are open to the eyes of His children and when they call, He hears and answers (Matthew 7:11). It doesn’t matter how big or small our faith is, He will come to our rescue and answer our prayers. However, sometimes a good Father will discipline us because He wants us to grow in Him (Hebrews 12:6-11). He will choose to give us what is best for us because He loves us so much. There were many times when I became discouraged because I didn’t receive the answers I expected. In retrospect, I am reminded of God’s goodness and have experienced growth in my Christian walk. I still struggle with unbelief and complaint, however, I always go back to His word. Satan wants us to take our focus off God so that he can have our minds, and spread lies, doubt, hate, and fear.
As I read the words of the Psalmist today, I am reminded that God is the same and unchanging. We have heard the reports from His trusted servants in the Bible, which were passed down for our admonition and learning. God wasn’t just Israel’s God, but the God of the entire human race. God can do anything to give you the desires of your heart. He discomfited and uprooted nations and planted His children there because everything in the universe is His and if we are not good stewards; He will allow others to possess what we once had. Many people have lost all their possessions because they lived recklessly. We remember that our strategies, weapons, and strength will not win our battles, but by the right hand of God, the light of His countenance, because His favor is upon us. Let us call upon God and stand still and wait on Him to amaze us with incredible answers!
Our world has become a diverse place because of people traveling from every corner of the earth to different countries around the world. Often they bring with them not only their customs and traditions but the different species of bacteria that are unique to their country. Parasites are everywhere. They are in our food, water systems, and the air we breathe.
Carl Zimmer in his book “Parasites Inside the Bizarre World of Nature’s Most Dangerous Creatures”, prefaces the horrific story of a young boy named Justin from a remote town called Tambura in Southern Sudan. He was only twelve years old. His frail body was laid on a thin frame of a bed. His shoulders were thin and his belly curved inward like a bowl. His neck was so swollen that it was hard to tell where the back of his head began. His eyes bulged in a froglike way, and his nostrils were clogged shut. His neck and back were so stiff that when lifted by a nurse, he rose like a plank. For weeks his body had been overrun with a single-celled parasite, and the medicine he was getting was not effective.
Causes of Parasitic Invasion
Parasites are dangerous organisms that disrupt the friendly bacteria balance in the body. As the name suggests, they live off other organisms with the sole purpose of thriving while destroying everything in their path that they foresee as a hindrance. Parasitic infection many times lies at the root of many illnesses. Our bodies are the host to a vibrant ecosystem. This vast array of species of bacteria that populate this system is known as the microbiome forms a coordinated defense system against harmful pathogens. However, there are times when this perfect balance is disrupted because of chronic stress, poor diet and lack of exercise which can lead to long-term illnesses. Also, the quality of the food that is eaten these days is devoid of their nutrients due to over-processing and soil erosion. This is where the topsoil is displaced due to wind, rain, snow, humans and other environmental factors. Also, the soil loses its richness over time because of the planting of crops back-to-back hence the land does not get any chance to rest and re-mineralize. According to (Exodus 23:10-11) For six years, you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.
Signs of Parasitic Infestation
Coupled with this are other factors that affect our environment, such as toxic waste from pesticides and chemicals that impact our water systems. In third-world countries, parasites are prevalent because of the scarcity of proper drinking water and sanitary conditions. When a breach takes place, it leaves the door wide open for the predators to seize the opportunity to destroy the good bacteria by creating dysbiosis in our digestive tract. For many, this is the start of their digestive woes; bloating, cramps, nausea, belching, GERD, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, cravings, an insatiable appetite even after having eaten for a short period, weight gain or loss, flushing of the skin, mental health problems such as depression, apathy, and moodiness, unexplained weakness, tachycardia attacks, headaches, restlessness, chronic fatigue, ringing in the ears, difficulty breathing, unexplained breathing issues, bad breath, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, blurred vision, floaters in the eyes, itchiness especially in the back and around the anus, grinding of the teeth and bed-wetting, especially in children, outbursts of anger, anemia, and an overall diminished vitality that significantly impacts one’s quality of life. Do you sometimes feel like you’ve been bitten on the inside? That was a parasite. They make a meal of you and they know how to hide so that you can never find them or when you do, it may be too late. When these insidious enemies take over the control of our delicate ecosystem, they create a toxic overload that causes chaos in the body and results in a compromised immune system that allows them to remain undetected. With compromised immunity, we are prone to develop a host of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, food intolerance, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other immunosuppressive diseases.
Cleanliness
Parasites are everywhere, and we can prevent them if we practice cleanliness. For example, washing our hands after using the bathroom, playing with pets, before eating, and practicing hand washing for good hygiene throughout the day. There are millions of people all over the world who are affected by parasites and are not aware of this because some of them are good at living in the body for years, causing no symptoms. Some of the most common forms of parasites found in humans are tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. You can read more about them at this link: https://www.newscientist.com/gallery/mg20327161300-enemy-within-human-parasites/
In Deuteronomy 23:10-14, God gave instructions to the children of Israel about the cleaning of their environment. If there be among you any man, that is not clean because of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp: But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again. Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad: And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee: For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
My Experience with Parasites
Some years ago, I suddenly began feeling unwell. It was just a general feeling of malaise. Since I was very concerned about this, I called a friend in New York to discuss it. She said parasites caused it. It made little sense to me however; I went along with her suggestion to buy an herbal compound recommended. I ordered it online, and it arrived within days. It was a 14-day detox, and I started taking it immediately. One of the first things I noticed was that there were black spots on certain parts of my body. Although I was scared, I continued with the product because in my previous research I had learned that the skin is the biggest elimination organ for moving toxins quickly out of the body. I was purged and within a short time, not only did I feel better, but the spots went away, leaving me with radiant skin. Sadly, I did not follow the instructions and repeated the treatment for the next two months.
Managing Parasitic infection
Parasitic infection is very complex, hence it is very difficult to get rid of it, and sometimes, medical intervention is required. However, there is hope as there are so many simple things that you can do to make your gut an unfriendly host to them. Eat more fiber-rich vegetables, especially those that are bitter, roasted pumpkin seed with cayenne pepper, pineapple, papaya, garlic, onions, and sesame seeds, and eat generously from the cruciferous family; cabbage, broccoli, kale, radishes, and arugula. Certain herbs are effective against parasites however, these should be prescribed by a trained herbalist. Avoid all sugars, even those that are healthy because parasites thrive on sugars. Also, consider doing intermittent fasting a couple of days per week, drinking herbal teas and detoxing every three months. Lastly, seek divine guidance because the God who made you has the power to heal your body.
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, nor am I promoting any products. The views in this post are mine and are not intended to treat or cure parasitic infections.
The prophet Jeremiah declared that there is nothing too hard for God. (Jeremiah 32:17) Are you experiencing difficulties that are unique to you? Rare diseases, cancers, heart diseases, psychological illness, financial loss, and stagnation? God has a cure for all your diseases and finances. He is your God who spoke the world into being (Genesis 1:1), created Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:26-28), and spoke the future to His servants, the prophets. He spoke and healing took place and today He is speaking. He wants to speak to whatever you are facing because He wants to deliver you. What you are needing God to do for you is difficult in your eyes, but not for God. However, it requires your devotion to prayer, Bible study and earnestly presenting your case to God. Schedule prayer and fasting in your life as you would anything else because certain things can only come about through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). Stay close to the only one who can heal every disease in your body (Psalm 103:3). Who can restore your finances and break the generational cycle of poverty? God! (Deuteronomy 8:18). Be sincere in your worship and be generous with your praises because God inhabits the praise of His children (Psalm 22:3). He invites you to cast all your cares upon Him because He cares so much for you (1 Peter 5:7). As we approach the end of 2022, let us believe for more, pray more, give more, and open our hearts to receive more of His goodness.
I live in an area that is conducive to outdoor activities. There is not much traffic, the skies are blue, and the outside is very scenic. Beautiful plants, neatly cut grass, trimmed trees, birds singing and many areas for walking are the things that appeal to me most in any neighborhood. I love to walk and sometimes joy hence I can take care of their health. I love the scenic routes, and there are several that I traverse when I go for my morning walks. One of my favorite routes is the burial ground, the resting place of the once wealthy in this world’s goods and those who revered God and maintained a spiritual connection with Him, which is the pearl of great price. I like to read the tombstones because they tell stories about the life that they lived. I found one that encapsulates the mission that I am passionate about and I was awe-struck by the deep faith and commitment of this very humble servant, though rich.
One morning, my adventurous spirit took over, and I felt the desire to take a new route. However, I couldn’t decide where to go. I had passed a path that led off the main road many times during my walk and to me; it was just a track to someone’s house for months; I ignored it. That morning I stood right there facing the same track. However, I hesitated for a while and then I saw a young woman approaching me. She was coming from the direction of the track. I greeted her warmly and politely asked her about the track. She described it as being breathtakingly beautiful, with a stream running through it. Oh, I love to look at the beautiful trees and flowering plants during my walk, and the sound of water was an added blessing. Being near water is so calming and energizing for me. This excited me, and I thanked her and ventured onto this path, which was a paved pathway with seatings and a beautiful stream running by. As I stared in awe at God’s marvellous creation, I cast my eyes to the right, beholding this beautiful creek that flowed right through the entire path. This spot was almost directly behind my house and although it had been there for years, I didn’t notice it because of my fear of the unknown. What a missed opportunity! I was enjoying nature’s beauty when I heard footsteps behind me, showing I had company. I turned to see who they were. They were walkers and joggers chatting, laughing and enjoying the cool, calm and peaceful atmosphere of the track. Later, I realized that this path also led to the main thoroughfare. It was a very pleasant walk and so different from the routes I had taken on my frequent walks. It was a fun walk, and I learned several important lessons that day that apply to any area of your life.
As we go through life, we must remain curious while having an open mind.
Don’t be afraid to try something new alone.
Seize the opportunity right there
Go slowly along a new path; listen, look, and learn
Create fun moments every day
Give the brain a workout by getting lost sometimes
What new things have you done lately? I would love to hear about them and look forward to your response.
There is the popular adage “we are products of our environment”. Although this has an element of truth, our personalities keep evolving and we get to decide how we want to present ourselves to the world. However, we all have a dominant personality, and that does not change.
Have you ever considered what makes you unique to others? It is called personality, those special characteristics that define us. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia defines personality as behavior patterns, thoughts, and emotions that are distinctive to a person and how they interrelate to assist or inhibit our change to other individuals and circumstances. Various theorists have different ideas about what makes up personality and how our personalities develop. According to Freud, the characteristics of our personalities can be attributed to the environment we were born into. Our dominant environment shapes our personality for life. Feist, Feist, & Roberts (2018).
According to Hindle and Vaciago (1999), personality development starts in the womb. It continues throughout infancy and into adulthood where the emphasis is on the mental task that accompanies each stage of the development and the interaction of inner operations and outside conditions. It can be a difficult question trying to figure out how we became who we are. As Winnicott (1949/1958) said, every person is attempting a rebirth wherein their lifespan continues with a greater quantity of reaction rather than what is experienced without the loss of the sense of the progression of individual existence Hindle & Vaciago (1999).
Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was a very prolific writer. As a result, he had become a highly important contributor to 20th-century thought. Freud postulates the Id is the centre of personality which is fully subconscious of the psychic region. Although the Id is far from reality, it attempts to lower stress by fulfilling primary needs. A newborn baby personifies the Id as free from the limitations of ego and superego. The baby seeks the satisfaction of needs with no notion of the possibility. Instead, it sucks whether the nipple is present or absent, failing to recognize that the sucking of its thumb cannot maintain life. Feist, et al. (2018).
Freud also said the ego is viewed differently when an infant knows how to determine himself from the external world. Although the id stays the same, the ego persists by developing strategies for dealing with the id’s impractical and relentless desire to be pleased. Sometimes the ego will control the id however, at other times it loses control. The ego must balance and restrain the id’s impulses however, it appears to be at the mercy of the powerful and disorganized id. The ego borrows its strength from the id and sometimes comes close to taking full control, for instance, during the prime of life of a psychologically mature person. Feist, et al. (2018).
Freud said most of the personality is subconscious and that we conceal many unlikeable facts about ourselves that are unpleasant by being defensive. Wishes, fears, disputes, beliefs, and unconscious memories also control us. The entire human nature is malevolent. Our inherent tendencies are erotic and hostile.
Like Freud, Jung’s theory of personality had its basis on the assumption that the mind has both conscious and subconscious levels. He differed from Feud in that he fully declared that the most noteworthy part of the subconscious came from the history of human existence instead of the individual’s personal experience. He called this concept the collective unconscious. Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, (2019). Although he believed the unconscious is highly important, he disagreed with Freud in many respects: Human nature is both good and bad. There are important instincts besides sexuality and aggressiveness (including individuation, the forerunner of the humanistic concept of self-actualization). Feist, et al. (2018)
There is a collective unconscious that contains archetypes, or inherited susceptibility to view the world in certain ways. Introversion/extraversion is a major aspect of personality. Psychopathology occurs when personality becomes unbalanced, as when we cannot develop important aspects of personality or overemphasize aspects that are contrary to our true nature. Ewen, (2009).
Jung’s concepts of introversion and extraversion came about after studying Freud’s and Adler’s theories. He agreed with them in some respect but had differing views in some areas. He referred to these two personalities as No. 1 being extraverted and No. 2 being introverted. He spoke about a period in his young life when he considered his personality introverted. However, when he contemplated the planning of his future profession and meeting other responsibilities, he became more extraverted. He remained extraverted until he experienced a personal crisis that caused him to revert to being an introvert. He mentioned too that the part of our personality that is not developed leaves way for the other to dominate Feist, et al. (2018).
Could it be possible that personality is interchangeable and can be switched on and off? This resonates with me because I have struggled in my life with periods of introversion and extraversion and at the different points when I interchanged them, I either experienced more happiness or was the least happy. I am more introverted when I am handling crises and feel the need to shut out the world to take care of me. I am sure that there are others who have similar issues. I often wondered why some people were so kind and easygoing, yet would flip personalities when faced with challenges. Jung’s rationale explains this. This has led me to the belief that personality is fickle, and it is possible for people to change their personalities like the weather changes. However, there is still one personality that predominates, the one who you mostly are at your deepest core.
Personality is a very complex one, despite the differing thoughts of many theorists. Although our personalities are shaped by the environment that we were born into and encompass all our behaviors it evolves, and we can nurture the personality that best defines us.
Many of us can identify with the Apostle Peter and his impetuousness. Although he was flawed, that didn’t prevent Jesus from calling him because God knew his heart. Peter became one of the most powerful apostles when he became converted (Luke 22:31–32). Sometimes we are quick to write off people because they are not living up to our standards of righteousness. This is judging and none of us may do so because we don’t know what is in a person’s heart, only God. Stop focusing on the outward and see the beautiful spirit, kindness, and tears behind a harsh demeanor. People are struggling and many have experienced brokenness and abandonment in their formative years, which is the most critical stage in a child’s development. Instead of judging, condemning and isolating, please reach out a hand and open your heart to the least of these because of the grace you have experienced. Attempt to see others through the eyes of Christ and it will draw more people to Him because of the Christlikeness they see in you.
God loves all rebels because there is greater work to be done in and through them. A rebel is like a black fish that is difficult to catch hence, it requires the angler to be skilled and experienced. Therefore, it takes a longer time for the rebel to accept Christ and become converted. When a rebel accepts Christ, they will serve the Lord faithfully and with great power and zeal. They will become a walking testimony that will stir hearts and souls while drawing them to the kingdom of God. They will truly serve God in spirit and truth and love their fellowmen because they have experienced grace and will extend grace freely. A converted rebel possesses the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5: 22-23).
If you are a rebel, watch out! God is chasing you and at some point, He will catch you. When He catches you, He will chasten you and after the chastening comes the awakening, repentance, baptism, conversion, and the call to ministry and a life of service. The completely transformed rebel is open and willing to be used by the Almighty. They will love their enemies, love their neighbor as themselves, will sacrifice for others and desire to minister to the suffering of humanity. They devote their heart to trusting God and doing what is right, pleasing and bringing glory to His name.
Because God changed their hearts instead of doubt and fears, there will be trust and boldness. When they are led by the Holy Spirit, they are compassionate, kind, obedient, love the word of God and live with godly fear. They are sensitive to the needs of others and their heart embraces the hungry, weak, and rejected, leading them to Jesus. They are fervent in prayer and persistent in their daily walk, hence they pick up the plough and will not look back.
Are you beset with problems in your life which are like mountains? Do they make you afraid because they seem like giants standing in your way with no way around them? Like Israel, God has called you to go to the promised land. However, the path is not smooth. It is filled with dangerous animals, valleys, mountains, drought, famine, bitter disputes with brethren, countless sleepless nights and bitter tears. Your faith wanes and your trust dissipates as the weight of everything breaks you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Enemies beset you from within and without. Daily, your cry to God asking how much more of this do you expect me to endure?
Look at the life of a soldier. They endure rigorous training to befit them for the service they are called to. They develop mental toughness and acuity, physical strength, and bravado. They live each day as if they are at war because they know the purpose of their calling. Therefore, they are prepared with the intelligence of the enemy’s whereabouts. They often do this preparation under treacherous circumstances. Often, they endure deprivation of food and water, endure harsh climates and injuries by land and sea. They also suffer from isolation from families and friends. However, they were chosen for service, and they are determined to fulfil their human obligation. Despite all they go through, narrow escapes from enemies, witnessing the death of comrades, torture from the enemy, and being defeated, they continue to persevere and remain steadfast, focusing on their goal, which is to defeat the enemy. (2 Timothy 2:3-5) A special shout-out to all military personnel. Thank you for being selfless! We love you and are praying for you!
Christians, where is your focus? Is it on your problems or what the word of God says about your problems? Pick up the word of God and ask the Holy Spirit to give you a scripture that speaks to your mountain. God has a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth for you to thresh your mountain and make it small. He wants to turn your hills to chaff. He wants you to blow air through the chaff so that the wind can blow them away and the whirlwind will scatter them so that you can rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. Isa 41: 14-16.
Stop doubting, crying, procrastinating, and complaining. Just look up at Jesus and take hold of your threshing sledge and get to work and start attacking your mountain and level it to the ground. Watch the whirlwind blow all the debris away in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
David was a man after God’s own heart, yet he allowed the devil to use him to do something abominable to God. It might have seemed like a simple thing to David then and even to us, but God understands the true motive of the heart and when we mess up, He will punish us for our sins. Our confessions will not save us from punishment because it is not enough. When we suffer the consequence for our transgressions, it serves as a warning to us and each time we try to fall out of line, that small voice will remind us of the penalty that was meted out the last time. Have you ever been disciplined by your parent for wrongdoing? Do you remember how much it hurts and the way it served as a constant reminder and a deterrent for all future infringements? This is how God works. He wants to clean us from all imperfections so that we can model His character in our lives each day.
David was at the height of his kingship, and one would think that since he had proved God’s faithfulness in his life over the years, he had a good understanding of what is pleasing to God. However, he probably felt bored, like most professionals do. They become tired of the routine because they don’t feel fulfilled anymore. They often thrive on doing different things that will inspire them to feel good about themselves and take their accomplishment to the next level. There is nothing wrong with that unless it is something unethical, then it would be so wrong. David wanted to number his army and to him, that might have been a simple thing, but God cautioned him against it. I believe He was saying to David do not depend on numbers, trust me. I’m the one who has been fighting for you. I delivered Goliath into your hands and gave you the wisdom and discernment to destroy him. I protected you from Saul’s attempts on your life many times and gave you the wisdom to evade him. I delivered Saul into your hands many times to test you and you passed the test. I know your heart and your reason for this.
Your servant Joab, whose heart is not perfect yet, found your request abominable and tried to talk you out of it but you insisted and because you’re the king, he unwillingly complied. Now speak for yourself. David acknowledged he had sinned. However, he is still trying to pass it off as a little thing. In verse 8, he said I have done foolishly”. Sometimes the things that we do and consider little in God’s eyes are major and to Him and the punishment will be severe. God send His prophet to him. David had a Seer and all he had to do was to go to him and ask him to find out from God if he would allow him to number the people, but he took matters into his hands, just like some of us.
How many times has God asked you not to do something, yet you stubbornly disobeyed and expected to be let off the hook? There is always a price to pay when we disobey. God send three judgments to David for him to pick one of them because He would not let him risk his soul by being tempted to do something worse. Do you remember a time when your parents disciplined you for something you considered a small matter, such as lying? You tried to wiggle your way out of being punished, but it happened anyway. They were trying to stomp it out before it took root for bigger things. Thank them for it. Things were not looking good for David because none of the choices were good. 1 Chronicle 21: 10-14. David exercised his wisdom and chose God’s punishment above the rest because of his mercies to us. He knows he would not chide forever and although he bruises, he will heal. Hosea 6:1. Man’s judgment is destructive, while God’s judgement is restorative.
I’m sure David learned a valuable lesson that day not to underestimate the power of God to be God. He loves us but He will chasten us Hebrews 12: 6-11 when we step out of line. He loves us too much to watch us lose ourselves to the devil, who is seizing the opportunity to sink us into that perpetual darkness from where there is no hope. Are you being disciplined today by God because of your wrongdoing? Be patient under His hand because He wants you to spend eternity with Him. Look at the punishment as God’s love that will bring completion to the work He has started in your life. Praise God! Amen! Thank you, Jesus!
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much
We are all flawed as humans. None of us is righteous despite our best efforts to do what is right consistently. Some of us have secret flaws while others have flaws that are openly displayed: rage, anger, hatred, jealousy, malice, envy, covetousness, and strife. Surrendering is often difficult, especially where anger is concerned. It is a powerful emotion that is often destructive, yet many of us succumb to it. When we recognize our flaws are destructive, we must go to God, confess them and ask for His forgiveness. However, do not expect them to disappear immediately. God wants us to hate the flaw and be determined to overcome it in His strength, hence it requires the flexing of our muscles. He will test us with those same flaws until we are victorious. The testings are designed to help instead of punishing because God wants us to die to self daily.
Most of us have had these flaws all our lives and we cannot expect to just pray them away. It takes work that we must do with the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our victory is determined by the amount of effort we are willing to make, although it might take years. Don’t blame God when you find yourself still being unkind, angry, hateful, or jealous. It is because of your selfishness. You have not forsaken and surrendered those negative emotions to God. Sometimes maybe we find it too challenging, a cherished sin, or maybe we are too weak, hence this flaw remains a stronghold in our lives. As we yield ourselves to God, His Holy Spirit will grant us peace even amidst the war against the flesh and confusion. The battle is often won with humility, sincerity and patience. God wants to remove every stain of imperfection from us therefore, He invites us to come to Him for help.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
According to the APA (American Psychological Association), there is more to depression than sadness. Some symptoms that depressed people experience are the loss of interest in the enjoyment of daily activities, major weight loss or gain, sleeplessness or too much sleep, lethargy, lack of focus, low self-esteem, and feelings of guilt, fixation with death and, suicidal tendency. Depression is a very common mental disorder that is treatable by combining therapies and medicine.
Depression is an insidious, perpetual black hole in the soul. It brings one into this gross, dark place that is tormenting the soul. The depressed person feels like they are pinned down beneath a ton of weight from which there is no escape. It blocks the light from penetrating the eyes which are the soul’s window. Sometimes one might contemplate climbing towards the light, however, each attempt appears to draw them in deeper. There are those odd days when, with a bit of persistence, the depressed will muster up the strength to escape from it sadly, it is only short-lived because their mood changes so fast it’s almost impossible to stay positive and focused. Anything can trigger a bout of depression; disappointment, betrayal by friends or loved ones, sexual abuse, rejection, bullying, stress at work, or just fatigue.
Since most depressed people suffer from low-self esteem, mood swings are a constant for them. Often friends or family members may try to encourage and support them however, they may also become frustrated with the lack of interest. Sometimes, the depressed person’s mind is unhinged hence they cannot accept the kindness of others. As a result, they often sink deeper into depression and cannot cope with the demands of life. Therefore, they resort to isolation, self-mutilation, sleeping excessively, overeating, anorexia nervosa, wallowing in self-pity, wishing the days away, and hoping life will pass by without their notice. In this state, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness often set in and are usually followed by suicidal thoughts and, sometimes, these thoughts are acted out.
Depression chips away at your body’s vital force, leaving it in a weakened state. Hence, depressed people experience intense emotions, feelings of overwhelm, fear, anxiety, and pain, which restricts them from fully taking part in the activities of their lives. The more one indulges in apathy and self-pity, the greater the desire to engage in addictive behaviors such as binge eating, alcoholism, smoking, drugs, pornography, and compulsive behaviors such as sex, gambling, and shopping. They believe these things make them happy. However, it’s all superficial and only a frantic cry for help. Depression creates restlessness within, and it is a pain for which there is no self-cure. No one needs to be ashamed of depression. It is a chronic illness that requires professional help through either medication or counseling and, in some cases, both.
I too suffered from depression for many years. Looking back, I realized I was in a very dark and dreary place. It felt as though the darkest clouds were always pouring down vehemently all over me. There were many times when I fell flat on my face with no hope or desire of ever getting back up. I became addicted to sugar and shopping, which I used as a coping mechanism. I loved everything sweet; candies, ice cream, cakes, pies, cookies, peanut butter, and chocolate, my favorite. These foods supercharged my energy levels and provided me with the comfort that helped me forget my problems if only temporarily. Sometimes I would get up in the wee hours and eat sweets. One morning at 2:00 a.m. I ate an entire box of Cadbury Roses and wondered where they went because I didn’t even remember tasting them. I just wolfed them down.
There were points in my life when I felt that life was not worth living and encouraged suicidal thoughts and also dangled on the periphery of suicide a couple of times. Here I was in London, the city of my dreams, where there was so much to do and see and yet depression almost stole that beautiful experience from me. The weight of the darkness was so overwhelming I went to the train station early one Saturday morning to end it all. When I arrived, a few people were waiting for the train and I stayed far from them. I waited for the train to arrive, but it took forever. When I saw the train arriving in the distance, I became overwhelmed with emotions. I ran back home blinded by tears and unable to see where I was going, not that I cared. Unbeknown to me, I had visitors. I bolted up the stairs with Mike following in the tow. I yanked the door open and was about to slam it shut when he braced himself inside, by now I was very hysterical and told him to leave. He refused and stayed with me; he talked with me in a soft and soothing voice while asking me questions to understand what was going on. It took hours before I found my voice and opened up to him about my feelings then. He saved my life that day because I had a meltdown that I didn’t think I could recover from. Yes, I was a Christian, but being a Christian doesn’t mean that you are exempt from facing difficult times in your life.
One of my hobbies is reading and I love reading autobiographies and self-help books which helped to improve my mood. I am an avid fan of Sidney Sheldon and I read all of his books and watched the movies. One day I came upon his latest book “The Other Side of Me”, at the local library in Dublin, Ireland. The title intrigued me and I delved into reading it right away. While thumbing through the pages, I came across this phrase;
“I want all of you to be as happy as possible. My happiness is an elusive balloon, waiting for me to grab it, floating from side to side with the wind, across oceans, big green meadows, trees and brooks, rustic pastoral scenes and rain-swept sidewalks. First high, barely visible, far out of reach, then low, almost within reach, blown here and there by the vagaries of a playful wind, a wind one moment heartless and sadistic, the next gently compassionate. The wind of fate, and in it rests our lives”. Suddenly, I had an epiphany. No one is exempt from depression, which was a poignant reminder of the frailty of humanity.
I functioned in my dysfunction because I had accomplished many dreams, yet the happiness I desperately sought seemed elusive. There was always present this restless wave in my soul. I hated my life, and I wanted to experience tranquillity, stability, and vibrancy within my life. It occurred to me that there was something that needed to be fixed, hence I reached out to several professionals who helped me walk back towards the light.
Nowadays, I am experiencing joy in my life and I strive to maintain this. Some things I do daily are: maintaining a connection with God through prayer, Bible study, singing and just being of service to humanity.
Reading and journaling
Going for long walks
Talking to friends
Being kind to myself and others.
Traveling and learning new things
Sometimes I like to go into the kitchen, experiment with foods, and prepare something special which I eat with relish.
If you are suffering from depression, please discuss this with a licensed professional counselor or a medical professional. The sooner you do this, the quicker you will see the results that will help you live the life that matters most to you. Let’s stomp out the darkness! No more darkness here, let there be light!
Disclaimer: I do not intend The information in this post for the treatment or cure of depression. Only a qualified counselor or a medical professional can effectively treat depression. This is only for providing information.
