Chapter 2 of Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression opens with a quote from Helen Keller and a Bible verse 2 Corinthians 2:4.
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. Helen Keller
For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. 2 Corinthians 2:4
The book shares that even Christians get depressed. However, depression does not have to be a permanent way of life per Dr. Michelle Bengtson.
Beloved, I shared that the first time I knew about sadness was in fifth grade, the next time I recognized sadness was how hard this time of the year is for me. My mother died in October when I was twenty-five years old. In October the days are shorter, the weather is colder, there’s the anniversary of my mom’s death. Then, we roll into the holidays. My mom made the holidays wonderful. I am very sensitive to the Hallmark frame of mind. I want the picture-perfect Christmas. Am I crazy or does Christmas get earlier every year?
Dr. Michelle Bengtson in her depth of despair clung to scripture. She had people say to her “snap out of it.” If you want your freedom from depression you have to decide you are ready to dispel some myths and lies and replace them with God’s truth. What lies have you believed? Have you felt shame attached to your depression?
Dr. Michelle Bengtson says, “The circumstances that led to our struggles with depression may be different, but there is hope.”
She says there are things depression does to us on a spiritual level but by the grace of God, there are also things that God will not allow depression to do.
Beloved, look up this scripture Isaiah 51:11.
Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness. Isaiah 51:11 NLT
We’re promised that we who have been ransomed by the Lord, our sorrow and mourning will disappear and we will be filled with joy and gladness.
In the passage of 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
We will be comforted by the Father God, the God of all mercies.
Lastly, are we willing to do what it takes to get well?
Verses to write out and read three times a day are Psalm 126:5, Isaiah 51:11, Matthew 5:4, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Father God, I pray today for those suffering from depression, I ask that they would turn to you and seek your word for help. Lord send your Holy Spirit to give them hope. Clear their minds so that they can read the words in Hope Prevails and learn the Bible Verses. I ask you bless Dr. Michelle Bengtson. In Jesus Name. Amen.
What is your next step?
If you do not have the Hope Prevails Bible Study and can’t afford the book please contact me at blessingsrockwell@gmailrockwell.com.
