Yes! You are in for more perspective. FriDudes speak up on suffering. You are either suffering right now or you know someone that is. You are not alone. We tackle depression and suffering. Here is part 1 of 2.
Thank you FriDudes and thank you for joining. Thank you Pastor Ricky Jenkins of Southwestchurch.com. If you digged that 'Play of the Day' you can find more of him and his styling, musings, perspectives and wisdom. That one originated from Keep the Faith: Week 4. Published on the 25th of January 2021.
Wrapping on a Deeper thought, if you had kids would you want them to be Hopeful or Hopeless? Yes, rhetorical, yet I truly believe we don't give that question enough attention. The FriDudes are in the Hope and encouragement business. As many slam the Bible, it sells hope. It explains exactly why we suffer. It also explains the greatest of the greatest will suffer.
Some of you are suffering unfairly. That may even be an understatement. Did Jesus suffer unfairly? You have something in common. Jesus experienced one of the worst deaths imaginable and didn't deserve it.
Suffering without meaning equals despair. If despair lingers too long it becomes depression. If depression lingers too long you get dark voices in your head to kill yourself. Please, I beg of you, do not listen to those dark voices. Recognize them for their darkness and get help. Reach out to a Christian church. If they are the right church, they will have compassion and resources or at least can direct you to a strong therapist. If they don't, avoid that church. it most likely means they went dark too. That may sound a bit harsh yet true. A properly tuned in Christian church will serve and love like Jesus.
If you had cancer, you would get treatment. If you have an unbearable toothache, you go to a dentist. If your depression persists, especially to the point of wanting to take your or someone else's life, you need to see a pastor and therapist. Make sure they are Christian. Make sure they are in the hope and encouragement business as well.
Truth, many of you in despair go to alcohol or drugs to lift. Temporary short cuts is what they are. They mask and only accelerate that depression. You ever notice they are never enough? Maybe for an instant, yet we always want more.
Suffering with meaning = Hope. Knowing this broken planet isn't it is a massive relief. Your choice. Your perspective to go after Truth.
Do we really want Truth? Or does our pride get in the way that we really, really, really don't want to be wrong. We overplay the latter. We triple down on stubbornness on argue with others doing the same thing on social media.
More Truth means more of the Owner's Manual. Whether you are Deep or not, there is always room for improvement. Read James 1 to better understand suffering. Proverbs for wisdom. Matt, Mark, Luke and John to really know Jesus
Despite the pain, we strive to make the most of this life and loving others. Someday, you will actually see and feel the world and promise explained in Revelation 21:4, Revelation 21:4, KJV: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." For now, we press on. We encourage others. Don't always assume 'all is good' with your loved ones or that stranger. If you lack the words, share this episode if you feel worthy. When in doubt, speak up and encourage someone else. This is Lauren Daigle and Rescue...
