Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).
I have recently been helping someone understand the process of mind renewal and heart change. It is critical to understand that you won't have one without the other.
Mind renewal is especially important when dealing with feelings of depression. When your thoughts, beliefs, and desires are set on glorifying God, you will begin to do the right things, such as serving others, and you will experience good results, such as relief from depressive feelings.
If you are a woman who struggles with feelings; especially depressive ones, I would encourage you to consider what God says about your reason for living. Why do you think He created you? Search the Scriptures and make a list of the reasons God says He made you. To get you started, look up 1 Corinthians 6:20.
I also encourage you to remind yourself daily of your spiritual identity. The book of Ephesians
gives you some great clues about who you are in Christ. Examine the book in depth, especially the first three chapters. Take notes, use various translations, and look up words you don’t know or understand in a concordance, such as Vine’s or Strong’s.
Do you know who you are in Christ? Check a concordance for words like “justified,” “sanctified,” “called,” “elect,” “blameless,” “holy.” Memorize the Bible verses that reveal how these words apply to you.
As you go throughout your day, look for God at work in your circumstances. Examine the life of biblical characters such as David, Samuel, Ruth, Naomi, King Saul, Samson, Elijah, and Paul. These people were used by God and still testify to us today; how did they handle their crises and troubles?
Do a study on what the Bible has to say about grumbling and complaining. Use both the Old and New Testaments.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT)
Let me challenge you with these questions as I leave you for today:
- What is your focus today?
- Do you just want to be “feeling better”?
If so, may I suggest you change your focus to “seeing Christ?” The goal of true change is to see only Jesus Christ. He is your answer. He is your comfort. He is your help in time of need. He is your light, your salvation, your all in all. He is your hope.