Sunday, August 22, 2010
Andrew Ong's testimony - From Depression to Victory
Adapted from Andrew Ong's blog:
http://andrew-ong.com/my-testimony
The PAST me (Andrew):
My growing up took an adverse turn when my family broke up and leaving me to seek solace, support and a sense of belonging in a gang. Gradually I lost interest in studies and dropped out from secondary school.
I got involved in smoking, alcohol, drugs and fights. And one of those fights (a gang clash) led me to prison where I was sentenced for 30 months and 5 strokes of the cane. I was 18 years old then.
But what was to be my lowest point was to be my turning point.
A miracle happened… God found me in my cell.
In my cell I chanced upon a bible and read the Gospels and was drawn to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Convicted of my wrongs, I decided to repent and received Jesus into my life.
A second miracle happened… God spoke to me in my cell.
God through His word placed in my heart His promise, “You have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain ‘move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20)
That spoken (rhemma) word from Him gave me the courage to appeal my case, which was something absurd to do humanly speaking. However, God proved Himself true and faithful.
I was released two months later after my appeal was heard. My sentence was drastically shortened to a mere 9 months. And the 5 strokes of the cane was thrown out!
The PRESENT me (Andrew):
My new life with Christ has really been a ride due mainly to the fact that I am incorrigible. But He has always been unconditionally patient with me all the time, and His belief in me has been my pillar in living out a full life that is not inhibited by my past and my sins.
Today the miracles still continue as I am growing as a person; having the capacity to love, trust and give, these qualities of which I never knew how living in this ‘sick, corrupt and dark’ world.
Incidentally, He had led me back to my studies some years ago and had played the main role as my motivator in my long climb up the academic ladder towards attaining a Bachelor’s Degree last year.
Even wounds between me and my family members had been healed and incredibly, each one has been saved, extending even to my step-family!
I am truly amazed by God’s love for me and what He has done for me. And I believe that He is the Hope of the world. If He can do it for me, He can do it for anyone.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who believe on Him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
My Testimony - The Fall
My life could have end on June 2009. It was the Lord who saved me. A long scar on my wrist reminds me of His grace each time i see it.
A fateful evening on 15 June 2009 had me strolling along Fort Canning Park. There was a row of bushes in front of me, and thinking that it was a shortcut to an exit, i hopped over it. Little did I realise that after the bushes was actually a cliff measuring half a storey high. To make matter worse, my feet got trapped on the ends of the bush, and I fell headfirst to the ground...
Instinctively I stretched out my left hand to break my fall. Despite the break fall, I hit my head hard onto the ground. I could smell the freshness of soil and grass. I laid on the ground dazed for quite a while, and as I stood up, a shock that soon turned to relief awaited me - the spot where my head hit the soil was just barely 5 centimetres away from a concrete pathway.
I knew right there and then that it's God. It must be God. He saved me! I thank God immediately. Some might say it's just a coincident. But I knew better. I was admitted to hospital the next day, after my wrist swelled abnormally. I was there for 3 Days 2 Nights, and my operation took 3 hours. The surgeon said I had a very bad fracture that broke my wrist at 3 areas. I had 6 screws and 2 metal brackets to hold my bones in place.
That's not the end of my testimony. Within 3 months, my bones had healed completely. The surgeon who reviewed my situation said I've made remarkable recovery, considering the severe fracture that I suffered. I returned back to rock-climbing on my 4th month! Praise the Lord! He was double affirming to me that not only did He saved my life, He healed me too! I prayed for the scars to be gone, but I think it's there for a reason: it reminds me of His mercy and grace.
Since then, I started to turn my life back to the Lord. I told my close friends, that if it's not because of Him, they would visit me at my funeral instead of the hospital. I would have been condemned to eternal hell if I were to die back then, for I was indulging in a life of sins. I believe that God has kept me for His greater purpose. And I'm excited about His purposes and plans for me. God is merciful, God is good!
A fateful evening on 15 June 2009 had me strolling along Fort Canning Park. There was a row of bushes in front of me, and thinking that it was a shortcut to an exit, i hopped over it. Little did I realise that after the bushes was actually a cliff measuring half a storey high. To make matter worse, my feet got trapped on the ends of the bush, and I fell headfirst to the ground...
Instinctively I stretched out my left hand to break my fall. Despite the break fall, I hit my head hard onto the ground. I could smell the freshness of soil and grass. I laid on the ground dazed for quite a while, and as I stood up, a shock that soon turned to relief awaited me - the spot where my head hit the soil was just barely 5 centimetres away from a concrete pathway.
I knew right there and then that it's God. It must be God. He saved me! I thank God immediately. Some might say it's just a coincident. But I knew better. I was admitted to hospital the next day, after my wrist swelled abnormally. I was there for 3 Days 2 Nights, and my operation took 3 hours. The surgeon said I had a very bad fracture that broke my wrist at 3 areas. I had 6 screws and 2 metal brackets to hold my bones in place.
That's not the end of my testimony. Within 3 months, my bones had healed completely. The surgeon who reviewed my situation said I've made remarkable recovery, considering the severe fracture that I suffered. I returned back to rock-climbing on my 4th month! Praise the Lord! He was double affirming to me that not only did He saved my life, He healed me too! I prayed for the scars to be gone, but I think it's there for a reason: it reminds me of His mercy and grace.
Since then, I started to turn my life back to the Lord. I told my close friends, that if it's not because of Him, they would visit me at my funeral instead of the hospital. I would have been condemned to eternal hell if I were to die back then, for I was indulging in a life of sins. I believe that God has kept me for His greater purpose. And I'm excited about His purposes and plans for me. God is merciful, God is good!
Footprints
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened
at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him
and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that
during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why
when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened
at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him
and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that
during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why
when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
Be Thankful
1 Timothy 4:4-5
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Yesterday I was sharing in my cell group, after watching the video by Pastor Khong (FCBC) on YOU CAN - Win and Have Success, that it is crucial to have a teachable and thanksgiving attitudes if we want to be successful in life. Nobody likes to be with a person who's not teachable, nor someone who constantly grumbles about any or everything. Conversely a person who is humble and teachable, and gives thanks in many situations or circumstances, is highly valued and well-liked.
I'm not saying that I'm successful by any definition, or that I do not have any pride within me, but that we should all try to be more humble, teachable and thankful to God in all situations.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
There are many things that I wish to have and have not, but there also are many things that I have, and I thank God for them. I realised that the more I dwell on the things I have not, and why others have them, the more depressed I become. However, when I think about the things that I already have, and shall have, a spirit of thankfulness overwhelms me.
I thank God for 1) my good health and physique 2) my loving parents 3) my cosy room 4) my 2 beautiful and obedient dogs 4) my intellect and education 5) my voice and ability to sing for Him 6) my meaningful job 7) my few good friends 8) my cell group leader and members 9) some developing fruits of His Spirit 10) living in Singapore 10) and last but not least, God!
You see, there are also many things that I do not have, and I've many weaknesses and flaws. And I'm sure if you count all your blessings, you will have more than mine. There are really many things I yearn for. Some I've been praying and I know it will be answered, yet others I know I have to manage my expectations and live without. Still, there are things we can be thankful to God for! I know, the plants on the other side are always greener. How about looking at your own plants and begin to appreciate its own greenery?
I was watching the inspiring videos of Nick Vujicic, the famous "man without limbs". I felt prompted to write this post after he shared how he was THANKFUL for what he has, and not BITTER for what he does not have.
Now I want to say that there are days that I've cried for what I do not have, that life is unfair (I still lament at times)! But God has stilled my heart and taught me some bits and pieces about godliness with contentment. I'm not there yet, but I trying, and I know I can. I want to encourage you, my brothers and sisters-in-Christ, to adopt a heart of thanksgiving to God always, and your life will overflow with His joy.
Thank you Jesus, for helping me to write this post. May You bless me and my readers with godliness and contentment!
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Yesterday I was sharing in my cell group, after watching the video by Pastor Khong (FCBC) on YOU CAN - Win and Have Success, that it is crucial to have a teachable and thanksgiving attitudes if we want to be successful in life. Nobody likes to be with a person who's not teachable, nor someone who constantly grumbles about any or everything. Conversely a person who is humble and teachable, and gives thanks in many situations or circumstances, is highly valued and well-liked.
I'm not saying that I'm successful by any definition, or that I do not have any pride within me, but that we should all try to be more humble, teachable and thankful to God in all situations.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
There are many things that I wish to have and have not, but there also are many things that I have, and I thank God for them. I realised that the more I dwell on the things I have not, and why others have them, the more depressed I become. However, when I think about the things that I already have, and shall have, a spirit of thankfulness overwhelms me.
I thank God for 1) my good health and physique 2) my loving parents 3) my cosy room 4) my 2 beautiful and obedient dogs 4) my intellect and education 5) my voice and ability to sing for Him 6) my meaningful job 7) my few good friends 8) my cell group leader and members 9) some developing fruits of His Spirit 10) living in Singapore 10) and last but not least, God!
You see, there are also many things that I do not have, and I've many weaknesses and flaws. And I'm sure if you count all your blessings, you will have more than mine. There are really many things I yearn for. Some I've been praying and I know it will be answered, yet others I know I have to manage my expectations and live without. Still, there are things we can be thankful to God for! I know, the plants on the other side are always greener. How about looking at your own plants and begin to appreciate its own greenery?
I was watching the inspiring videos of Nick Vujicic, the famous "man without limbs". I felt prompted to write this post after he shared how he was THANKFUL for what he has, and not BITTER for what he does not have.
Now I want to say that there are days that I've cried for what I do not have, that life is unfair (I still lament at times)! But God has stilled my heart and taught me some bits and pieces about godliness with contentment. I'm not there yet, but I trying, and I know I can. I want to encourage you, my brothers and sisters-in-Christ, to adopt a heart of thanksgiving to God always, and your life will overflow with His joy.
Thank you Jesus, for helping me to write this post. May You bless me and my readers with godliness and contentment!
Quotes-worthy
If I fail, I try again, and again, and again. - Nick Vujicic
The challenges in our lives are there to strengthen our convictions. They are not there to run us over. - Nick Vujicic
I've never met a Bitter person who was Thankful, or a Thankful person who was Bitter. - Nick Vujicic
It behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshiping we are becoming. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. - Maya Angelou
Every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. - Maya Angelou
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
The challenges in our lives are there to strengthen our convictions. They are not there to run us over. - Nick Vujicic
I've never met a Bitter person who was Thankful, or a Thankful person who was Bitter. - Nick Vujicic
It behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshiping we are becoming. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. - Maya Angelou
Every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. - Maya Angelou
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
Man Without Arms playing Piano With His Feet
As I watched this video from "China's Got Talent", I was speechless and filled with emotions. Each time you think life is unfair, if you think you are worthless, useless, think about Liu Wei.
Thank you, Jesus for people like Liu Wei! You made me understand Psalm 8:5
"You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor."
To quote Liu Wei: "I've decided that I've 2 choices in life - Either I give up on life and die, or otherwise I could choose to live life abundantly.” (他自已想, 要嗎就死去, 要嗎就活得精精彩彩)
Another quote from Liu Wei struck a chord within me: "When I was 10, I realised that life is so fragile; it could be gone in a matter of seconds."
Dear friends, we may be here today, but nobody can guarantee this tomorrow, or the next moment. Do you think you are really in control of everything, of life? Or would it be better to place our lives in the protective and comforting hands of Jesus?
Live life to the fullest today, live for Jesus!
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Lifestyle/Story/STIStory_568309.html
Thank you, Jesus for people like Liu Wei! You made me understand Psalm 8:5
"You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor."
To quote Liu Wei: "I've decided that I've 2 choices in life - Either I give up on life and die, or otherwise I could choose to live life abundantly.” (他自已想, 要嗎就死去, 要嗎就活得精精彩彩)
Another quote from Liu Wei struck a chord within me: "When I was 10, I realised that life is so fragile; it could be gone in a matter of seconds."
Dear friends, we may be here today, but nobody can guarantee this tomorrow, or the next moment. Do you think you are really in control of everything, of life? Or would it be better to place our lives in the protective and comforting hands of Jesus?
Live life to the fullest today, live for Jesus!
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Lifestyle/Story/STIStory_568309.html
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
There Will Be A Day - Jeremy Camp
I dedicate this song especially to those who are hurting on earth presently. One day, surely you will enter into heaven where there'll be no more hurt, no more pain. Meanwhile, keep the faith! Fix your eyes towards the ending. Jesus is coming sooner than you and I can imagine. Hold on!
I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end,
His word declares this truth,
That we will enter in His rest with wonders anew
But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
Chorus:
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more
We'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always
I know the journey seems so long
You feel you're walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you've walked out all alone
Troubled soul don't lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that's in store
Outweighs the hurt of life's sting
But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
(Chorus)
I can't wait until that day where the very one I've lived for always
will wipe away the sorrow that I've faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery
This is why this is why I sing
(Chorus)
There will be a day
He will wipe away the tears x3
There will be a day
I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end,
His word declares this truth,
That we will enter in His rest with wonders anew
But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
Chorus:
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more
We'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always
I know the journey seems so long
You feel you're walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you've walked out all alone
Troubled soul don't lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that's in store
Outweighs the hurt of life's sting
But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
(Chorus)
I can't wait until that day where the very one I've lived for always
will wipe away the sorrow that I've faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery
This is why this is why I sing
(Chorus)
There will be a day
He will wipe away the tears x3
There will be a day
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
We Are An Offering - Chris Christian
Dearest Lord,
All that we have, we lift it up to you.
Whatever that we have- our voices, our hands, even our lives,
They are yours.
Our good and our bad, we give it all to you.
Our joy and our sadness,
Our laughter and our tears,
Our confidence and our insecurities,
Whatever we have, and whatever we have not,
They are yours.
Made us an offering...
Yours truly,
Stephen
We lift our voices, we lift our hands
We lift our lives up to You
We are an offering
Lord use our voices, Lord use our hands
Lord use our lives they are Yours
We are an offering
All that we have, all that we are
All that we hope to be we give to You
We give to You
All that we have, we lift it up to you.
Whatever that we have- our voices, our hands, even our lives,
They are yours.
Our good and our bad, we give it all to you.
Our joy and our sadness,
Our laughter and our tears,
Our confidence and our insecurities,
Whatever we have, and whatever we have not,
They are yours.
Made us an offering...
Yours truly,
Stephen
We lift our voices, we lift our hands
We lift our lives up to You
We are an offering
Lord use our voices, Lord use our hands
Lord use our lives they are Yours
We are an offering
All that we have, all that we are
All that we hope to be we give to You
We give to You
Light At The End Of The Darkness - Chris Christian
There's a Light
At the end of the darkness
And it shines
For all the world to see
It will shine on your heart
If you will let it
I was blind
when it finally shine on me
There is hope in that Light
For the hopeless
And the soothing balm
For pain and misery
It's as near as your faith
But sometimes seems fleeting
I was blind
When it finally shine on me
There's a Light
At the end of the darkness
So look up when you are down
And try to believe
Sometimes we have to be knocked down
To make us look upward
I was looking up from the bottom
When it finally shine on me
Praise The Lord - Chris Christian
When you're up against the struggle
That shatters all your dreams
When your hopes had been cruelly crushed
By Satan's manifested schemes
And when you feel the earth within you
To submit to earthly fears
And the faith that you've been standing in
Just seems to disappear
Praise the Lord!
He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord!
For our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord!
For the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you
They drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him
Now Satan is a liar
And he wants to make us think
That we are paupers
When he knows himself that we're children of the King
So lift up your mighty shield of faith
For the battle must be won
We know that Jesus Christ is risen
So the works already done
Praise the Lord!
He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord!
For our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord!
For the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you
They drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Psalmist
Psalm 6:6-9
6 I am worn out from groaning;
all night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.
8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
Psalm 13:5-6
But I have trusted in thy lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I'll sing unto Jehovah, Because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 16:8
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
Psalm 23:2-4
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 30:11-12
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 37:4-5
Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him;
and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 45:7
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
Psalm 46:1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me
Psalm 51:12-13
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 56:3-4, 13
3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;
I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalm 64:10
The righteous shall be glad in Jehovah, and shall take refuge in him;
And all the upright in heart shall glory.
Psalm 73:23-26
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 84:11-12
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory:
no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Psalm 91:2-4, 14-16
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Psalm 97:11-12
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous;
and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm 100:1-5
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 112:7-8
7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 119:25-28
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Psalm 128:1-2
Blessed is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in his ways.
For thou shall eat the labor of thine hands:
happy shall thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
6 I am worn out from groaning;
all night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.
8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
Psalm 13:5-6
But I have trusted in thy lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I'll sing unto Jehovah, Because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 16:8
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
Psalm 23:2-4
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 30:11-12
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 37:4-5
Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him;
and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 45:7
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
Psalm 46:1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me
Psalm 51:12-13
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 56:3-4, 13
3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;
I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalm 64:10
The righteous shall be glad in Jehovah, and shall take refuge in him;
And all the upright in heart shall glory.
Psalm 73:23-26
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 84:11-12
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory:
no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Psalm 91:2-4, 14-16
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Psalm 97:11-12
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous;
and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm 100:1-5
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 112:7-8
7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 119:25-28
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Psalm 128:1-2
Blessed is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in his ways.
For thou shall eat the labor of thine hands:
happy shall thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Recommended Christian Books
(mouse-over titles to go to Amazon.com links. But remember to come back!)
1) How to Win Over Depression - Tim LaHaye
2) Battlefield of The Mind - Joyce Meyer
3) The Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren
4) The Half Empty Heart - Alan Downs (non-christian)
1) How to Win Over Depression - Tim LaHaye
2) Battlefield of The Mind - Joyce Meyer
3) The Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren
4) The Half Empty Heart - Alan Downs (non-christian)
Verses Against Depression
Romans 8:6
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—
the fruit of lips that confess his name.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!
Romans 14:8
If we live, we live to the Lord;
and if we die, we die to the Lord.
So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Habakkuk 3:18
Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads:
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
John 15:10-11
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you,
and that your joy might be full.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Matthew 5:3-10
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
1 Peter 5:7-9
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith,
because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—
the fruit of lips that confess his name.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!
Romans 14:8
If we live, we live to the Lord;
and if we die, we die to the Lord.
So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Habakkuk 3:18
Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads:
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
John 15:10-11
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you,
and that your joy might be full.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Matthew 5:3-10
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
1 Peter 5:7-9
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith,
because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Made Me Glad - Hillsong
This is the song that has helped me through my days. May it bless you too.
"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble."
(Psalm 46:1)
"The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
and with my song will I praise him."
(Psalm 28:7)
"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble."
(Psalm 46:1)
"The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
and with my song will I praise him."
(Psalm 28:7)
A Biological Explanation on Depression (Video)
These videos seek to explain only the psychological and biological aspects of depression. I personally believe a 3rd aspect is most important, the spiritual part.
The Attack; My Counter-Attack
Adversities, trials and tribulations, the hardships of life all share a striking similarity. They either strengthen or weaken you (and your faith in God). I've read stories of how people gave up on God after they've lost their loved ones to illnesses or accidents, yet I've also heard of cases where people drew closer to God as a result.
I have been a Christian for the past 14 years. I always know there's a God and that He created me, but I never know Him intimately nor experience His love and power before. My relationship with Him could be likened to a roller-coaster ride. I've never placed Him 1st in my life. I was a lukewarm Christian, a little more than a Sunday Christian. Maybe a Sunday and Monday Christian.
God has a very unique yet loving way of waking His children up. I remembered that during my army days, my officers would yelled at me "Wake up your ideas!" Sometimes I would be punished or rebuked by my officers to teach me a lesson. This time round, it was God who gave me the wake-up call.
2010 has been my most memorable year. It was also a year of restoration. It has been my loneliest year, yet a year where I know God most intangibly (not tangibly). It has been my most depressing year, yet a year which I experience God's peace. It was a year where I was down to my last ounce of strength, yet I was the strongest. A lonely yet full-of-God-presence year? A peaceful depressing year? A stronger weak me?
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:25)
I've cooped myself up in bed over the weekends, I've had tears streaming down whenever a particular thought flooded my head, I've had indescribable fear that attacked me such that I do not have the strength and courage to meet people or go out. The details of which I do not wish to share openly; only a few closest friends and my church leader know about it. Rather, I find it more purposeful to share this: there is HOPE in the Lord! I would like to share some strategies which I've found it useful. And I know it could help you too. I used the word "strategies", because we're not dealing with mere flesh and blood; we're dealing with dark forces and spirit beings and the unseen. If you deal with humans, you can adopt methods; if you deal with dark forces, you need godly strategies.
1) Even on days that I do not wish to, I would literally force myself to sing praise songs through Youtube. My favourite is Made Me Glad by Hillsong. I sing it everyday, even up till today.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)
2) On days that I can't sleep due to fears or worries, I would call out Jesus name repeatedly before I sleep, and until I drifted to sleep. Yes, I simply meditate on the word "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..."
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)
3) I would focus myself on the book of Psalms. My favourite being
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)
4) I would pray to God everyday. I would cry to him when I pray. I'm very thankful to God that He allowed me to cry. I felt better after each cry.
"Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry!" (Psalm 88:2)
“I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God.” (2 Sam. 22:7)
5) I meditate on this verse in the train on my way to work every morning.
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
6) I would fast every Wed (I choose Wed because it's the mid-week) over lunch. I would dedicate my lunch time to pray to God.
"So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes." (Daniel 9:3)
7) I would ask God to be the army commander in my battle against spiritual dark forces. I would visualise Jesus standing in front of all enemies (my fears and worries), and He's holding my hand with His one hand, and wielding His mighty sword with the other.
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)
8) I have consciously choose to praise God for everything and anything. I praise God for His light when the weather is hot, and His rain when it's wet. I praise God when I become hungry (for I know He shall feed me), and I thank Him sincerely after I have my fill.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11)
9) I started going to church more regularly and joined a cell group. I opened myself up socially to more people.
10) I start to view life with opportunities to give and to serve. I consciously remind myself to be God-conscious instead of self-conscious. I know and own nothing by myself; whatever I do know and have are given to me from God.
"For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either." (1 Timothy 6:7)
"Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share" (1 Timothy 6:18)
11) 1st thing I asked specifically is peace in my heart, love for myself and others, and joy in every situation, above all material needs and wealth.
2nd thing I ask for specifically is for a good mental and physical health.
3rd thing which I ask very specifically is for wisdom to handle life's challenges and to make right decisions.
12) Next on my to-do list is to start becoming active again. Those who know me know that I used to be very active. When you're down, you don't feel like exercising.
13) Last but not of any less importance - support from loved ones and friends. I wish to thank my mum, Shirley and Alison for being with me all these while. You are the next best things beside God. :P
The Number One must-do task is to ask God for help!
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)
For those who are feeling the weight of the world, be encouraged and be lifted up in the Lord.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Please try these steps, and write to me to let me know if they work for you, as they do for me. May the Lord's peace comes upon the broken-hearted and the discouraged.
I have been a Christian for the past 14 years. I always know there's a God and that He created me, but I never know Him intimately nor experience His love and power before. My relationship with Him could be likened to a roller-coaster ride. I've never placed Him 1st in my life. I was a lukewarm Christian, a little more than a Sunday Christian. Maybe a Sunday and Monday Christian.
God has a very unique yet loving way of waking His children up. I remembered that during my army days, my officers would yelled at me "Wake up your ideas!" Sometimes I would be punished or rebuked by my officers to teach me a lesson. This time round, it was God who gave me the wake-up call.
2010 has been my most memorable year. It was also a year of restoration. It has been my loneliest year, yet a year where I know God most intangibly (not tangibly). It has been my most depressing year, yet a year which I experience God's peace. It was a year where I was down to my last ounce of strength, yet I was the strongest. A lonely yet full-of-God-presence year? A peaceful depressing year? A stronger weak me?
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:25)
I've cooped myself up in bed over the weekends, I've had tears streaming down whenever a particular thought flooded my head, I've had indescribable fear that attacked me such that I do not have the strength and courage to meet people or go out. The details of which I do not wish to share openly; only a few closest friends and my church leader know about it. Rather, I find it more purposeful to share this: there is HOPE in the Lord! I would like to share some strategies which I've found it useful. And I know it could help you too. I used the word "strategies", because we're not dealing with mere flesh and blood; we're dealing with dark forces and spirit beings and the unseen. If you deal with humans, you can adopt methods; if you deal with dark forces, you need godly strategies.
1) Even on days that I do not wish to, I would literally force myself to sing praise songs through Youtube. My favourite is Made Me Glad by Hillsong. I sing it everyday, even up till today.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)
2) On days that I can't sleep due to fears or worries, I would call out Jesus name repeatedly before I sleep, and until I drifted to sleep. Yes, I simply meditate on the word "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..."
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)
3) I would focus myself on the book of Psalms. My favourite being
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)
4) I would pray to God everyday. I would cry to him when I pray. I'm very thankful to God that He allowed me to cry. I felt better after each cry.
"Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry!" (Psalm 88:2)
“I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God.” (2 Sam. 22:7)
5) I meditate on this verse in the train on my way to work every morning.
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
6) I would fast every Wed (I choose Wed because it's the mid-week) over lunch. I would dedicate my lunch time to pray to God.
"So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes." (Daniel 9:3)
7) I would ask God to be the army commander in my battle against spiritual dark forces. I would visualise Jesus standing in front of all enemies (my fears and worries), and He's holding my hand with His one hand, and wielding His mighty sword with the other.
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)
8) I have consciously choose to praise God for everything and anything. I praise God for His light when the weather is hot, and His rain when it's wet. I praise God when I become hungry (for I know He shall feed me), and I thank Him sincerely after I have my fill.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11)
9) I started going to church more regularly and joined a cell group. I opened myself up socially to more people.
10) I start to view life with opportunities to give and to serve. I consciously remind myself to be God-conscious instead of self-conscious. I know and own nothing by myself; whatever I do know and have are given to me from God.
"For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either." (1 Timothy 6:7)
"Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share" (1 Timothy 6:18)
11) 1st thing I asked specifically is peace in my heart, love for myself and others, and joy in every situation, above all material needs and wealth.
2nd thing I ask for specifically is for a good mental and physical health.
3rd thing which I ask very specifically is for wisdom to handle life's challenges and to make right decisions.
12) Next on my to-do list is to start becoming active again. Those who know me know that I used to be very active. When you're down, you don't feel like exercising.
13) Last but not of any less importance - support from loved ones and friends. I wish to thank my mum, Shirley and Alison for being with me all these while. You are the next best things beside God. :P
The Number One must-do task is to ask God for help!
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)
For those who are feeling the weight of the world, be encouraged and be lifted up in the Lord.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Please try these steps, and write to me to let me know if they work for you, as they do for me. May the Lord's peace comes upon the broken-hearted and the discouraged.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Just How Common is The Common Flu of Mental Disorders
In the United States alone, around 10% of the country’s total population of age 18 years and older develop depressive symptoms. Such statistics are representative of developed and affluent countries like Singapore. 10% means that for every 100 people you see in every 1 and a half packed train carriages every morning during rush hour, 1 person is depressed. If it's not you, it could be the person next to you. In a population of 5 millions people in Singapore, you can imagine the staggering number of depression sufferers. Well, the comforting news is that unlike diabetes, depression is not only treatable, it is curable for many.
Why is depression so prevalent? Why are humans so prone to depression? Interestingly, do animals get depressed? Is it only a "poor man" problem, since the rich seem to be happy and in no lack? Is it true that the older one becomes, the higher the probability of him contracting depression? What causes depression?
I like to discuss first about what causes depression. It is wise to know what causes depression, for obvious reasons. I know of people around me who came to me asking for information about depression, either for themselves or for their friends. They cited various reasons such as work, relationship issues, financial, studies, office politics, self-esteem and image issues, etc. Yes, all these and more can cause depression. That explains why it is so widespread. And in case you think you are immune to it, you are not. Famous people like Janet Jackson (singer); Michelangelo (artist); Billy Joel (musician); Boris Yeltsin (ex-Russian President); Princess Diana of Wales; Harrison Ford (actor); J. K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter); Jim Carrey (comedian), Winston Churchill (ex-British prime minister), all suffered from depression and toyed with suicidal thoughts.
It has stirred me lately that the suicidal cases had shot up in the past year, and its victims are getting younger. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that for every successful suicides mentioned in the papers, there are many that were not reported, and many more that were unsuccessful. Though there are many reasons as to why one chooses to end his live, it doesn't take too long to guess that depression is one of them. I like to watch documentaries, and one thing that doesn't fail to amaze me is the fact that animals fight and struggle for survival. Yet the wisest of all living creatures and God's creations, the homo sapiens, choose death.
"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV)
"Do not be a fool--why die before your time?" (Ecclesiastes 7:17b)
As much as I would like to condemn suicides, I empathise with its victims. I understand...when one is constantly trapped in a dark tunnel with no ray of lights at its far end, who can blame him for harbouring suicidal thoughts? Who can blame him for feeling utterly depressed, for giving up on life? No, I'm not pro-suicides, but I can try to empathise. When you are up to your neck with debts, when your spouse deserts you for another, when you are being sexually abused by a close relative, when you feel like a worm, a good-for-nothing, when everyone around you has something to be proud of, and you have none...what is there to live?
There is one truth and one hope that I've discovered. And it lies with this one quote which Corrie Ten Boom once wrote “If you look at the world you’ll be distressed, if you look within you’ll be depressed, but if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” Sounds very philosophical? Indeed, but it basically means that if you are self and world-conscious, you will be distressed. If you are Christ-conscious, you can find rest and peace. Think about it, almost all our problems are self-centered, isn't it? How much wealth should I accumulate; am I well-prepared for retirement; how do my friends view me- are they judging me based on my clothes and appearance; how should I climb the corporate ladder; how many true friends do I have? Now I'm not saying all these are wrong, they are good and essential! However, what's your priority?
Is Christ first in your priority list, or last? Do you wake up everyday thinking about how are you going to live out the will of God and please Him, or how many deals you want to close today, or more absurdly but very true, what clothes to wear or bags to carry to impress your colleagues and clients? Again, I'm not God-fanatic and saying that thinking about nice clothes or working hard for sales are wrong. My question is: Who are you doing all these things for? For yourself, or for the glory of God?
"But seek you first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given you." (Matthew 6:33)
God knows you need a stable and good career, God knows you like to wear nice clothes and to look good. God can and will like to bless you with these, but first you must seek Him, and ask.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 37:4)
Notice that it didn't state "Delight yourself in all your splendor and wealth" The secret to unleash all your heart desires is to "Delight yourself in the Lord".
Why is depression so prevalent? Why are humans so prone to depression? Interestingly, do animals get depressed? Is it only a "poor man" problem, since the rich seem to be happy and in no lack? Is it true that the older one becomes, the higher the probability of him contracting depression? What causes depression?
I like to discuss first about what causes depression. It is wise to know what causes depression, for obvious reasons. I know of people around me who came to me asking for information about depression, either for themselves or for their friends. They cited various reasons such as work, relationship issues, financial, studies, office politics, self-esteem and image issues, etc. Yes, all these and more can cause depression. That explains why it is so widespread. And in case you think you are immune to it, you are not. Famous people like Janet Jackson (singer); Michelangelo (artist); Billy Joel (musician); Boris Yeltsin (ex-Russian President); Princess Diana of Wales; Harrison Ford (actor); J. K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter); Jim Carrey (comedian), Winston Churchill (ex-British prime minister), all suffered from depression and toyed with suicidal thoughts.
It has stirred me lately that the suicidal cases had shot up in the past year, and its victims are getting younger. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that for every successful suicides mentioned in the papers, there are many that were not reported, and many more that were unsuccessful. Though there are many reasons as to why one chooses to end his live, it doesn't take too long to guess that depression is one of them. I like to watch documentaries, and one thing that doesn't fail to amaze me is the fact that animals fight and struggle for survival. Yet the wisest of all living creatures and God's creations, the homo sapiens, choose death.
"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV)
"Do not be a fool--why die before your time?" (Ecclesiastes 7:17b)
As much as I would like to condemn suicides, I empathise with its victims. I understand...when one is constantly trapped in a dark tunnel with no ray of lights at its far end, who can blame him for harbouring suicidal thoughts? Who can blame him for feeling utterly depressed, for giving up on life? No, I'm not pro-suicides, but I can try to empathise. When you are up to your neck with debts, when your spouse deserts you for another, when you are being sexually abused by a close relative, when you feel like a worm, a good-for-nothing, when everyone around you has something to be proud of, and you have none...what is there to live?
There is one truth and one hope that I've discovered. And it lies with this one quote which Corrie Ten Boom once wrote “If you look at the world you’ll be distressed, if you look within you’ll be depressed, but if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” Sounds very philosophical? Indeed, but it basically means that if you are self and world-conscious, you will be distressed. If you are Christ-conscious, you can find rest and peace. Think about it, almost all our problems are self-centered, isn't it? How much wealth should I accumulate; am I well-prepared for retirement; how do my friends view me- are they judging me based on my clothes and appearance; how should I climb the corporate ladder; how many true friends do I have? Now I'm not saying all these are wrong, they are good and essential! However, what's your priority?
Is Christ first in your priority list, or last? Do you wake up everyday thinking about how are you going to live out the will of God and please Him, or how many deals you want to close today, or more absurdly but very true, what clothes to wear or bags to carry to impress your colleagues and clients? Again, I'm not God-fanatic and saying that thinking about nice clothes or working hard for sales are wrong. My question is: Who are you doing all these things for? For yourself, or for the glory of God?
"But seek you first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given you." (Matthew 6:33)
God knows you need a stable and good career, God knows you like to wear nice clothes and to look good. God can and will like to bless you with these, but first you must seek Him, and ask.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 37:4)
Notice that it didn't state "Delight yourself in all your splendor and wealth" The secret to unleash all your heart desires is to "Delight yourself in the Lord".
Thursday, August 12, 2010
A Prayer for The Depressed, Lonely and Rejected
Dear Lord,
I wish to pray for those suffering mentally. You know what internal hurt and anguish are. You have been kicked out of your own hometown, rejected by man, betrayed by your loved ones, wrongfully accused and judged, physically whipped. You have been through loneliness, you have been through sufferings that no man has ever endured, you have been tempted by the devil far more than any man alive. You need not go through these, but you did. Simply for me, for us. No one has ever done this for me, neither will there be anyone in future. Truly there is none like you. Thank you for your blood that was shed, thank you for your sacrificial love.
Because you know what internal pain is, you know what is depression. You do not just know it in theory alone, but I personally believe that at some stages, you have been through it.
You said in Mark 14: 33-36, "And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, 'My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.' "
But You are an overcomer – You overcame death, and You overcame depression. Because You CAN, therefore we CAN too. Our hopes lie in you. With You, the impossible becomes possible. The spiritually dead and mentally oppressed shall be revived and be set free. You came to earth not for the healthy, but for the sick, both physically and mentally. You are the doctor of all doctors, the counsellor of all counsellors.
With man (and doctors), many things may seem impossible, but with You all things are possible. In Your Name, I ask that you provide soothing and relief to those who are trapped mentally. Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic Stress, Excessive Anxiety, Inferority Complex, Loneliness, Abnormal Fears and Phobias, and even Schizo. I do not understand why these problems afflict mankind, just as no one can be certain how cancer comes to certain individuals. But I trust that You have the cure. In fact, You ARE the cure. I pray that Your name alone gives hope to the hopeless, gives love to the love-deprived. There are some individuals who do not respond well to medications nor counselling. They have tried various methods of treatments but were futile. I pray that in Your compassion and grace, come and relieve them from their pain. There are people who could not sleep well for even one night. There are many who have given up on love after a broken relationship. Yet there are those who harbor bitterness because of betrayal. Others suffer from constant guilt from their wrong deeds. There is no single pill to treat all these. If there is, it will easily be the most popular medication of all times. To these groups of people, I urge that they come and try You. I know there are others out there who have attempted or are contemplating suicide. I pray that they give You their best try before giving up on life.
"Come, Taste & See That The Lord Is Good" (Psalm 34:8)
People have been asking me why do bad things happen to good people, or good things happen to bad people. In turn I have asked You many whys. But nobody knows why. Nobody knows why this good person has cancer, or why that seemingly cheerful colleague has depression. If I know why, I would be God. But I thank God that I do not know the answers to many questions in life, but You know. And that suffices. Have compassion on your creation, Lord. Show them Your miracles. Amen!
Your humble servant,
Stephen
I wish to pray for those suffering mentally. You know what internal hurt and anguish are. You have been kicked out of your own hometown, rejected by man, betrayed by your loved ones, wrongfully accused and judged, physically whipped. You have been through loneliness, you have been through sufferings that no man has ever endured, you have been tempted by the devil far more than any man alive. You need not go through these, but you did. Simply for me, for us. No one has ever done this for me, neither will there be anyone in future. Truly there is none like you. Thank you for your blood that was shed, thank you for your sacrificial love.
Because you know what internal pain is, you know what is depression. You do not just know it in theory alone, but I personally believe that at some stages, you have been through it.
You said in Mark 14: 33-36, "And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, 'My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.' "
But You are an overcomer – You overcame death, and You overcame depression. Because You CAN, therefore we CAN too. Our hopes lie in you. With You, the impossible becomes possible. The spiritually dead and mentally oppressed shall be revived and be set free. You came to earth not for the healthy, but for the sick, both physically and mentally. You are the doctor of all doctors, the counsellor of all counsellors.
With man (and doctors), many things may seem impossible, but with You all things are possible. In Your Name, I ask that you provide soothing and relief to those who are trapped mentally. Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic Stress, Excessive Anxiety, Inferority Complex, Loneliness, Abnormal Fears and Phobias, and even Schizo. I do not understand why these problems afflict mankind, just as no one can be certain how cancer comes to certain individuals. But I trust that You have the cure. In fact, You ARE the cure. I pray that Your name alone gives hope to the hopeless, gives love to the love-deprived. There are some individuals who do not respond well to medications nor counselling. They have tried various methods of treatments but were futile. I pray that in Your compassion and grace, come and relieve them from their pain. There are people who could not sleep well for even one night. There are many who have given up on love after a broken relationship. Yet there are those who harbor bitterness because of betrayal. Others suffer from constant guilt from their wrong deeds. There is no single pill to treat all these. If there is, it will easily be the most popular medication of all times. To these groups of people, I urge that they come and try You. I know there are others out there who have attempted or are contemplating suicide. I pray that they give You their best try before giving up on life.
"Come, Taste & See That The Lord Is Good" (Psalm 34:8)
People have been asking me why do bad things happen to good people, or good things happen to bad people. In turn I have asked You many whys. But nobody knows why. Nobody knows why this good person has cancer, or why that seemingly cheerful colleague has depression. If I know why, I would be God. But I thank God that I do not know the answers to many questions in life, but You know. And that suffices. Have compassion on your creation, Lord. Show them Your miracles. Amen!
Your humble servant,
Stephen
How Do I Know If I Have Depression?
Before we dwell more on this subject, it is imperative that you know what is the clinical diagnosis for depression. It is important to know if you (or loved ones) could be suffering from depression. Because just as any illnesses, early diagnosis means early treatment. The following is the standard, though not the only, inventory used to diagnose clinical depression. Your doctor would probably advise you better. Use the following only as a general guideline to know if you need to consult your doctor for treatment. Again, this is NOT a diagnosis on its own.
DSM IV Criteria for Depression:
Symptoms of Depression
1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.
3. Loss of energy or fatigue nearly every day.
4. Loss of confidence or self-esteem.
5. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or any suicidal behaviour.
6. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
7. Unreasonable feelings of self-reproach or excessive or inappropriate guilt, nearly every day.
8. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day.
9. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
10. Change in appetite (decrease or increase with corresponding weight change).
NB: Symptoms 1 and/or 2 and any 4 others must be present for at least two weeks.
Personally, I believe that God blessed doctors with earthly talents to treat us. So please do not excuse yourself from seeking help from a doctor if you suspect you might have depression. Medications are not the only treatment, but it IS one of the treatments. Just as you would consult a doctor if you have flu, you should consult a doctor too if you have depression.
But while you are seeking treatment from doctors, may you not lose faith in our Lord's supernatural healing:
"But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well." (Matthew 9:22)
DSM IV Criteria for Depression:
Symptoms of Depression
1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.
3. Loss of energy or fatigue nearly every day.
4. Loss of confidence or self-esteem.
5. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or any suicidal behaviour.
6. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
7. Unreasonable feelings of self-reproach or excessive or inappropriate guilt, nearly every day.
8. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day.
9. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
10. Change in appetite (decrease or increase with corresponding weight change).
NB: Symptoms 1 and/or 2 and any 4 others must be present for at least two weeks.
Personally, I believe that God blessed doctors with earthly talents to treat us. So please do not excuse yourself from seeking help from a doctor if you suspect you might have depression. Medications are not the only treatment, but it IS one of the treatments. Just as you would consult a doctor if you have flu, you should consult a doctor too if you have depression.
But while you are seeking treatment from doctors, may you not lose faith in our Lord's supernatural healing:
"But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well." (Matthew 9:22)
The Dreaded D word
“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?” (Proverbs 18:14)
The above verse gave us some insights about a man's spirit and its capability: a person's spirit alone can sustain a person through his sickness, but a crushed or broken spirit itself, who can withstand it?
A person's resiliency and optimism could pull a person through any terrible disease, e.g. cancer. In a similar yet contrasting manner, a person's constant discouragements and chronic pessimism could drag an otherwise physically healthy person into his grave. Therefore, I strongly feel that a person's mental health is far more superior (or conversely, detrimental) than his physical. If mind can indeed be over matter, then our mental is truly over and beyond the physical.
Oxford dictionary defined the term Depression as "severe, typically prolonged, feelings of despondency and dejection", or "a mental condition characterized by severe feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy, typically accompanied by a lack of energy and interest in life".
Are Christians exempted from depression? Just as Christians are never guaranteed a life without adversities and illnesses, we can expect Christians to suffer from depression. King David wrote “I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. …I groan because of the turmoil of my heart” (Psalm 38:6,8 - NKJV). You would probably know that Job was possibly the first man to suffer from depression - "So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. I loathe it; I would not live always: let me alone; for my days are vanity" (Job 7:15-16)". Now that you know the bad news - that Christians are not immune to depression, here's the good part: we CAN overcome depression! Just as we CAN overcome cancer. I admit it requires extraordinary great faith to believe that we CAN overcome cancer (and depression and all dreaded illnesses). Allow me to quote Philippians 4:13
- I CAN do all things thorough Christ who strengthens me.
Now that doesn't mean that you can do the impossible as to fly like Superman, but it does mean that whatever that Christ did during His ministry on earth, He can do it to and through you too. The big question that determines how big your faith is: How much do you believe that because He CAN, through Him you CAN too?
I thank God that I'm qualified to share on this big dreaded D word - Depression. I did my major in Psychology during my uni days, and went on to graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Professional Counselling. I work as a full-time counsellor in a voluntary welfare organisation. That's nothing special or unique, I heard you muttering. Indeed, until I was not spared from depression...
I've learnt to never boast of anything except that which is from God and for God. I do not seek to know anything except from His bible.
"So that no man may boast before God...so that, just as it is written, 'Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.' " (1 Corinthians 1:29, 31)
"For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2)
No, I'm not holy or pious, though I wish I can be. I am just like you, prone to mistakes, indiscipline, doubts, sins, undesirable habits, negative thoughts, worries, etc. What I will be sharing are from my reading and research, and my personal experience and struggles. I hope you can be blessed through reading them.
The above verse gave us some insights about a man's spirit and its capability: a person's spirit alone can sustain a person through his sickness, but a crushed or broken spirit itself, who can withstand it?
A person's resiliency and optimism could pull a person through any terrible disease, e.g. cancer. In a similar yet contrasting manner, a person's constant discouragements and chronic pessimism could drag an otherwise physically healthy person into his grave. Therefore, I strongly feel that a person's mental health is far more superior (or conversely, detrimental) than his physical. If mind can indeed be over matter, then our mental is truly over and beyond the physical.
Oxford dictionary defined the term Depression as "severe, typically prolonged, feelings of despondency and dejection", or "a mental condition characterized by severe feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy, typically accompanied by a lack of energy and interest in life".
Are Christians exempted from depression? Just as Christians are never guaranteed a life without adversities and illnesses, we can expect Christians to suffer from depression. King David wrote “I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. …I groan because of the turmoil of my heart” (Psalm 38:6,8 - NKJV). You would probably know that Job was possibly the first man to suffer from depression - "So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. I loathe it; I would not live always: let me alone; for my days are vanity" (Job 7:15-16)". Now that you know the bad news - that Christians are not immune to depression, here's the good part: we CAN overcome depression! Just as we CAN overcome cancer. I admit it requires extraordinary great faith to believe that we CAN overcome cancer (and depression and all dreaded illnesses). Allow me to quote Philippians 4:13
- I CAN do all things thorough Christ who strengthens me.
Now that doesn't mean that you can do the impossible as to fly like Superman, but it does mean that whatever that Christ did during His ministry on earth, He can do it to and through you too. The big question that determines how big your faith is: How much do you believe that because He CAN, through Him you CAN too?
I thank God that I'm qualified to share on this big dreaded D word - Depression. I did my major in Psychology during my uni days, and went on to graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Professional Counselling. I work as a full-time counsellor in a voluntary welfare organisation. That's nothing special or unique, I heard you muttering. Indeed, until I was not spared from depression...
I've learnt to never boast of anything except that which is from God and for God. I do not seek to know anything except from His bible.
"So that no man may boast before God...so that, just as it is written, 'Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.' " (1 Corinthians 1:29, 31)
"For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2)
No, I'm not holy or pious, though I wish I can be. I am just like you, prone to mistakes, indiscipline, doubts, sins, undesirable habits, negative thoughts, worries, etc. What I will be sharing are from my reading and research, and my personal experience and struggles. I hope you can be blessed through reading them.
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