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Weekly Devotion - July 20, 2008

Amazing Grace

How Sweet The Sound

Believers have inherited an immeasurable treasure called the grace of God. Yet, so many are willfully trapped by their efforts to obtain God's favor by their works. This explains why so many Christians remain woe-fully un-thankful. The Bible exacts thanks-giving as an expression of one's sense of completeness in Christ. 

Never underestimate the power of thanks-giving. God's Word emphasizes caution against the neglect of giving thanks to God. The lack of gratitude is a sure tell sign that one is walking in darkness. The result is a pattern of defensiveness and defiance. Purposefully acknowledge your oneness with Jesus Christ. Know that Christ is your sufficiency. Thanks-giving is not something that we can manufacture. It is simply the out flow of knowing and responding to God's amazing grace (Phil. 4:6,7). Amen!

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger

 

Last Week's Devotion

What The Bible Says About Depression

You may or may not be surprised to know that depression is a very common problem in the Church.

What are some common causes of depression and what does the Bible prescribe for overcoming it?

In the Bible, we find that depression is often the result of exhaustion and will often follow great success (1 Kings 19:1,9). It is note worthy that depression is a process of thinking that one is lacking and/or is deserving of something that has not been attained. This was certainly the case for Elijah, Hannah, Peter, and many others. They were left feeling vulnerable and hopeless.

What does the Bible prescribe for depression? Is it medication or meditation?

Psalm 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee...

Depression will be relieved by meditating on God's Word. Depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. The antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness.

Depression can be relieved by patience. Later in this psalm (42:11) the writer tells his own soul to be patient. Knowing that God is working all things to together for good is a fact that stimulates patience. While it is a fact that God is at work on our behalf... this fact may not make the darkness bright, but it will make it more bearable until the morning.

Very importantly, depression can be relieved by expecting God to act. The psalmist confidently closes this song with a statement of hope in the midst of difficult emotions. We may not feel like it, but we know that we will again have plenty of reason to praise Christ for all what He is and will do because we know what He already did for us (42:11) Amen!

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger

 

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