Tag Archives: depression

Bring Us Back to Life

Posted on June 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Time has a way of taking its toll on the human body.  The prophet Isaiah lets Israel know that even young people are not immune to this reality.  Thus, whether you are old, young or somewhere in between, a common prayer asks the Lord, “bring us back to life.”

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; Isaiah 40:30.

While father time is undefeated, there are factors that speed up the aging process.  Anxiety, depression and a lack of positive influences can suck the life out of human souls.  If you allow yourself to become isolated, void of encouragement, the will to live can fade.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer, Psalm 32:3-4.

Another element that saps the strength of individuals like heat and humidity from the summer sun is sin.  Whenever you hurt yourself or others by a careless act or word, conviction can weigh heavy on your heart.  This spiritual condition requires a boost to revive the joy you once had in life.  Thus, if you ever reach this state, don’t forget to cry out to the Lord.  Lean on his grace and mercy and perhaps you will be brought back to life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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After a Loss

Posted on May 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Whether situations in this life or the actual grieving process following the loss of a life, neither is a pleasant experience.  In the moments afterward, raw emotions are stirred causing an individual to teeter between depression and frustration.  How you handle disappointment will influence the person you will become.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, 1 Corinthians 13:5.

Last night I was a substitute baseball coach during the final scrimmage of the preseason.  Over matched by better athletes, competitors and talent, I think the final score was 24-0.  The game was called in the bottom of the third after the opposition stole home on 3 consecutive wild pitches.  Its bad enough to get beaten, but when you have to wave the white flag to surrender, its a hard pill to swallow.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, James 1:2.

During my final year in Chicago, I spent most of that time working for Michael Jordan Golf, serving as a sales associate before being promoted to Assistant Manager and Store Manager.  This allowed me to rub shoulders with people close to Michael.  While I never met him directly, no one hated to lose more than Michael.  Thus, he was relentless, coming back more determined than ever.  Although this has nothing to do with the Bible in particular, this is the mentality you should possess after a loss.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Missing Your Destiny

Posted on December 2, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of the more common ways to become successful is setting goals.  Depending upon how motivated the individual, time lines are set in the form of dreams, serving as a road map for the next several years.  During this journey, there will be many barriers, obstacles and mountain peaks to climb.  Anyone who gives up along the way is in danger of missing their destiny, purpose and reason for being born.

In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient, Ephesians 2:2.

Depression is like a valley or place which holds you down, sucking your desire and will to move on.  According to the apostle Paul, there is a force, a spiritual presence in the air who feeds on disobedience.  The Bible lists a series of mountains that can prevent individuals from discerning and living out God’s will on earth.

  1. Distractions – Lust for treasures cost Achan and his family their lives, Joshua 7:25-26.
  2. Doubt – Caused the Israelites to second guess God’s promised land, Numbers 32:9.
  3. Hurt – Pain has a way of leading individuals to tap out, losing all hope, Psalm 34:18.
  4. Dryness – Arid periods in life can numb souls, questioning life’s purpose, Ezekiel 37:1.
  5. Guilt – David, Judas and Peter all were consumed by this spirit, 2 Samuel 12:7.
  6. Decisions – Poor decisions can poison and ruin lives, 1 Corinthians 15:33.
  7. Sin – Those who deny the presence of disobedience walk in darkness, 1 John 1:8-10.

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction, Deuteronomy 30:15.

During his farewell address, Moses provides a blueprint to fulfill your destiny in this life.  The key to success in this life lies in one’s ability to obey God.  People are not forced to believe and follow.  Rather, its up to you to choose wisely.  The future is in your hands by either choosing life through obedience to God or death by embracing the ways of the world.  How you respond will dictate whether you fulfill or miss your destiny.  Choose life.

by Jay Mankus

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How Can It Be So Bad to Take Your Own Life?

Posted on November 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

On Monday night, former MLB starting pitcher Tommy Hanson died of a massive organ failure following a drug overdose at age 29.  Last August, legendary actor Robin Williams who made millions of dollars in Hollywood also took his own life.  Unfortunately, the older I become, the lists of deaths by suicide continue to rise.  Thus, I wonder how can it be so bad to want to end your own life?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10.

In a 2013 study, suicide was the second leading cause of death among teenagers.  Some of these statistics can be attributed to bullying.  Others may be related to an unhealthy family or living arrangements.  When you add on depression, low esteem and unguided youths, perhaps individuals come to a point where they think, “it can’t get any worse?”  Meanwhile, some may believe dying is less painful than facing reality.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life, John 3:16.

At the heart of this deception is the Father of Lies, Lucifer.  The more isolated individuals are the louder these whispers become.  Invisible to the eye, demonic spirits cherish each perishing soul.  Yet, beyond the pain of life is a purpose, greater than anyone realizes.  If those who have taken their own life just tasted the abundant life promised in the Bible things would have been different.  For now, all you can do is learn from history, avoid demonic doldrums and set your mind on a higher purpose.  And if it get’s any worse, hold on to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Regaining Strength

Posted on November 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bAbAMXtiPM

The Boy in the Plastic Bubble was a 1976 television special based upon a true story of two boys who lacked an effective immune system, forced to live in a controlled environment.   Those living outside this bubble may contract mono, draining people of their energy, sleeping up to 18 hours a day until their health is restored.  While healing time varies, its important to take time away from your normal routine for regaining strength.

And after taking some food, Saul regained his strength, Acts 9:19a.

Poor eating habits, stress and long work hours can take a toll on human bodies, leading to other illnesses.  Unfortunately, those stricken with cancer are often forced to endure chemotherapy if they want to survive.  Add in the loss of hair and this disease can suck the will to live out of normally positive people.  Recent clinics based by dietary advances have been successful in curing forms of cancer, yet some individuals are unable to digest the food necessary to live another day.

So Elijah got up and ate and drank.  Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God, 1 Kings 19:8.

Invisible to doctors, depression can also attack healthy people.  Loss of appetite is a common sign.  In the case of Elijah, he let the circumstances of life overwhelm him.  Each day without food, Elijah became weaker.  However, an angelic encounter snaps him out of this funk.  Therefore, if you are burdened by stress or worry, set time aside to eat and sleep so that one day soon strength will be regained.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Speechless

Posted on November 9, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzI4D6dyp_o

The 2010 film the King’s Speech is based upon a true story.  As Hitler’s popularity grew during World War II, King George VI struggled to find his voice.  Battling with stuttering throughout his life, this movie details the king’s progress with a speech therapist.  When England needed a voice, this once speechless king overcame his fears to lead a nation.

The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone, Acts 9:7.

Individuals blessed with the gift of conversation probably can’t relate to those inflicted with speech impediments.   On the other hand, people who tend to be shy do not possess the desire and energy to speak for an extended period of time.  Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, there will be moments of silence.  Times when even the most outgoing individuals become speechless.

For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything, Acts 9:9.

Looking back at my own life, I find that trials usually shut me down for a while.   Whether its confusion, shock or uncertainty, it may take some time to sort things out.  The sooner I can make sense of turmoil, the quicker my life returns to normal.  Yet, life isn’t always fair, presenting difficulties that may push you beyond reason.  Thus, as you battle periods of depression in life, hold on to a God who has a track record of transforming lives.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Traces of Decay

Posted on October 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As a car ages, there are certain subtle signs which convey a vehicle on its last legs.  Driveways become stained with oil, unusual noises will surface and acceleration pauses just a bit before finally kicking in.  Although modes of transportation can be lemons, there are plenty of what people call “old reliable” which get you where you need to go.  However, traces of decay should serve as a warning that it may be time to move on.

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return, Genesis 3:19.

Meanwhile, human beings possess there own signals that they are about to breakdown.  Frustration, irritations and unhappy faces can be like taking a look under the hood.  While individuals can put on fake smiles, inside bitterness can erupt into a raging inferno.  On the other side of the spectrum, discontentment cause many to lose that loving feeling for life, slipping into periods of depression, despondence or isolation.  As these stages approach, intervention is essential before traces of decay turn into reality.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away, Revelation 21:4.

As for me, I find myself taking on a new persona when I get into my car.  Suddenly, I become perfect and all the drivers around me are idiots.  My commentary is relentless, lasting throughout my travels.  This self seeking nature is fueled by a desire to get home, abandoning the rules of the road like a politician during an election year.  Recently, these traces of decay have come to my attention, one of many stains of sin within my heart.  If you too are feeling like you’re going down the wrong road, may the Holy Spirit serve as a pit crew, cleaning up the messes you have made, one sin at a time.

by Jay Mankus

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Unconscious

Posted on October 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There are a couple of ways to view the term unconscious.  The most obvious refers to those who are knocked out, in a comatose state.  Another relates to those who appear to be senseless without a conscience.  The latter can seem to be heartless, unmoved by life altering events.

And Saul approved of their killing Stephen. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, Acts 8:1.

A well known Pharisee of the first century could be described as unconscious.  After overseeing the execution of the apostle Stephen, Saul goes on a mission to snuff out Christianity within the Jewish community.  During this pursuit, Saul doesn’t seem phased by the death of Christians, like he get’s his jollies out of persecuting the faith community.

But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison, Acts 8:3.

Sometimes the events of every day life can harden hearts.  While some may turn to depression, others can be filled by hatred.  In fact, this may explain Saul’s words in his letter to the church of Ephesus.  “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:26-27.  If you want to avoid causing anger to poison your heart, soul and mind, take Saul’s advice.  Just let it go or you too may become unconscious.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Reveal Your Love To Me

Posted on October 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

An old camp fire song suggests it only takes a spark to get a fire going.  Yet, what happens if your heart is like damp and wet fire wood?  Or how can you rekindle hope if you feel so cold and distant from God?  These are the moments in life where I pray for God to reveal His love to me.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” John 13:34-35.

In their song Reveal Your Love, Esterlyn addresses this issue on their album entitled Lamps.  The lyrics of this soft rock ballad implies that you can’t be the person God wants you to be until this prayer is answered.  Subsequently, as you begin to sense and experience God’s love, the spiritual fire within you begins to rub off on others in the form of subtle acts of kindness.

Let all that you do be done in love, 1 Corinthians 16:14.

However, for those of you still on the outside looking in, the fire inside is growing dim.  This is where we find Elijah, petrified from the death threat he receives from King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel.  Depression caused this prophet to lose his will to live.  With suicidal thoughts entering his mind, God appeared to Elijah in a still small voice.  May this encouraging encounter with God motivate you to press on, waiting for God to reveal His love to you as well.

by Jay Mankus

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Where Did Optimism Go?

Posted on October 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you want to get a pulse on how people are doing today, just listen to a group of unhappy teenagers.  Although being around a losing team, the down trodden and less fortunate may paint an inaccurate picture, spirits of optimism seem to be disappearing.  Whether its listening to the rants of co-workers, observing body language or viewing a news telecast, negativity is taking over.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals,” 1 Corinthians 15:33.

When I was younger, during my junior high years, I battled depression.  Maybe this is normal, a phase of adolescence, yet positivity was lacking from my life.  I guess you could say I was a Debbie downer, able to suck the life out of any room that I entered.  Until one of my classmates committed suicide in eighth grade, life didn’t seem worth living.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, Proverbs 22:24.

However, sometime between eighth and tenth grade, a series of events led me out of this negative mentality.  A teacher, youth group and spirit of emptiness set the stage for rebirth.  While I resisted change for two years, my heart wasn’t ready to accept Christ until the world dealt me a hand of disappointment.  Perhaps, optimism remains invisible today until the Holy Spirit breathes new life into dead and dying souls.  God willing, this trend of pessimism will be reversed to spawn a revival of optimism.

by Jay Mankus

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