What Scriptures do you read for this?

[Lady_Bug]

I am taking a look at Ecclesiastes at the time being but have not gotten past the first chapter. This may have been my third time reading it though.

I am wondering though what passages are of good use to me to read when someone feels so depressed sometimes that they think that life “isn’t worth it” sometimes. I know…it’s not the best of circumstances to pick up the Bible, but I look at the Bible a lot whenever I can…I strive to do this each day, to some extent one way or the other.

Also, I am re-examining the NT for verses that refer to situations in which someone may be the only Christian in their family and verses that can give you strength…in other words, verses that remind you (implicitly or directly) that you aren’t a bad person simply because you are the only Christian in your household, etc.

While I am doing that, if you can be of help and point out verses that my “unaided” eye doesn’t catch, that would be very nice. Thanks.

 

[Cair_Paravel]

Dear Lady Bug,

As far as a systematic approach to reading the Bible, I would suggest the daily readings of the Catholic Church. You can receive them by email by signing up here:

dailygospel.org/www/main.php?language=AM&localTime=05/04/2008

Each day, there are 3-4 short readings from different parts of the Bible and a brief homily. You will be amazed how often you get just the scripture you need for that day.

Regarding your question about specific scriptures to read when you feel separated from your friends and family due to your Christianity, I would suggest reading scriptures on the Crucifixion (chapters 22 and 23 in Luke, for example). Our Lord was scorned by community leaders and betrayed by his friends, yet he suffered to the end for us. And St. Peter tells us that Christians should expect similar suffering (1 Peter 4:12-16). Apparently, our Lord has found you worthy to suffer for his name’s sake! So thank him! And offer your sufferings up to him in prayer.

I said a prayer for you,

Cair

 

[COPLAND_3]

Lady Bug

Sounds like you are down. I understand, I suffer depression and have times that I feel whipped. And if it was not for my Faith I would hate to say where I’d be. As for me, having hope is what makes it worth while. Life is a vapor, it is here and gone before we know it. But God has a plan for us, and as long as we are still breathing He has plans for us.

Starting with 1 Cor. 7:12-16, you may relate to it, I don’t know, as far as being the only believer. It just crossed my mind.

Many people find encouragment in the Psalms. Prayer, especially the Rosary, helps me indeed. Just talk to God as you would talk to your best friend. And don’t forget the saints, pray for their intercession. Go to your Mother, the Blessed Virgin, just talk to her like the Mom that she is.

I don’t know if I have helped, but I will pray for you.

 

[COPLAND_3]

Oh, by the way, times like that are the best times to pick up the Bible. I wish I would more often when I go through my down phases. Here is my contact info if you need further suggestions with dealing with depression. litteralchristianlibrary.wetpaint.com/page/Contact+me

 

[MarcoPolo]

I am wondering though what passages are of good use to me to read when someone feels so depressed sometimes that they think that life “isn’t worth it” sometimes.

Here’s a couple: 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Revelation 21:4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.You can search for any subject (like this topic: JOY), if any of these may help. God bless.

 

[Strategery]

I know how you feel. I’ve spent several years struggling with anxiety and depression, and learning how to combat it. Scripturally, in addition to above here are a few more verses. I used to recite the bolded verses multiple times per day to help with panic attacks and the ensuing depression.

Phillipians 4:4-8

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. ***Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. *** Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Matthew 6:25-34

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? ***Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? *** Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No trial has come to you but what is human. ***God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. ***

Matthew 11:28-30

***“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” ***

Also – do not be afraid to get help. A Christian counselor was very helpful to me in dealing with depression. I’ve also been to a doctor and am on medication. It was very difficult for me to consent to medication, but now I see that it was my pride preventing me from getting help.

May the peace of Christ, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and mind. I will keep you in my prayers.