There are no simple medical tests but likely my friends have noticed it even before I did.

Sometimes there are medical changes which trigger emotional changes.  Often there are overwhelming emotional challenges, such as death of a loved one or divorce.

When at the bottom of what seems like a deep, dark well it may feel impossible to crawl back to the top.

Sometimes I wonder if I even want to try!

Be sure there are no serious medical problems causing these feelings.  If there are psychological problems I must not pretend they don’t exist.  I will get appropriate help - for the sake of my kids and myself.

Real friends will encourage me and guide when I am not able to make the right decisions or don’t recognize the root of the problem.

Galatians 6:2-3 (NKJV) “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

Once I acknowledge that I have a problem, I have opened the door to healing.  This doesn’t mean I like it.  It certainly doesn’t mean I want to stay here!

James 1:2 - 4 (NKJV) “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

I lost a LOT through this divorce and it stinks!  I lost my self esteem, my financial security, my ability to trust others, and it even challenged my faith.  However, I did not lose my faith, my relationship with God, my friends or my view of a new me for the future!

I will eat well balanced meals, even when I don’t feel like it; I will try to sleep enough; I will get proper exercise, even though I really don’t want to get off the couch.  It is tough but I really know it is for the best.

I know my best friend will be here for me no matter what.  I will ask them to help me stick to this plan, even when I gripe and resist!

I sometimes get so bogged down with “stinking thinking”!  I likely cannot just “turn off” the voices but can replace them with an exciting and positive view of the future and “The New Me”.

David was really down on himself (and for good reason) but he chose to not stay there.  He turned it all over to God in Psalm 51.  Paul struggled with doing wrong while wanting to do right.  He never gave up or closed the door (see Romans 7:15-20).

I am simply not strong enough to do this alone.  I do know where to go for help, however:

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV) “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

John 13:35 (NKJV) “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Please consider our sincere offer to listen, talk, and share concerns about the future as well as an opportunity for Bible study together at any time.