(Sunday) "Before God’s eyes you have infinite worth." How amazing and wonderful it is to be loved like this, and from an entity as powerful as the Lord.

In reference to the last question of today's lesson, I still strugle with feelings of guilt for feeling sad and being in emotional pain. It just seems that, especially in the last month, that it is to much of a contstant. God is always on my mind, I pray ceaslessly, for my self and for others. I pray before I do anything serious, and confess my sins when I catch them. So, at times, it feels as though, with all of this, I should not be feeling the sadness and hurt that I do. I this not to be true, and it is just satan (or one of his minions whispers), but that doesn't mean that it isn't there. I guess the good thing, is that I at least realize it, as satan would rather I be oblivious to it.

I would like to talk about the role of faith in depression.

One of the things I hated most about being depressed is the selfish mindset. It seemed that my thoughts were centred on my pain, my weight, my eating, whatever.

I find, too, that in speaking with others who are depressed that often they don't see beyond their personal sphere. They are perhaps forced to by their present state. Doubt and unbelief are common. But I think that reaching out could be vital at that time. One ray or glimpse of hope could make a world of difference.

Depression is a vicious spiral devised by Satan. Something gets you down, so you think and behave in a way that gets you even more down. People start noticing that you're down and it causes them to distance themselves emotionally {if they are at all susceptible to your downward pull.) Things look darker and darker.

Praise God for His Word, His Love, His Sacrifice, His Power, His Spirit. These are the antidotes to the depressing aspects of life. By God's grace we can be effusively up-beat Christians who are like anti-matter to depression.

What exactly is depression? What is it's cause? Is it an emotion or what?

I thank God, too, for He can cause us to praise even in the midst of darkness!

Depression can be caused by a number of things, some purely emotional and some chemicals which affect the emotions.

Kindliam, why feel guilty for being sad? Sadness is appropriate at times.

If you don't feel that it is appropriate, why not confess it to God and leave it with Him, having the hope that He is compassionate and merciful?

Another thing that you can do to combat this is to praise Him even if you don't feel like it. Many times our emotions will follow our words, strangely enough, and if you pray a praise from God's Word and say what you know to be truth about our Heavenly Father, just the act has a lifting influence. :)

Then of course you could always come here for a hug!!! ((( Kindliam )))

Some interesting thoughts Gail. I think that's why helping others is good, it takes our minds off of us.

I completly agree Gail, and things have improved %150 since that post, and it wasn't long ago that I posted it. I guess that was the point, it is ok to feel those emotions, especially since things can, and often do, change in heartbeat. I know that when I was, do or will feel guilt of them, that it is satan (or one of his cohorts) wispering in my ear to try and make me feel bad about myself.

LOL, I saw that the latest post was on lesson eight, and (for a minute there, I thought I had fallen over a week behind. :). Been really busy, will catch up on lessons tomorrow. God bless all.

Not only is it okay to feel those emotions, to admit and confess them is the honest thing to do. If it is an emotion such as anger which is damaging, there is no use denying it before God, because He knows better. If you confess it to Him He can work with you on it.