Stephen Arterburn - 100 Days to Freedom from Depression: Daily Devotional

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100 Days to Freedom
from Depression

Copyright 2021 Stephen Arterburn
Published by Aspire Press
An imprint of Hendrickson Publishing Group
Rose Publishing, LLC
P.O. Box 3473
Peabody, Massachusetts 01961-3473 USA
www.HendricksonPublishingGroup.com

ISBN: 978-162862-997-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

The views and opinions expressed in this book are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily express the views of Rose Publishing, LLC, nor is this book intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment or professional counseling. The information in this resource is intended as guidelines for healthy living. Please consult qualified medical, legal, pastoral, and psychological professionals regarding individual concerns.

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked amp taken from the Amplified Bible (AMP), Copyright 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org

Written with Anna Vaught

Book cover and layout design by Sergio Urquiza

Build: 2021-10-01 15:40:28 EPUB 3.0

Introduction

T he National Institute of Mental Health defines depression as a common but serious mood disorder that causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.

Just like the flu, depression is not one size fits all. The sadness that one person feels is not the same darkness that another person feels. The pit of despair experienced by one is not the same well that another lives in. Consider:

• Depression is isolating. Depression is also a fake smile at a birthday party.
• Depression is exhaustion. Depression is also bursts of energy.
• Depression is crying. Depression is also laughing in an effort to fit in.
• Depression is agony. Depression is also leading what appears to be a normal functioning life.
• Depression is an internal battle. Depression is also the mask we wear.
• Depression is temporary. Depression seems like forever.

How do we deal with such a chameleon? How do we start to change how we think? The Bible is a great place to start. Gods Word is more than a few feel-good sentences. It is living and breathing and has the power to change the heart and mind.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an emptiness that cannot be explained, diagnosed or undiagnosed, reach out for help. Make sure it is centered on the truths of Gods Word.

Day 1

God Beckons

Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 nkjv

W hen you read the above invitation, do any of these responses sound familiar:

• I got it; I can manage.
• If I ask for or receive help, I will be seen as weak.
• That person has it worse than I do.

In a world where were applauded for our independence, Gods words can sound foreign. Furthermore, our experiences might have taught us to rely only on ourselves to make the best decisions we can, to trust our instincts as we try to survive all that life sends our way.

Depression or despondency can feel like a heavy blanket that weighs us down or a fog that prevents us from thinking clearly. We can feel helpless and alone to the point of hiding our true feelings for fear of being shamed or misunderstood. We try to figure it out. We reach for temporary fixes. We resort to anything that makes us feel better. But without appropriate care, we can spiral into hopelessness.

Jesus communicated the heaviness he felt in the garden of Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:3738, he tells his friends how he feels and asks them to be with him. Then in Matthew 26:39, he reaches out to Godand God stood ready to give an answer. The rest of the story reveals that the God of heaven did not remove the events that caused Jesus sorrow but instead was with Jesus every step. And he promises to be there to help us, too.

Those who are heavy-laden with despair should come unto the Lord.

Ezra Taft Benson

Draw aside, into the secret place no one but you and God can explore. This is a place from which all questions can be revered. Doubts and struggles are safe to open up and wrestle with, in this place. Tears are welcome.

Jenneth Graser

Any concern too small to be a prayer is too small to be a burden.

Corrie ten Boom

For Further Reflection

Psalm 34:17; Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 41:13

Todays Prayer

Father, I am sinking. Please help me to move toward the life preserver of your Word and your people to find rest. Give me the courage and strength to take the next step. Be the bright light on the path of my healing journey. Amen.