Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope

Guest (Male): Welcome to Joni Eareckson Tada Sharing Hope. Let’s face it: depression can be overwhelming. But here is Joni to offer some encouragement for when you are struggling.

Joni Eareckson Tada: I do deal with it. Discouragement can be very fearful, especially when I am afraid of the future. I can get the blues when pain medication doesn’t do a thing for my back. I struggle with worry and loneliness when I cannot find anyone to get me up and out of bed in the morning, or when my husband needs a break from caregiving routines and it seems like everybody is busy and not able to assist. I can feel down when I get what I call sweats and flushes and they won’t stop. It is a blood pressure problem connected with something pinching me or twisting or jabbing me in the body somewhere. It is so frustrating when I cannot tell where, and it gets me discouraged. It gets me down. I feel downright sick and tired of being sick and tired and disabled.

I had better stop here, or else this is going to end up a pity party. But let me say that I am also keenly aware of this tendency to worry or get depressed. I know this about myself. I am not ashamed of it; it is just part of what it means to be human in a broken world. But when these problems start creeping up on me or become overwhelming, that is my cue. It is like little yellow flags waving or red lights blinking, warning me, “Go to scripture, Joni. Go to scripture. Go to God’s promises. Go to the word.”

Thankfully, I have enough maturity to do just that. Second Timothy chapter 2, verse 1 explains what I need when I get fearful or discouraged. It simply says, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” To be strong in the grace of Jesus is to remember three things, according to the Puritan Thomas Boston. I already know that my physical challenges set me up for failure, so number one: be ready for action. Luke chapter 12 says to gird your loins and keep your light burning. In other words, be diligent. Know that tough times will undoubtedly come, so get prepared. Don’t be blindsided. Don’t be surprised when fiery ordeals test your faith. Be ready for action, and you won’t be totally ambushed by your emotions. Those who have a mind for heaven must be strong. They have to be ready for action.

Next: be resolved. What was King David’s advice to his son who was about to build God’s temple? He said, “Be strong and do it.” Just do it. Do not get diverted by your feelings. There are times I have just kept repeating the promises of God over and over and over as though my life depended on it, and it does. Why do I do it? Because I am resolved to stay hopeful in Christ. I am committed. I am not going to succumb to fear and discouragement and worry. It is what courage looks like in the face of hard times.

So, be ready for action, be resolved, and the third thing Thomas Boston says is to be in Christ. Trust and embrace him. Flee to him. Confide to him. Confess and repent and empty yourself before him. Make nothing of yourself and everything of him.

Guest (Male): Now friend, there is so much more to say about this. If you struggle with serious depression and bad mood swings, we want to help. Go to jonyradio.org today and let us know how we can pray for you. We would be honored to bring your needs before the Lord. We can also help recommend some resources that will support you as you seek healing and seek even more of Jesus. Remember, with God, there is always hope in our hardships. So let us hear from you today at jonyradio.org. We care about you, friend. Thank you for listening.