Proper Healing From Pain:
"The Blueprint to Proper Healing - Part 2"

Worship is key to the healing process because it takes the focus off of our situation and onto our faithful God. Once I began worshipping and focusing less on my grief, I was able to start implementing other things. In Romans 12 we see the attributes of a true Christian, and indeed they should be represented even in our grief, however there are a few that are particularly helpful in such a season.

Rejoicing in hope. Patience in tribulation. Being constant in prayer. Those three consistencies in the storm will guide you through to the other side. Again, these aren't necessarily easy when you're struggling to get through the day, however they are a part of the healing process. More specifically, they provide the right perspective to see the end game.

Rejoicing in hope means recognizing that Christ will return and we can celebrate an eternity with Him. So even though it's rough now, it's only temporary compared to the everlasting state of our souls. As a result, we can be patient through the tribulation and above all, pray through it.

You see, prayer changes things. My youth pastor use to say that the battle is won in prayer. So if the battle for your healing rests in the consistency of your prayers, pray often. Go forth today with a commitment to be grateful for your eternal destination, patience to see through the storm, and constant in your prayers.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭

Experiencing Hope and Healing In A Fallen World:
BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER

Who doesn't enjoy a good laugh? I think we all do. Well, except maybe for Woody Allen, who once said, "I'm thankful for laughter ... except when milk comes out my nose."

Other than that little dilemma, laughter is just as Proverbs says: "Good medicine." It has a long list of physical benefits that improve our body and mind. A good, belly-busting laugh engages the whole body. Our heart rate goes up, our breathing patterns change, and the muscles in our arms and legs contract, all of which increase blood flow. Laughter also releases chemicals in our brain called endorphins that make us feel happier. So we don't just laugh because we're happy; we actually grow happier when we laugh. But maybe most importantly, laughter makes us smile. Think about it – even in the midst of tears, if you laugh, you'll smile. These physical reactions all release tension from our body and help us to relax.

There are benefits beyond the physical as well. Much like crying, laughter between two people builds intimacy. In fact, research indicates that we don't laugh when we're alone nearly as often as when we're with others. So it would seem that God has given us laughter not just for the sake of humor, but to strengthen our relationships with other people.

Yep, laughter really is the best medicine. So fill your home with it. God created it to do wonders for you physically and to enrich your relationships. But laugh, too, just because it feels good, and it'll make your day better!

For a daily dose of encouragement and perspective, check out Jim Daly's blog, Daly Focus, at JimDalyBlog.com.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:22‬ ‭

Breaking Free From Depression:
Clinical Depression—Where Does it Come From?

Have you ever wondered, what makes a person experience depression? Some decisions are complicated and some are pretty simple, but each decision is largely influenced by two things: 1) our view of the situation and 2) our emotions.

Emotions play a huge role in the decision-making process. At the Last Supper, Jesus told Peter he was going to deny Christ in a few hours. Peter said he never would. In fact, he said he would die for Christ instead.

Well, a few hours later, even though Peter knew the right thing to do, his emotions got in the way and he denied Jesus three times. Surely you have been in a situation where you've had to make a decision under a lot of stress or emotion. Have you ever done something and then asked yourself, "Was that a good or bad decision"? When we are able to calm down, then see clearly, we are able to make better decisions. The Bible calls this renewing our minds.

Decision-making is really an integration of our spirit, mind, and body. Our body's structure is determined by the decisions our mind makes. These are called brain circuits. Our values and way of thinking come from our spirit.

Ideally these spiritual beliefs are from God and His Word. When we apply His truth to our decision-making, our mind is doing what God created it to do! Bottom line, good decisions create healthier brain ciruits, allowing us to think more clearly and use His truth more.

Growing up, we've all made many poor decisions. Do you remember a few of yours? Poor decisions lead to to brain circuit injury. If left unhealed—psychologically and spiritually—can lead to poor self-esteem, depression, PTSD, anxiety, cutting, lying, hallucinations, or addiction.

Regardless of our past and poor decisions, the good news is that Jesus died for sins, and God forgives all who trust in Him; then the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, to empower, influence, and heal our mind, body, and spirit. With God we can die to self, make Godly decisions, and renew our minds.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of Godʼs mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Godʼs will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:3-6‬ ‭

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;"
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:13-15‬ ‭

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭