When living a life with chronic illness and/or pain, initially compassion may be there for us. However, as time wears on, friends and family members may see us in a "pity party" dwelling on ourselves, feeling that if we just say to ourselves, we can beat this, go to another physician our lives may be "normal" once more. They just don't get it. 

Life is hard, for some of us, we have had more than our fair share of problems in our lives. What do you do? Where do you hide the pain? Do you bury the pain within the deep recesses of your heart? If you do, depression, despair and hopelessness may set in; making your 
situation worse. 

When life seems to overwhelm you and you don't know where to go for help? Let the God of all mercies help you. Listen to His Voice: 

'"Though the mountains be shaken and hills be removed, yet My unfailing Love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10 NIV) 

God is with you. His compassions and mercies never fail.   We may have a live to live that we have not chosen, in suffering and in pain. Yet, we have a Savior, Jesus Who felt all that we have felt and more; Who identifies with our weaknesses and frailties. Go to Him today, He is calling you: 

"'I the LORD have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.'"(Isaiah 42:6 NIV) Grasp hold of God's Hand extended to you today. Let His compassion and mercies overflow unto you . You are His Beloved Child and He loves you. Never let that fact go. 

God's Blessings.

Where do you go when you find yourself feeling empty? Do you bury yourself and your feelings deep within? Do you find that at times living with chronic illness and pain is so great that depression, anger and despair is magnified at times? Do you find that your "hope" isfalling out beneath your feet? O Beloved, have no fear for you are not alone. The LORD God Almighty is with you. You may be saying to yourself...."Really, then why I am suffering so? Why is God allowing this to happen to me? 

O little lamb, there is no where in the Bible where it states that we would ever be exempt from suffering and pain. Goddoes say however, 
that He will always be there, wherever you go. Listen to God's promise....."'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do no
"Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom 
of heaven." (Matthew 5:3 NIV) 
"Smile, cheer up....things could be worse, count your many blessings that God has given you." Perhaps others are saying to you, "But You look so good, no one would ever know." Yes, it is nice to hear that we look good, 
but when our ailments leave us feeling more depressed than they should; 
we just want to wallow in a self-pity party. 

Living with chronic illness and pain is enough, but coupled with depression 
is another matter. It just makes the situation worse. Has depression creeped its way into your life? Are people telling you to snap out of it? There is no such thing as a depressed Christian? You need more faith? We could 
all use more faith, but beloved, there are depressed Christians. Depression 
is not a weakness, but a biochemical imbalance in the brain. Only a qualified 
doctor can detect it, but it is highly treatable. I know, for I have it myself. 

For those who feel that there is no such thing as a depressed Christian, forgot to read in the Bible when our Messiah, Jesus cried out to God, sweating 
drops like blood that the cup of death be removed from His brow. People forget that Jesus was a man of many sorrows, Who did and still does carry our load for us. Jesus, our LORD and Savior opens the portals of heaven with His mercy when we come to Him.  Jesus takes our burdens, our cares and worries and makes them His. All we need to do is to let go and trust. God will never let us down. 

When life gets to be more than you can handle, stop and say a prayer and listen to Jesus say: "'I will instruct you and teach you in The Way you should 
go; I will counseland watch over you.'" (Psalm 32:8 NIV) Make Your Way, Jesus. 

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The LORD." 
(Psalm 31:24 NIV)t be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV) 

"God is with 'me' wherever I go?" Yes, Beloved He is. All you need to do is recognize that. God loves you, call out to Him for help, He is anxiously awaiting your call. "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

"He tends His Flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart."(Isaiah 40:11 NIV) 

You beloved, are God's little lamb. Go to Him today! Let The LORD God, our Gentle Shepherd, carry you, embrace you and comfort you with the grace, mercy and love thatonly He can provide, beyond measure. You are so loved!! 

God's Blessings.

"Smile, cheer up....things could be worse, count your many blessings that God has given you." Perhaps others are saying to you, "But You look so good, no one would ever know." Yes, it is nice to hear that we look good, but when our ailments leave us feeling more depressed than they should; we just want to wallow in a self-pity party. 

Living with chronic illness and pain is enough, but coupled with depression is another matter. It just makes the situation worse. Has depression creeped its way into your life? Are people telling you to snap out of it? There is no such thing as a depressed Christian? You need more faith? We could all use more faith, but beloved, there are depressed Christians. Depression is not a weakness, but a biochemical imbalance in the brain. Only a qualified doctor can detect it, but it is highly treatable. I know, for I have it myself. 

For those who feel that there is no such thing as a depressed Christian, forgot to read in the Bible when our Messiah, Jesus cried out to God, sweating drops like blood that the cup of death be removed from His brow. People forget that Jesus was a man of many sorrows, Who did and still does carry our load for us. Jesus, our LORD and Savior opens the portals of heaven with His mercy when we come to Him.  Jesus takes our burdens, our cares and worries and makes them His. All we need to do is to let go and trust. God will never let us down. 

When life gets to be more than you can handle, stop and say a prayer and listen to Jesus say: "'I will instruct you and teach you in The Way you should go; I will counseland watch over you.'" (Psalm 32:8 NIV) Make Your Way, Jesus. 

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The LORD." 
(Psalm 31:24 NIV)

More Devotions by Kay DeCarlo and others can be found at:

http://www.restministries.org

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