One of the tools for finding POWER over our stinkin’ thinkin’ is to make and read our Blessed List, (see our Facebook post on Answers From Mom and Dad) a copious and thorough list of everything that is right on our lives. As we do we take into account that every good a perfect gift comes from God. He’s the one we thank for all we have.
But what if you can’t think of anything good to put on the list? Depression is characterized by negative and intrusive thoughts. If your perspective stinks then your view of you and life—albeit erroneous—keeps you from seeing anything that is worth writing down. That’s when we retrain our brains with God’s view of us.
These are just a few of the verses that I have listed in my first book that I wrote for the express purpose of helping people move from broken down faith to an empowering belief in God’s goodness. I titled it 12 Ways to Turn Your Pain Into Praise. You can get a copy at the store on this sight.
I listed these verses and others like them and I left out the personal pronouns so that you can write in your name. As you do, take ownership of each verse. Let the words soak into you soul and shift your perspective as you realize how loved you are by God.
Psalm 145:8-9 (NIV)
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The Lord is good to__________;
he has compassion on__________.
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
5 But he was pierced for __________________ transgressions, he was crushed for_________ iniquities; the punishment that brought ________ peace was on him, and by his wounds___________ is healed.
Deuteronomy 33:27 (NIV)
27 The eternal God is_______________refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
19 And my God will meet all _______________ needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
17 The Lord your God in ___________midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over ____________ with gladness,
He will quiet ____________ with His love,
He will rejoice over ____________with singing.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for _________” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper ______and not to harm _________ plans to give__________ hope and a future.
When I took ownership of these verses, it changed how I viewed myself because if the God who formed the mighty and boundless oceans, who created the delicate lace of the night sky with it’s billions of brilliant stars thinks these things about me, I must be worth something. There must be something redeemable about me and...you.
For more about how to find POWER over discouragement by maintaining a positive Perspective, check out my last post on our Facebook Page