Service: A great way to avoid depression
Posted
by
kcgodlyman on
9/1/2009 4:34:43 PM
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In working through a tough time in my life I have discovered that diving into service is a great way to avoid depression. Getting involved in helping others helps to focus my energy on others, rather than on self-pity. It is all to easy to let myself drown in sorrow when I focus on my problems, so I choose to focus on others who need help. God allows me to go through trials in order for me to grow and mature. It is in learning to lean on Him and to focus on others that I will grow and mature in my faith.
In 2001 I injured my back, saw both of my parents die 3 weeks apart and lost my wife's grandmother. A few months into 2002 I had 2 back surgeries. Through all of this my wife and I went from being very active in our church to being isolated and forgotten. It would have been so easy to blame God for all that was happening, but we prayed together every night. Everything I had ever trained for or worked at was taken from me because of my injury. A sick neighbor even carried in my groceries for me to save my back. It was very humbling! God spoke to my heart and encouraged me to put my faith in Him and not in men. Still depression got a hold of me and drove me down into darkness.
I quit associating with our friends, would stay in my pajamas for weeks on end and allowed myself to be seduced by internet pornography. My wife finally told me to get help or she and our daughter were leaving. While having this conversation I was standing there with a lethal dose of medication in my pocket and had plans to take it that night. Fortunately, her love broke through and I sought help. Medication was marginally effective, so I spoke to a pastor.
His first advice was to choose a life verse that spoke to my situation and memorize this verse. After 2 weeks he asked if I was up to talking to someone who was in a similar situation. At first I thought he wanted me to get advice from this brother, but I had it backwards, he wanted me to help my brother. Over the course of 6 months I spoke with no fewer than 10 brothers who were struggling with grief, depression and sorrow. It was then I realized that I had forgotten all about feeling sorry for myself.
Now, any time I find myself in the midst of a trial, like right now, I dive into service. I find others who need to talk to someone and I listen and offer advice. Now I am getting a new ministry started at our church that will pair up newlyweds with mature couples for mentoring. There is a lot involved in this process, but it keeps my mind focused on others, and more importantly, on God! He rewards my efforts with peace, joy and freedom. My focus is outward instead of inward and it makes all the difference.
I encourage anyone in the midst of a trial to shift your focus from yourself to others. Find an area in your church where you can volunteer. Find someone who needs to talk and listen to them. Get out of the rut we get into when we feel sorry for ourselves and go do something for the Lord. He will bless you immensely!
