Depression is a staple at the holidays – too much food and drink, too many people, the horrors of air travel, traffic, high prices, over spending money and then disappointment over who and what happens. The gift we did not get. The family member who died or was not there for the first time. The unexpected sickness or accident.
Depression is always about looking at the past. The cure is a future oriented, hope filled view of life. The Bible says, a merry heart does good like a medicine. Check out the fun, positive folks you know. They’ll live longer. Make them your friends. Make hope your friend. You can’t take a pill for this as it is only a matter of taking control of what you think.
Why did Yahweh show Moses only His back?
The late Kim Clement pointed this out and the reason is terrific. Here Yahweh is speaking to Moses. Exodus 33:23 and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”
By standing behind Yahweh, Moses only looks into the future.
Yahweh does not want us looking at the past
Those who live in the past are depressed and unhappy; they try to make the present either fit the past or correct it. They are often unable to believe new ideas or correct old ones. It is a futile existence. Can’t be done.
Future-oriented people have hope which generates faith in them and others. The Just (person) live by faith and without faith it is impossible to please Yahweh. If Yahweh isn’t pleased, you won’t be either.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him
The quotation “the just live by faith” appears seven times in scripture. And seven is symbolically the number of maturity, therefore words to live by.
Prophets of doom
Politics is divided into those who have no hope for the future and those who don’t. Climate Change tells us we are doomed by our own exhalation. Scientists think the loss of bees on the planet means an end to the reproduction of vegetables and other crops. (They have a point.)
Marine biologists worry that we are over-fishing the ocean. Scientists say the oceans are fouled by plastics and killing off important food supplies. Most of the trash is coming from the Pacific Rim nations, not the USA although we’re routinely blamed no matter what is wrong.
Why does crisis sell?
Fear of the future causes people to react and act. Politicians want votes. Sellers of drugs want people to think “sick”and seek a doctor. Colleges tell you that your child will be a home-bound dunce without a college education. Psychologists can tell you every awful habit of the person you should not marry.
Yes, it is a program for exercising control, but it also is a chance for you to mature in the face of information. What we read and hear can either make us stronger or ruin us with fear. We can examine what people say and not let sucked into their systems. Somewhere is the truth but you need to be discretionary. Don’t eliminate information. Be dispassionate and check it out. Just cut out the negative TV – what a bore!
But if you are looking ahead at Yahweh, and following Him, you are going to be fine, and let the prophets hawk their wares.
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#criticalthinking #controlbyfear #hope #lookingback