Lynn finally found us and couldn’t believe what she heard. She had been in all types of counseling over the previous ten years: Christian psychology, secular, psychotherapy, and Biblical. Nothing
We Provide Counseling for Pastors and Spouses
Pastors, did you know that Charles Spurgeon, dubbed, “The Prince of Preachers” struggled with depression? So did Martin Luther, Martin Lloyd-Jones, Job, King David, Jeremiah the prophet, and even the
If We Don’t Forgive, Will God Forgive Us?
One of the biggies that strikes fear and anxiety in many is this question, “If I don’t forgive, will God forgive me?” It’s a valid question because if the answer
Dealing with Feeling Depressed
The first time I remember feeling depressed was when I was playing in a high school basketball game and I looked into the stands only to discover a girl I
My Struggle with Negative Thoughts
I have a confession to make. I struggle with negative thoughts. Yes, I know I have been a follower of Christ for 46 years, in full-time ministry for 30 years,
If You Trust God, Will You Still Have Problems?
If God loves us, shouldn’t trusting Him diminish our problems? Some Christians believe that trusting God means we shouldn’t have any trials and our lives should always be great. This
The Sadness and Self-centeredness of Suicide
We sat together stunned again this morning in our staff prayer time. The teen of a friend of one of our staff members took his own life. Satan had duped another one into believing suicide was the only option he had.
The second leading cause of death among teens and college students is suicide. It is also the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and that rate is climbing. The next highest group who commits this sad atrocity are middle aged males.
I and my staff have great compassion for those contemplating suicide. When they look at their circumstances, they see no reason for living and have lost hope that anything will change. And, some of the Christians we counsel struggle with this. Those outside of Christ are even more vulnerable.
My good friend, Vlado Hoblaj, now Director of Hope for Croatia, tells of how, as a young rising rock-n-roll star, he had planned to commit suicide. He was just waiting for the right time. He loved music and the stage yet, he was empty, hopeless and purposeless. Then he heard about Jesus and was gloriously saved. Yet, he still struggled with depression until he was taught the Gospel of Grace also known as the New Covenant or the Exchanged Life. Today, he is one of the most joyful people you will ever meet and has an incredible ministry to his entire country and beyond.
Suicide is not only sad, it is actually self-centered. You may think I am being harsh but in reality, those who commit suicide are the ones being harsh. They leave behind a string of broken hearts – parents, children, a spouse, friends and even church family. They leave behind guilt laden friends and family members going over and over in their minds “How did I miss it? I could have and should have done something to stop this.” And many of these family and friends have a wound in their heart which may never go away – without them knowing how Jesus can heal them. If you are one of those left behind, we are available to help you find that healing.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please understand that many of the thoughts entering your mind are from Satan, whose mission in life according to John 10:10 is to kill, steal and destroy your life. He wants you dead. But, don’t do it! You will hurt a lot of people. Don’t listen to the enemy telling you everyone, including you,would be better off if you were dead. That is not true!
There is hope for you in Christ. In the remainder of that same verse, Jesus compares His mission of life to Satan’s mission of death by saying, I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (The Message) Several of our staff were tempted just like you to take their own lives before they began to experience the love and life of Jesus in them. Now, they are so healed they are able to show God’s answer to others struggling with the same issue.
If you know someone who is threatening suicide, especially if they are telling you their plan, get them help immediately! Don’t be concerned about hurting their feelings or believing you will betray them. Call their family, their pastor or the Suicide Prevention line below. Better to have them mad at you rather than dead. Or, get them to one of our counselors even if it means coming with them the first time.
If you are the one having suicidal thoughts, please stop and call us right now for a consultation at 704-522-9026. We can see you in person or by Skype. Or, we can refer you to one of our partner ministries in the USA or Europe. If our office is closed, please call the National Suicide Prevention line 1 (800) 273-8255.
Believe it! It’s the Gospel.
Live Free In Christ,
Mark Maulding, President and Founder
www.GraceLifeInternational.com All Content Copyright © 2015 Mark Maulding but feel free to pass it on!
Robin Williams and How to Deal with Depression
Robin Williams shocked the world this week when he committed suicide. He is one of the last people anyone would have ever thought was depressed. It just goes to show that depression can be something people share openly or hide secretly. As a result, I am dedicating this article to those who suffer mild, moderate or severe depression, especially Christians.
Depression is something everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Did you know that many well-known people struggled with depression such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther, James Taylor and Charles Spurgeon?
There are also some great characters in the Bible who experienced depression. They include the Prophet Elijah, Hannah, King David and the Apostle Paul. As you can see, depression is a condition which is blind to wealth, notoriety, achievements or beliefs.
Sadly, most Christians don’t want to talk about their depression because they believe that if they trusted God enough, they would not be depressed. That can be true but it is not necessarily valid in all situations.
If you identify with a majority of these symptoms, you are most likely depressed.
1. Ongoing feelings of sadness or irritability.
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
3. Changes in weight or appetite.
4. Changes in sleeping patterns.
5. Feeling guilty or worthless.
6. Inability to concentrate, remember things or make decisions.
7. Fatigue or loss of energy.
8. Restlessness or sluggishness.
9. Thoughts of suicide.
10. Unexplained or heightened physical pains.
11. Intermittent or prolonged anxiety.
To be open and vulnerable, I have at some point in my life experienced the different types of depression that I am about to list. You may have too or you may know someone who has. Simply put, these types are Non-biological and Biological. Let’s take a look at each.
Non-biological depression can be caused for a number of reasons such as difficult circumstances, not being a believer in Christ, being overworked consistently, attempting to get your love and acceptance needs met apart from Jesus, performing to measure up instead of resting in your righteousness in Christ, rejection, trying to be perfect, unforgiveness, unresolved guilt, unyielded rights, not understanding the New Covenant, spiritual oppression, prolonged disappointment, failure and more.
How can you deal with non-biological depression? The best thing you can do is to resolve the spiritual conflicts within you – most often with good grace-based Biblical counseling. We see God work to bring healing in many depressed people’s lives each week in our counseling ministry, Grace Life International. If you are interested in having a consultation, we provide live and Skype counseling for people. For more info, visit our web site at www.GraceLifeInternational.com or call us at 704-522-9026. We may also be able to refer you to one of our counseling associates elsewhere.
I encourage you to read a wonderful book, “Conquering Depression” by Bill and Anabel Gillham.
Biological depression is such that counseling, praying, reading your Bible, knowing your identity in Christ, or setting your mind on Biblical truth will not alleviate it. As a doctor friend once told me, “You can’t think you way out of this kind of depression.” Some of the reasons for biological depression include illnesses which change the body chemistry such as a stroke, side-effects of some medications, drug or alcohol abuse, extreme fatigue, hormone imbalance, and heredity.
What can help with biological depression? Thank God that we live in a time when there are both natural and traditional medications to help with this kind of depression. See your doctor to discuss your options for this kind of treatment. And listen Christian! There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed if you need to take a natural or prescription medication for depression. Would you feel this way if you had to take thyroid medication? Of course not! So don’t let those feelings prevent you from seeing your doctor. Also, let me say that in our experience, some people cannot deal with the spiritual causes of depression until they get some help from medication to get their brain chemistry back on track. Afterwards, some are able to stop their meds with their doctor’s help while others may need to remain on them for the rest of their lives.
There are many books on biological depression to help you understand the role of brain chemistry, hormones, blood sugar, medications and more. Though you will need to disregard the evolutionary bent, one such book is “The Broken Brain: The Biological Revolution in Psychiatry” by Nancy C. Andreasen.
Most of all, pray for God to heal your depression and to guide you to the best counseling or treatment for you. He does not want you to remain in depression. He loves you and He is for you. 2 Corinthians 7:6 says, “But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us in the coming of Titus.” (NASB) Also, tell someone. Secrecy is a mighty weapon Satan wields against God’s children.
Finally, if you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, talk to Him and ask Him to forgive you for your sins and to come live inside you.
Live Free In Christ,
Mark Maulding, President and Founder
www.GraceLifeInternational.com All Content Copyright © 2014 Mark Maulding
Robin Williams and How to Deal with Depression
Robin Williams shocked the world this week when he committed suicide. He is one of the last people anyone would have ever thought was depressed. It just goes to show that depression can be something people share openly or hide secretly. As a result, I am dedicating this article to those who suffer mild, moderate or severe depression, especially Christians.
Depression is something everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Did you know that many well-known people struggled with depression such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther, James Taylor and Charles Spurgeon?
There are also some great characters in the Bible who experienced depression. They include the Prophet Elijah, Hannah, King David and the Apostle Paul. As you can see, depression is a condition which is blind to wealth, notoriety, achievements or beliefs.
Sadly, most Christians don’t want to talk about their depression because they believe that if they trusted God enough, they would not be depressed. That can be true but it is not necessarily valid in all situations.
If you identify with a majority of these symptoms, you are most likely depressed.
1. Ongoing feelings of sadness or irritability.
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
3. Changes in weight or appetite.
4. Changes in sleeping patterns.
5. Feeling guilty or worthless.
6. Inability to concentrate, remember things or make decisions.
7. Fatigue or loss of energy.
8. Restlessness or sluggishness.
9. Thoughts of suicide.
10. Unexplained or heightened physical pains.
11. Intermittent or prolonged anxiety.
To be open and vulnerable, I have at some point in my life experienced the different types of depression that I am about to list. You may have too or you may know someone who has. Simply put, these types are Non-biological and Biological. Let’s take a look at each.
Non-biological depression can be caused for a number of reasons such as difficult circumstances, not being a believer in Christ, being overworked consistently, attempting to get your love and acceptance needs met apart from Jesus, performing to measure up instead of resting in your righteousness in Christ, rejection, trying to be perfect, unforgiveness, unresolved guilt, unyielded rights, not understanding the New Covenant, spiritual oppression, prolonged disappointment, failure and more.
How can you deal with non-biological depression? The best thing you can do is to resolve the spiritual conflicts within you – most often with good grace-based Biblical counseling. We see God work to bring healing in many depressed people’s lives each week in our counseling ministry, Grace Life International. If you are interested in having a consultation, we provide live and Skype counseling for people. For more info, visit our web site at www.GraceLifeInternational.com or call us at 704-522-9026. We may also be able to refer you to one of our counseling associates elsewhere.
I encourage you to read a wonderful book, “Conquering Depression” by Bill and Anabel Gillham.
Biological depression is such that counseling, praying, reading your Bible, knowing your identity in Christ, or setting your mind on Biblical truth will not alleviate it. As a doctor friend once told me, “You can’t think you way out of this kind of depression.” Some of the reasons for biological depression include illnesses which change the body chemistry such as a stroke, side-effects of some medications, drug or alcohol abuse, extreme fatigue, hormone imbalance, and heredity.
What can help with biological depression? Thank God that we live in a time when there are both natural and traditional medications to help with this kind of depression. See your doctor to discuss your options for this kind of treatment. And listen Christian! There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed if you need to take a natural or prescription medication for depression. Would you feel this way if you had to take thyroid medication? Of course not! So don’t let those feelings prevent you from seeing your doctor. Also, let me say that in our experience, some people cannot deal with the spiritual causes of depression until they get some help from medication to get their brain chemistry back on track. Afterwards, some are able to stop their meds with their doctor’s help while others may need to remain on them for the rest of their lives.
There are many books on biological depression to help you understand the role of brain chemistry, hormones, blood sugar, medications and more. Though you will need to disregard the evolutionary bent, one such book is “The Broken Brain: The Biological Revolution in Psychiatry” by Nancy C. Andreasen.
Most of all, pray for God to heal your depression and to guide you to the best counseling or treatment for you. He does not want you to remain in depression. He loves you and He is for you. 2 Corinthians 7:6 says, “But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us in the coming of Titus.” (NASB) Also, tell someone. Secrecy is a mighty weapon Satan wields against God’s children.
Finally, if you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, talk to Him and ask Him to forgive you for your sins and to come live inside you.
Live Free In Christ,
Mark Maulding, President and Founder
www.GraceLifeInternational.com All Content Copyright © 2014 Mark Maulding
