The term “psychotheology” is an adaptation of a theory from Sigmund Freud called “psychopathology” in which he suggests that our unconscious mind can influence our daily life by manifesting itself in dreams, forgetfulness, slips of the tongue, or various other behaviors.
In psychopathology, the psychological creates the pathology.
Similarly, psychotheology claims that the psychological creates, or strongly influences, theology.
In its extreme, this can attempt to relegate God to a mere figment of the imagination.
Psychotheology suggests that we can learn to control our subconscious urges and feelings toward the existence of a deity, especially one who punishes sin and causes anxiety in the sinner, and only allow those emotions that renew and refresh, rather than overwhelm and destroy.
In doing so, we can learn to modify nearly everything to suit our needs, regardless of truth or reality.
This idea would suggest that belief in God, celebrating holidays, or other activities that bring us joy are nothing more than manifestations of our sub-conscious, designed to create emotions but no real attachment.
An example of this would be the observation that our society has so dulled and softened the role of Christ in the Christmas holiday that even a non-Christian feels free to celebrate it without the slightest hint of religious undertones or commitment to God.
We get all of the benefit but don’t need to ascribe to any beliefs to do so.
But God is not a creation of man to provide us feelings of joy; it is the other way around.
This idea that we are the authors of our own joy, and ultimately our destiny, is completely counter to the biblical message which states that all things are created by God and for God (Colossians 1:16).
A philosophy like psychotheology "attempts to explain away God’s influence"
but really accomplishes nothing more than providing a definition of the plan of Satan to mute our perception of God’s sovereignty and ultimate rule over our lives.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
There's no other friend I know like "Jesus" Your Kindness leads us to Repentance
Monday, October 6, 2014
"What does the Bible say about codependency?"
Codependency is a mental health designation for relationships in which people use one another to get their own emotional needs met, but in a selfish and destructive manner.
Codependency is not a mental health diagnosis, but a symptom associated with many psychological disorders.
Originally, codependent was a term used to describe partners in chemical dependency or in a relationship with an abusive person.
Today, however, the term has been broadened to describe several types of destructive relationship patterns.
Codependency comes in many forms, but they are all similar in nature.
They all revolve around what a person can get from someone else by giving him or her something in return.
For example, a parent may expect to control an adult child because of the parent’s financial support of the child.
Another common scenario is when a friend will not confront another friend about his drug use for fear of losing a relationship with him.
At the core the relationship is a focus on using one another rather than giving unconditional love and honest acceptance.
This stems from our selfish human nature.
Codependent people are like a parasite and a host: they each use the other to get something for themselves.
Such relationships are not helpful, because neither party is willing to be truthful, and both parties are selfishly clinging to whatever it is they are getting (money, sex, friendship, admiration, power).
One result of a codependent relationship pattern is that God takes second place to people. Codependents rely on each other for emotional needs and even some physical needs rather than take care of themselves.
They also lack faith and trust in God to care for their needs and, as a result, manipulate others to get what they want.
Codependent people typically are attracted to one another and will keep each other stuck in a dysfunctional blind spot by telling each other what they want to hear.
This way, they both can feel okay, despite the chaos their choices are creating.
Obviously, people who avoid telling the truth in love have trouble recognizing their own sinful habits or need for repentance.
Related to codependency are other issues such as pride, fear of man (Proverbs 29:25), and boundaries.
Pride blinds us from seeing our true self the way God sees us.
While God loves us regardless of our sin, He has declared that we are 100 percent wicked and in need of a savior (Mark 10:18).
That message offends our pride, which tells us we are basically good. Codependent people are loyal—in a destructive way—to their friends, so that they support sinful or even illegal behavior. Through denial or idealization, codependents keep each other feeling that they are not the ones with the problem.
Codependency is a way to keep the blinders on and so ignore our sin.
The same is true with the fear of man. We want people to think highly of us.
Many times, this results in people-pleasing behaviors to create a façade to hide the genuine, flawed self.
Finally, everyone needs healthy boundaries to maintain convictions and avoid being manipulated.
However, codependent people don’t feel like a whole person and tend to copy others or attach themselves to people to gain a sense of identity.
This results in an inability to make their own choices, because they want to preserve their dependent relationships.
They also overstep others’ boundaries and try to control others rather than focus on themselves.
The Bible addresses these issues by telling us how we ought to relate to one another.
One concept found in Scripture is inter-dependency, which is the state of being mutually responsible to others while sharing a common set of principles.
In the case of husband and wife, the Bible indicates that both spouses are dependent on each other for completion. Genesis 2:24 says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."
Both Jesus and Paul quoted this verse, and these three elements—leaving, cleaving, uniting—are often cited by marriage counselors as the major principles of a biblical marriage.
Other passages also show this interdependence of husband and wife: Ephesians 5:22-33; 1Timothy 5:8; andProverbs 31:10-31.
As each spouse fulfills his or her role, the other benefits.
This is biblical interdependency, and it should be embraced, not avoided.
The Lord’s emphasis in dependency is on service, not on self.
We also find the concept of interdependence in regard to spiritual gifts: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10).
Both Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 expand this teaching in the explanation of spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:11-16 exhorts us to work with, depend on, and serve one another as the Lord has enabled us.
In so doing, "the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Hebrews 10:24-25 commands us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. . . . Let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Christian interdependence is vital to the body of Christ and its individual members.
We are to love one another, eschew selfish ambition, and exercise the gifts of God for the benefit of others (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:3-6; Philippians 2:3-4).
This is diametrically opposed to the selfishness, dishonesty, and destructiveness of codependency.
Codependency is not a mental health diagnosis, but a symptom associated with many psychological disorders.
Originally, codependent was a term used to describe partners in chemical dependency or in a relationship with an abusive person.
Today, however, the term has been broadened to describe several types of destructive relationship patterns.
Codependency comes in many forms, but they are all similar in nature.
They all revolve around what a person can get from someone else by giving him or her something in return.
For example, a parent may expect to control an adult child because of the parent’s financial support of the child.
Another common scenario is when a friend will not confront another friend about his drug use for fear of losing a relationship with him.
At the core the relationship is a focus on using one another rather than giving unconditional love and honest acceptance.
This stems from our selfish human nature.
Codependent people are like a parasite and a host: they each use the other to get something for themselves.
Such relationships are not helpful, because neither party is willing to be truthful, and both parties are selfishly clinging to whatever it is they are getting (money, sex, friendship, admiration, power).
One result of a codependent relationship pattern is that God takes second place to people. Codependents rely on each other for emotional needs and even some physical needs rather than take care of themselves.
They also lack faith and trust in God to care for their needs and, as a result, manipulate others to get what they want.
Codependent people typically are attracted to one another and will keep each other stuck in a dysfunctional blind spot by telling each other what they want to hear.
This way, they both can feel okay, despite the chaos their choices are creating.
Obviously, people who avoid telling the truth in love have trouble recognizing their own sinful habits or need for repentance.
Related to codependency are other issues such as pride, fear of man (Proverbs 29:25), and boundaries.
Pride blinds us from seeing our true self the way God sees us.
While God loves us regardless of our sin, He has declared that we are 100 percent wicked and in need of a savior (Mark 10:18).
That message offends our pride, which tells us we are basically good. Codependent people are loyal—in a destructive way—to their friends, so that they support sinful or even illegal behavior. Through denial or idealization, codependents keep each other feeling that they are not the ones with the problem.
Codependency is a way to keep the blinders on and so ignore our sin.
The same is true with the fear of man. We want people to think highly of us.
Many times, this results in people-pleasing behaviors to create a façade to hide the genuine, flawed self.
Finally, everyone needs healthy boundaries to maintain convictions and avoid being manipulated.
However, codependent people don’t feel like a whole person and tend to copy others or attach themselves to people to gain a sense of identity.
This results in an inability to make their own choices, because they want to preserve their dependent relationships.
They also overstep others’ boundaries and try to control others rather than focus on themselves.
The Bible addresses these issues by telling us how we ought to relate to one another.
One concept found in Scripture is inter-dependency, which is the state of being mutually responsible to others while sharing a common set of principles.
In the case of husband and wife, the Bible indicates that both spouses are dependent on each other for completion. Genesis 2:24 says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."
Both Jesus and Paul quoted this verse, and these three elements—leaving, cleaving, uniting—are often cited by marriage counselors as the major principles of a biblical marriage.
Other passages also show this interdependence of husband and wife: Ephesians 5:22-33; 1Timothy 5:8; andProverbs 31:10-31.
As each spouse fulfills his or her role, the other benefits.
This is biblical interdependency, and it should be embraced, not avoided.
The Lord’s emphasis in dependency is on service, not on self.
We also find the concept of interdependence in regard to spiritual gifts: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10).
Both Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 expand this teaching in the explanation of spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:11-16 exhorts us to work with, depend on, and serve one another as the Lord has enabled us.
In so doing, "the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Hebrews 10:24-25 commands us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. . . . Let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Christian interdependence is vital to the body of Christ and its individual members.
We are to love one another, eschew selfish ambition, and exercise the gifts of God for the benefit of others (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:3-6; Philippians 2:3-4).
This is diametrically opposed to the selfishness, dishonesty, and destructiveness of codependency.
"What does the Bible say about Bipolar Disorder / Manic Depression?"
Note: as with many psychological issues, there are often both a physical and spiritual aspect of manic depression / bipolar disorder. While we believe psychologists often miss the true spiritual nature of the sickness, we strongly encourage anyone suffering with a mental illness to seek medical attention and counseling.
“Bipolar disorder” is a name that first appeared in 1957 for a severe mental illness.
Before that, the same illness was called “manic depressive illness” or “manic depression,” though that name only dates back to 1921.
Neither term appears in the Bible, but the Bible teaches us a number of lessons we can apply to bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by severe mood fluctuations.
These fluctuations go far beyond simply being “happy” or “sad.” The “manic” symptoms can include feelings of extreme euphoria, marked increase in risk-taking, racing thoughts, forced speech, and increased energy.
The “depressive” symptoms can include feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness, fatigue/lethargy, changes in appetite, inability to concentrate, and suicidal/morbid thoughts. There are several types of the disorder, usually defined by the severity or intensity of the symptoms.
The most severe type can even include psychotic symptoms such as auditory or visual hallucinations.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, although science has demonstrated a genetic component to the disorder. There is also no proof-positive test for bipolar disorder.
It is diagnosed based on the symptoms displayed by an individual, which has led to some controversy.
In popular culture, “bipolar disorder” has been used as an excuse for destructive or sinful behavior, and the label has even been used as a source of pride among the entertainment elite. “Bipolar” has become chic, but to those who truly suffer from the disease, this has done more harm than good.
A Christian who suffers from bipolar disorder should treat it like any other physiological disease. While God certainly has the ability to work miracles and cure any malady, He often lets us continue our journey with a “thorn in the flesh” to remind us that He is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7–9).
If a believer had diabetes, he would seek medical advice from trained doctors, take prescribed medications, and seek godly counsel on how to deal with both his physical and emotional symptoms. The same holds true for a believer with bipolar disorder.
Because bipolar disorder affects the way a person thinks, finding godly counsel (Proverbs 1:5) and spending time in God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16–17) are essential.
In order to do what is right, we must know what is true.
Bipolar disorder alters a person’s perceptions of reality, so a strong foundation in truth is a necessity when dealing with its symptoms.
Someone with bipolar disorder might give in to the misperceptions caused by the disease and commit sinful acts.
A person with bipolar disorder must treat those sins like any other person would.
He should recognize his actions as sinful, repent, and seek forgiveness.
Believers with bipolar disorder should never blame their illness for their actions (John 15:22).
Believers should treat a person with bipolar disorder with the same compassion they would show toward everyone else (James 2:1).
The church offers people with bipolar disorder something they desperately need in their lives—truth (John 17:17).
One thing people with bipolar disorder need more than anything else is the hope that is in Jesus Christ.
Even though their illness tries to steal their lives away, they can have an abundant life in Christ (John 10:10).
"Is it wrong for a Christian to be depressed?"
Depression is somewhat of a charged issue among Christians.
Some flatly declare it to be a sin.
The thinking is that depression reveals a lack of faith in God’s promises, God’s judgment on sinful behavior, or just laziness.
We know that God is good and loving and that we are secure in Him, so what is there to be depressed about?
Others flatly declare depression to be a medical issue.
The thinking is that all depression is a result of chemical imbalances in the brain, so depression is no more wrong than having the flu.
And then there are those in the middle who aren't really sure what the ugly beast of depression is.
Faith seems somewhat related, but so do brain chemicals.
Of course, there are also the depressed Christians, left to feel guilty, defensive, confused, lost, or simply too depressed to even care what the church thinks.
So is it wrong for a Christian to be depressed?
The term depressed is a fairly loose one.
It can refer to a diagnosable medical condition (clinical depression), but it can also refer to a temporary feeling of sadness or apathy or to a nebulous, lingering malaise.
This article will attempt to briefly consider several of these meanings of depression.
For some people a chemical or hormonal imbalance triggers a depressed state.
This is most typical for women experiencing post-partum depression or people on certain medications.
Other times, depression is situational, caused by adverse circumstances, life changes, a spiritual crisis, etc.
Our emotional response to those crises can in turn trigger a chemical imbalance.
Truly, humans are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), and it should come as no surprise that our biology interacts with our emotions and vice-versa.
Once a person is depressed, the cycle of hormonal imbalance and negative emotions can be difficult to break.
Whether the emotions cause the biology to change or the biology causes the emotions to change, the resulting symptoms are the same.
Having a medical condition is not a sin.
However, what brings a person to that condition could be rooted in sin.
For instance, it is not wrong to have diabetes, but it is wrong to be a glutton (and the two are sometimes related).
Also, how a person responds to a genuine medical condition could also be sinful.
For example, it would be sinful for a person with diabetes to use his disease to manipulate others or to adopt a “victim” mentality or an attitude of entitlement.
Yet, often, we hold those with diabetes or other medical conditions less culpable than we do people with depression.
For some reason, mental illnesses—especially depression—are associated more often with sinful causes than are physical ailments.
Depression is not exclusively a medical issue, and it is not exclusively an emotional or spiritual issue.
Depression is often viewed as a persistent feeling of sadness. Of course, it is okay to be sad.
We live in a world of pain (Genesis 3:14–19; Romans 8:20–22), and Jesus wept over the death of Lazarus (John 11:35).
There is no need to always put on a happy face and pretend that things are okay when they are not.
There are many biblical examples of men of God struggling with sadness, even to the point of depression. David wrote, “Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?” (Psalm 56:8). David, a “man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22), did not gloss over his sadness; he expressed it to God.
Both Moses (Numbers 11:15) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:3–5), two heroes of the faith, confessed to God that they preferred to die than live in their current reality.
Neither was rebuked by God for his feelings; rather, both were met with God’s love and provision.
The Bible is not shy about admitting the realities of human emotion. Sadness is part of life, and it is not condemned.
As believers, we are exhorted to see the greater reality of God’s plan even in the midst of our sadness and depression.
Yes, this world is fallen and often painful. It can be depressing.
But God is far greater. He is at work, victoriously.
Moses and Elijah received God’s provision and experienced His refreshing.
Shortly after pouring out his sadness, David praised God. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Christians are permitted to call trouble for what it is. At the same time, we take heart in God’s care.
Taking heart does not mean pasting on a smile or ignoring the feeling of emptiness that depression brings. It does not mean neglecting to treat depression through counseling or medication. It does not mean ignoring the relational hurts or the miss-perceptions that have led to depression (Satan’s lies, if we believe them, will lead us to despair).
It does not mean denying the fact that depression could be a lifelong struggle.
What taking heart does mean is bringing all our pain to God.
It does mean continuing to trust in Him.
It does mean believing that what He says about Himself and about us is true, even when we don’t feel like it is.
It does mean getting the help we need, battling depression rather than giving in to it.
We acknowledge the depravity of the world, but we also acknowledge the sufficiency of God.
It is not wrong to be depressed. But it is wrong—and not especially helpful in overcoming a depressed state—to give up on God when we are depressed.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5).
Some flatly declare it to be a sin.
The thinking is that depression reveals a lack of faith in God’s promises, God’s judgment on sinful behavior, or just laziness.
We know that God is good and loving and that we are secure in Him, so what is there to be depressed about?
Others flatly declare depression to be a medical issue.
The thinking is that all depression is a result of chemical imbalances in the brain, so depression is no more wrong than having the flu.
And then there are those in the middle who aren't really sure what the ugly beast of depression is.
Faith seems somewhat related, but so do brain chemicals.
Of course, there are also the depressed Christians, left to feel guilty, defensive, confused, lost, or simply too depressed to even care what the church thinks.
So is it wrong for a Christian to be depressed?
The term depressed is a fairly loose one.
It can refer to a diagnosable medical condition (clinical depression), but it can also refer to a temporary feeling of sadness or apathy or to a nebulous, lingering malaise.
This article will attempt to briefly consider several of these meanings of depression.
For some people a chemical or hormonal imbalance triggers a depressed state.
This is most typical for women experiencing post-partum depression or people on certain medications.
Other times, depression is situational, caused by adverse circumstances, life changes, a spiritual crisis, etc.
Our emotional response to those crises can in turn trigger a chemical imbalance.
Truly, humans are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), and it should come as no surprise that our biology interacts with our emotions and vice-versa.
Once a person is depressed, the cycle of hormonal imbalance and negative emotions can be difficult to break.
Whether the emotions cause the biology to change or the biology causes the emotions to change, the resulting symptoms are the same.
Having a medical condition is not a sin.
However, what brings a person to that condition could be rooted in sin.
For instance, it is not wrong to have diabetes, but it is wrong to be a glutton (and the two are sometimes related).
Also, how a person responds to a genuine medical condition could also be sinful.
For example, it would be sinful for a person with diabetes to use his disease to manipulate others or to adopt a “victim” mentality or an attitude of entitlement.
Yet, often, we hold those with diabetes or other medical conditions less culpable than we do people with depression.
For some reason, mental illnesses—especially depression—are associated more often with sinful causes than are physical ailments.
Depression is not exclusively a medical issue, and it is not exclusively an emotional or spiritual issue.
Depression is often viewed as a persistent feeling of sadness. Of course, it is okay to be sad.
We live in a world of pain (Genesis 3:14–19; Romans 8:20–22), and Jesus wept over the death of Lazarus (John 11:35).
There is no need to always put on a happy face and pretend that things are okay when they are not.
There are many biblical examples of men of God struggling with sadness, even to the point of depression. David wrote, “Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?” (Psalm 56:8). David, a “man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22), did not gloss over his sadness; he expressed it to God.
Both Moses (Numbers 11:15) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:3–5), two heroes of the faith, confessed to God that they preferred to die than live in their current reality.
Neither was rebuked by God for his feelings; rather, both were met with God’s love and provision.
The Bible is not shy about admitting the realities of human emotion. Sadness is part of life, and it is not condemned.
As believers, we are exhorted to see the greater reality of God’s plan even in the midst of our sadness and depression.
Yes, this world is fallen and often painful. It can be depressing.
But God is far greater. He is at work, victoriously.
Moses and Elijah received God’s provision and experienced His refreshing.
Shortly after pouring out his sadness, David praised God. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Christians are permitted to call trouble for what it is. At the same time, we take heart in God’s care.
Taking heart does not mean pasting on a smile or ignoring the feeling of emptiness that depression brings. It does not mean neglecting to treat depression through counseling or medication. It does not mean ignoring the relational hurts or the miss-perceptions that have led to depression (Satan’s lies, if we believe them, will lead us to despair).
It does not mean denying the fact that depression could be a lifelong struggle.
What taking heart does mean is bringing all our pain to God.
It does mean continuing to trust in Him.
It does mean believing that what He says about Himself and about us is true, even when we don’t feel like it is.
It does mean getting the help we need, battling depression rather than giving in to it.
We acknowledge the depravity of the world, but we also acknowledge the sufficiency of God.
It is not wrong to be depressed. But it is wrong—and not especially helpful in overcoming a depressed state—to give up on God when we are depressed.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5).
"What does the Bible say about depression? How can a Christian overcome depression?"
Depression is a widespread condition, affecting millions of people, Christians and non-Christians alike.
Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms.
They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed.
Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, such as a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.
The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so God apparently intends for us all to live joyful lives.
This is not easy for someone suffering from situational depression, but it can be remedied through God's gifts of prayer, Bible study and application, support groups, fellowship among believers, confession, forgiveness, and counseling.
We must make the conscious effort to not be absorbed in ourselves, but to turn our efforts outward.
Feelings of depression can often be solved when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Christ and others.
Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician.
It may not be caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be alleviated by one's own will.
Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always caused by sin.
Depression can sometimes be caused by a physical disorder that needs to be treated with medication and/or counseling. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder.
However, in some cases, seeing a doctor for depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an injury.
There are some things that those who suffer from depression can do to alleviate their anxiety. They should make sure that they are staying in the Word, even when they do not feel like it. Emotions can lead us astray, but God's Word stands firm and unchanging.
We must maintain strong faith in God and hold even more tightly to Him when we undergo trials and temptations.
The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations into our lives that are too much for us to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Although being depressed is not a sin, one is still accountable for the response to the affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms.
They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed.
Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, such as a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.
The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so God apparently intends for us all to live joyful lives.
This is not easy for someone suffering from situational depression, but it can be remedied through God's gifts of prayer, Bible study and application, support groups, fellowship among believers, confession, forgiveness, and counseling.
We must make the conscious effort to not be absorbed in ourselves, but to turn our efforts outward.
Feelings of depression can often be solved when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Christ and others.
Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician.
It may not be caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be alleviated by one's own will.
Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always caused by sin.
Depression can sometimes be caused by a physical disorder that needs to be treated with medication and/or counseling. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder.
However, in some cases, seeing a doctor for depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an injury.
There are some things that those who suffer from depression can do to alleviate their anxiety. They should make sure that they are staying in the Word, even when they do not feel like it. Emotions can lead us astray, but God's Word stands firm and unchanging.
We must maintain strong faith in God and hold even more tightly to Him when we undergo trials and temptations.
The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations into our lives that are too much for us to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Although being depressed is not a sin, one is still accountable for the response to the affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
"What is inner healing, and is it biblical?" BEWARE!!!!!!!
“Inner healing” refers to an attempt to free people from the negative emotional effects of harmful experiences.
Inner healing has become more popular lately in the Christian community.
“Christian” inner healing practitioners use various techniques that are also used in mysticism, including “prayer journeys” that encourage people to remember past hurtful situations and visualize Jesus with them at that moment.
There are several potential dangers inherent in visualization techniques and mystical New Age methods.
Three of the most significant are--
a) the harm that comes from prolonged dwelling on occurrences that evoke hurt or anger,
b) the danger of basing our idea of God upon an image in our mind instead of the truth of who He is as revealed in Scripture, and
c) opening the doors of our minds to demonic interference.
God does want to free us from sins that arise from specific hurtful occasions in our past, but He doesn't need visualization techniques or prolonged emphasis on the past to do so.
In fact, the Bible is clear that the Christian experience involves the death of our old selves and “rising to walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4), and that new life is characterized by thoughts about Him who saved us, not thoughts about the dead flesh that has been crucified with Christ. As we abide in Him (John 15:5) He transforms our hearts and heals us.
But the key is focus on the Lord, not focus on ourselves.
Objective truth centers on the great doctrines of the faith and their relevance to life: the sovereignty of God, the high priestly intercession of Christ, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal glory.
Understanding these great truths, centering our thoughts on them, and rehearsing them in our minds will enable us to reason from truth in all of life’s trials, and our faith will be strong and vital.
Reasoning from what we feel about ourselves—rather than what we know about God—is the sure path to spiritual defeat.
That said, it isn't wrong to work through emotions. God created us as emotional beings, and if we try to “shut down” those parts of ourselves in an effort to avoid reliving painful moments, we can become like a volcano ready to blow.
The Lord understands that emotional pain is a part of life—He created us!
The best way to find true inner healing is to be honest with yourself about what you feel, and then go to God with those things, seeking answers.
His Word will give you the answers you are seeking.
The Bible is supernatural and wonderful and brings true inner healing.
And if there is no concrete question in your mind—just a negative feeling—the answer is still to read the Word, because His Word is His Voice, and His voice has powerfully creating, healing power.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2).
"What is Sozo prayer?" BEWARE!!!!!
Sozo prayer, or Sozo ministry (from the Greek for “save” or “deliver”) is defined as “a unique inner healing and deliverance ministry in which the main aim is to get to the root of those things hindering your personal connection with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
Sozo was created by a group of people from Bethel Church in Redding, California, and modeled after spiritual practices observed at revivals in Argentina.
Sozo is strongly mystical in its approach and relies heavily on ideas about God and the Holy Spirit that are not based on biblical fact.
Sozo prayer requires the presence of a mediator / guide, who is trained to walk participants through a time of prayer and reflection that is supposed to facilitate intimacy with God. Intimacy with God is definitely something to be sought; however, the method of attaining intimacy via a journey through the subconscious is questionable at best.
Intimacy with God is achieved by Bible study, prayer, regular church attendance, and obedience, not by a mystical “journey” through our past.
The Bible warns us to be discerning and wise, and not to be fooled (Hosea 14:9; Hebrews 5:14). The Bible and the Holy Spirit—not our subconscious thoughts or a fallible human being—are our connection to the counsel and the voice of God (John 17:17).
Many types of ungodly mystical practices include the presence of a “spirit guide,” but the Bible tells us that our connection to the Father is a direct connection, mediated by Christ (1 Timothy 2:5) and guided by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). No other spirit guide is necessary.
The methods and practices of Sozo are of human invention and require human instruction, without reference to Scripture.
In fact, Sozo is much closer to new age mysticism than to Christianity. Participants are encouraged into a mild trance state, while being “led” into a series of mental / emotional rooms or stages where, by connecting to their own deeper feelings and thoughts, they believe themselves to have a new experience with God.
Whatever participants feel has happened to them, the Bible tells us it is dangerous to open ourselves up to something that has not been sanctioned by God (Ephesians 4:11-14).
Preaching and teaching, evangelism, and the practice of anointing a person with oil, or laying hands on them, for instance, are all shown in Scripture to be spiritually safe and useful.
But Sozo prayer does not have that kind of “backing”. It’s kind of like taking a drug that isn't approved by the FDA. It might not damage you, but why take the risk?
In another part of the Bethel Sozo website, one of the goals of Sozo is to enable participants to “heal your relationship with God to enable you to fulfill your destiny.”
But the Bible tells us that a Christian’s destiny is death to self and obedience to Christ through faith in His power and saving grace (Luke 9:23; Ephesians 2:8-9).
The things that make us one with God are produced by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and a Christian does not need to be led on a mystical prayer journey to attain them.
Every believer is conformed to Christ’s image by His power and has already been blessed with “every spiritual gift in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3).
In summary, we do not believe that Sozo ministry / prayer is a godly practice or something that is needed, or helpful, for a believer’s fellowship with God.
Sozo is much more closely related to mysticism and spiritism than to true intimacy with God. True intimacy with the Lord happens by illumination of the Word of God by the Holy Spirit and fellowship with Christ as we show love for the Father through obedience to and imitation of Him (Ephesians 5:1).
"What is soaking prayer?" BEWARE!!!!!
Since the 1990s there has been an increased focus on mysticism within various segments of Christianity. Bordering on the esoteric, these mystical experiences broaden the division between a "factual faith" and a "felt faith," and threaten to replace sound biblical teaching with emotion-driven response.
Soaking prayer is one such mystical activity. It is described as resting in God's presence.
This is accomplished by playing some gentle worship songs, either sitting or lying down, and praying short, simple prayers for an extended period of time, but otherwise keeping your mind free of other thoughts.
At the point when you sense God's presence through some type of manifestation like tingling skin, a sensation of heat or cold, or even a gentle wind seemingly blowing through your body, you are to just "soak" in that presence.
Although that might sound a little strange to some, it does not immediately come across as being necessarily bad.
However, the rule by which we measure our experiences in life is the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and when soaking prayer is examined accordingly, we find that it comes up wanting for biblical support.
Nowhere in the Bible can a model of prayer be found that soaking prayer follows.
Prayer in its simplest form in the Bible is calling on the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26), and in each instance where it is found in Scripture, it is descriptive ofcommunicating with God. Soaking prayer starts that way, but quickly devolves into a trance-like meditative state.
This is when soaking prayer ceases to be biblical and becomes more like a New Age practice or something an adherent of Hinduism would participate in.
There is no denying that experiencing the presence of God can be powerful and life changing.
It is not the goal of soaking prayer that is biblically errant; it is its methodology.
Soaking prayer focuses on obtaining a spiritual experience by seeking out the presence of God through mystical exercises.
In this it is similar to ”contemplative prayer” and contemplative spirituality, which are equally unbiblical.
Biblical prayer is talking to God with His will in mind (1 John 5:14).
A biblically praying believer already understands that God's presence is always with him (Psalm 139:7; Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; 2 Timothy 1:14), and he doesn’t need to experience any type of physical sensation to prove it.
"What is centering prayer?" BEWARE!!!!!!!!
A centering prayer is an initial step of a contemplative prayer. Both of these are part of the tradition of lectio divina, a form of Christian meditation.
In the centering prayer, the practitioner focuses on a word and repeats that word over and over for the duration of the exercise. While centering prayer is done differently in the various groups that practice it, there are similarities. Centering prayer involves choosing a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within. Centering prayer usually includes sitting comfortably and, with eyes closed, settling briefly and silently, introducing the sacred word. When a centering pray-er becomes aware of thoughts, he/she is to return ever so gently to the sacred word. The centering prayer is followed by a period of opening one’s mind, heart, and soul to the influence of God—the contemplative prayer.
Although this might sound like an innocent exercise, this type of prayer has no scriptural support whatsoever. In fact, it is just the opposite of how prayer is defined in the Bible. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:23-24). These verses and others clearly portray prayer as being comprehendible communication with God, not an esoteric, mystical meditation meant to clear the mind of thought. A centering prayer is more like mystical chanting than true communication with God.
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