Living Beyond the “Down and Out”
(Part 1)
[ILLUS: Almost everyone knows I love the outdoors. As we were flying in over Florida, the scenery was every bit as beautiful as people say it is and the pictures indicate. Every year thousands of birds migrate south for the winter. I’m not referring to Canadian geese rather I am referring to Canadians – Snow Birds. They make their annual pilgrimage from Jan-April each year.
They go south for several reasons…
To get away from the cold temperatures and mountains of snow.
They have developed communities of friendships.
For three months of the year, the enjoy rest and relaxation where the sun is always shining and scenery is breathtaking.
As we were traveling and sightseeing in the vocational paradise of Florida, I couldn’t help but notice hospitals and medical clinics on just about every major street.
Thought: You won’t find this in any of their marketing brochures: People in Florida deal with medical problems the same as we do. Yes – that may not have back trouble from shovelling snow but they may have someone die from sun exposure.
I was quickly reminded that even in a place where it seems to be perfect – it is not perfect because people in Florida have to live life just like people in Newfoundland and the same as people in China. Even though the circumstances and situations may vary, everyone is still required to live life. LIFE is not a respecter of persons or places...
Financial stress, Employment issues,
Family situations, Health concerns,
Mental, physical, emotional and spiritual
I can’t help but think that we have people in China, Florida, Newfoundland, St. John’s and probably members of Pathway who are quietly struggling along, attempting to find inner healing and wholeness without the whole world finding out about it.
I want to take the next few weeks to deal with some of the practical everyday issues that each of us face in life. Let me say up front: I am not a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist. However as one who studies the Bible, I am fully aware that the Bible offers great advice and instruction on how to deal with many of life’s everyday challenges. I hope that this sermon series will help individuals to understand and apply powerful principles of scripture that will in turn enable and empower each person to live beyond their circumstance.
The first issue I would like to address is…
1. Being Down and Out.
I am referring to being mentally and emotionally down and out. Unfortunately, there is still some stigma attached to mental and emotional issues. Yet I believe we all can acknowledge that they are as real if not more than the arthritis that I deal with. Thankfully that stigma is slowly disappearing. At Pathway, we don’t assign stigma to those who suffer mental and emotional issues rather we desire to uplift, encourage and support those individuals.
Let’s look to the Bible for some guidance in this matter.
There is a notion or myth out there that says “If you are a believer or have a relationship with God – you are not supposed to experience being mentally and/or emotionally down and out.” Utter nonsense! It is a myth that is not supported by the Bible!
[ILLUS: It was actually said from one pulpit that if you suffer with mental or emotional issues then you are demon-possessed. Obviously that person is extremely ignorant of what the Bible says about this topic.]
In fact, there are many examples of godly men from the Bible like Job, Jonah, Elijah and Moses (wanted to die because of pressure) had experienced intense moments of hopelessness and despair.
Let me give you one more example. The best example…
When Jesus Himself, was in the garden of Gethsemane, He was “in great despair.” He suffered from extreme emotional and mental turmoil because He knew what was about to happen. WHY? Because He was human and about to be crucified on a cross.
Matthew 26:36-39
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane…he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (NIV)
“…He plunged into a sinkhole of dreadful agony. He told them, “I feel bad enough right now to die.” (Message)
INTENSE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SUFFERING!!!
[ILLUS: Charles Spurgeon is considered by many to be the greatest preacher. He was known to plunge into severe depression. Sometimes he would be out of the pulpit for two to three months at a time.]
The list can go on and on. The point is made. People who suffer from mental and emotional issues are not abnormal. Mental and emotional issues are no respecter of persons, whether you’re young and old, male and female, rich or poor, well-known or unknown, believer or unbeliever.
POINT: As I continue please note that nothing I say replaces the expertise of medical advice from proper medical authorities. Receiving medical attention for mental and/or emotional issues is as normal and necessary as me seeing the doctor for my arthritis. Given that we are spiritual beings, it is important to acknowledge and learn four remedies that the Bible informs us will help when suffering from mental and emotional issues.
Here is the spiritual advice…
A. Admit to God where you are…
The interesting fact is God knows where you are. God sees and knows everything. Therefore, by verbalizing our condition to Him, is a way of admitting to ourselves where we are and our need for God intervene in our lives.
Admitting where we are becomes the first part of the healing process. The old cliché “You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.”
Account: Jesus and the woman at the well who was trying to find contentment through several relationships. It was only when she got real with Jesus that He was able to help her. (John 4)
One of the 10 commandments tells us not to lie to our neighbours. I say worse still is lying to yourself. I wonder how many people are living a lie and a miserable existence because they won’t admit where they are. Consequently God isn’t able to help them start the healing process.
If you desire to live beyond being down and out - ADMIT WHERE YOU ARE!
B. Seek God with all your heart…
[ILLUS: A young man who was seeking God approached a wise old man for help and asked, “How can I find God?” The old man took him into a nearby river and they waded out into deep water. When the water was just under their chins, the old man without warning, seized the young man by the neck, pushing him under the water. He held the young man under until the young man was thrashing around in desperation. Up out of the water, the old sage drew the young man.
The young man was coughing water from his lungs and still gasping for air. Reaching the bank the young man asked indignantly, “What did that have to do with my finding God?” The old man asked, “While you were under the water, what did you want more than anything else?” The young man thought for just a moment and replied, “I wanted air more than anything else.” The old man replied, “When you want God as much as you wanted air, you will find him.”]
Luke 11:9 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Sincere seeking!!!!!
If you desire to live beyond being down and out – SEEK GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART!
C. Find time alone with God…
When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived on earth, there is one thing that He exampled for us probably more than anything else: He often took time to be alone with God. He often withdrew to quiet places where He could be alone. There are many references to this in the NT (you don’t have to read very far).
Likewise, when there are things happening in our lives that are difficult and weighing us down. They begin to really affect us mentally and emotionally. Some great advice would be to get alone and do some ‘God-business’. You will soon discover that God is right there, alongside you in your situation.
If you desire to live beyond being down and out – FIND TIME ALONE WITH GOD!
D. Refuse to stay down...
[ILLUS: A woman once approached a man who had a sour look on his face. She encouraged the grumpy man to be thankful. He replied, “Thankful for what? I don’t even have enough money to pay my bills!” The woman thought for a moment then said, “Well then, be thankful you are not one of your creditors.”]
Seriously, I believe there comes a moment in people’s lives, when one must say enough is enough. One must decide to draw a line in the sand of life. In other words, one must refuse to be enslaved, held captive, kept in bondage over a particular situation or incident.
Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
The decision is made that I am going to do everything in my power not to be defeated any longer than necessary and start living the victorious and abundant life that Jesus promised.
One some levels it becomes a matter of choice: Conscious intentional choice.
If you desire to live beyond being down and out – REFUSE TO STAY DOWN!
Conclusion:
How can I do this? Here is a wonderful promise and advice that I want to end with.
Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
If you desire to live beyond being down and out – give your troubles, anxieties, concerns, frustrations, headaches, stresses to Jesus this morning. Give it all to Him. Let Him carry them for you.
