talk to yourself

Here's my sermon on Psalm 42. It is adapted from Lloyd-Jones book on Spiritual Depression. You can listen below or download it here.



-joe

bipolar disorder

So, last week I mentioned that I am bipolar and since that post received so much attention I thought it would be good to follow up.

Since I read Ed Welch's book on depression and found it so helpful I decided to look up a bit more about the man. I quickly discovered that he is the author of a book that I've heard much about, When People Are Big and God Is Small and that he works for the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation. I also stumbled upon a series of three posts from his blog on bipolarism. So, without further ado, I present his three part series on the disorder:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

-joe

depression

This past Sunday I mentioned a book about depression that I have found immensely helpful.

If you struggle with depression (or are bipolar like myself) then you should grab a copy. Order it online. Nobody'll know you bought it.

And, almost as important, for those of you who know someone who struggles with depression, this book would be extremely helpful for you. The first three chapters alone are enough to warrant you buying the book. Dr. Welch's description of depression and his understanding of the mind will help you see your grieved friend in a much more helpful manner.

The book is called Depression: A Stubborn Darkness. It's by Edward Welch and you can pick up copies for about $10. It is definitely worth your investment.


And, if any of you do struggle with the darkness of depression, feel free to get ahold of me. Email: joehelt {at} gmail [dot] com

-joe

sometimes i just want to go away

Don't you? Aren't there times when the problems in your life (even though they are small) seem to add up to the insurmountable? That if you could, you'd just take what you have and run away and set up a new life?

Well, if you ever catch wind of a Bill Mahoney in your neighborhood and I've come up missing, then there's a good chance that I've done it.

But seriously, sometimes it is very easy to let those soft whispers in your ear about failure morph into thinking that you will never be able to talk of the good news of Jesus. Well, here is some encouragement for you.

Luke 22:31,32

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

Oh that Jesus would be praying this prayer for me and you. Truly, Satan prowls like a roaring lion but Jesus, in his grace, says this "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one."

His grace comes and relieves our doubts and fears so that we are restored.

Read Richard Sibbes The Bruised Reed.

-joe