HELP IS A PRAYER AWAY

Everybody has issues. Recently, news headlines have mentioned that antidepressants are increasing the risks of suicide. The young and the old get depressed and anxious. We go to a medical professional and obtain a prescription for a drug and maybe some counseling. Life is not easy, and we thank God for medicine and professionals to help people. But we are missing a very vital and important step in healing when we just take a pill and do counseling without including our faith in God and His help and promises in the scripture.

The Bible says God gives us the spirit of power, love and a sound mind. In Philippians 4:6-7, it goes on to say we should pray: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be known by God; And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.”

My mother committed suicide when I was a young boy, and many years after she died, I asked my father, “Dad, is there anything we could have done to save Mom?”

My father said sincerely: “Your mother had the best doctors and medicines available. I believe the only thing that would have saved her is if she had a stronger faith in God, gone to church, prayed more.” I actually tried this myself and have walked with others who have done the same. I was feeling depressed and anxious, so I went to the doctor and got some medicine and some counseling. At the same time, I started going back to church, praying, and I got better quickly. Faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit can heal us and help us do incredible things.

May the spirit of power and love of Christ fill your heart and mind and fill you with an overwhelming peace from God, which surpasses all understanding.

— Scott C. Baker

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist