Stress and Depression - a Devotional

A 2 March 2005 excerpt from the personal diary of W. Gregory Bell. Scriptures added 18 April 2007.

“Objects at rest tend to stay at rest… objects in motion tend to stay in motion…” Sir Isaac Newton.

Could these be the simple rules of health?

“If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it…” Unknown

Today, I face a crossroads in my life. I do not know how many choices I have, but I know of at least three (3): do nothing, do more, do less.

Doing less seems the easiest to eliminate – but not so fast. Tremendous strain has been placed upon me by myself and others, and having survived, I should take this opportunity to reflect about the sheer number of things that fill my life, and prune them back – pare them down – or just plain eliminate them. In my case, “Less is more.”

Doing more seems easy to eliminate since I have been in a constant state of overload for over ten (10) years. However, more needs to be done to move this sedentary body to a body in motion. This should not be an additional tasking, but a replacement of less fruitful activities.

Doing nothing, that is, leaving the status quo, is the option that should be avoided. It has been said that the definition of insanity is the continuation of an activity or process, without changing inputs, and expecting different results. Although I don’t consider myself insane, I do seem to repeat processes and activities that keep producing detrimental results.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I can use it for good or evil. Regardless, I am trading a day of my life for it, so I should do something good.

I need to avoid the trappings I accuse others of: egomania, pride, gluttony, lust, rage, spite, vanity, and jealousy. Seven (7) deadly sins.

The time has come for me to take inventory of myself – realizing that God has given me everything I need. I have added traits and customs that need to be discarded. I need to rely on God to show me the excess baggage of my life, and I will leave this burden at His feet. I will become a sleeker version of myself, forcing me to leave ideas and props behind that weigh me down.

When it’s time to thin the herd, I want to be able to run.

“My parents did the best they could…” I need to really accept this notion. It is easy to look back at grievous errors, but that time [has passed]. Over. Done. Never to be repeated. And, although they will never be able to undo these mistakes, I should not – I will not allow these mistakes to trouble me anymore.

God has healed me – I just have to accept that precious gift.

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“As I was on the road … a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone around me.” Acts 22:6 NLT.

“He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit …” John 15:2 NLT.

“… Depression haunts my days.” Job 30:16 NLT.

“Healthy people don't need a doctor…” Mark 2:17 NLT

“… he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:2 NLT.

“… Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace…” 2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT

“For you have been born again…” 1 Peter 1:23 NLT.

“… They should be rich in good works …” 1 Timothy 6:18 NLT

“… evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.” Mark 7:21-22 NLT

“He will give you all you need from day to day …” Luke 12:31 NLT

“… forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against …” Mark 11:25 NLT.

“… God's generous gift of forgiveness …” Romans 5:15 NLT