June 2024

depression Shalom! The cause of the turmoil in the world today is Spiritual blindness in those who have rejected God's love. The results are deceptive beliefs, unmet needs and expectations, frustration, insecurity, fear and anger. Simply put, sin is the root of a fallen and oppressed society, separated from God. The apostle Paul wrote:

"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them" (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, NKJV).

A Teenager's Response . . .

"I am a 17-year-old girl from Brazil, who is happy to see your commitment to the ministry. You are truly chosen by God for the mission."

"Your testimony has inspired many people and inspired me, too. I first heard about the crimes through a documentary in 2016, when I was 10 years old, and I also heard about you and your conversion. Jesus provided forgiveness for everyone, no matter what! I have learned a lot from you and your ministry.

"In the past, I made bad choices and did everything wrong, like rejecting God's love. I had a lot of hate and resentment stored in my heart. I was a depressed girl who used bad words, disobeyed and fought with my parents. I mocked God and ended up turning to New Age, spiritualism and witchcraft. It was a "spiritual coldness" [a moment of doubt], despite being born into a Christian family.

"After 5 years, God touched my heart to abandon these practices. He is merciful and loving and has a plan for each of us. Jesus set me free! I started reading the Bible, attending catechism, praying and developing virtues such as meekness, love and peace. I stopped disobeying my parents. I am slowly returning to the Lord's ways, but the brainwashing I suffered in these pagan religions made me disbelieve in Christianity, Jesus and God's love.

"Could you give me some advice? I need someone to help me, since in my social circle I don't find young Christians. I listen to your podcast on YouTube, because it has subtitles. You preach in such a vivid way. You can always count on me to share your messages. May God continue to bless you and your ministry to reach more and more people. Sincerely, Grazieli, Brazil."

Jesus said to the religious people, "Healthy people don't need a doctor -- sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent" (Luke 5:31, NLT).

Identifying Teenage Depression . . .

Through corresponding with Grazieli, the Lord sparked a whole new project for our Youth Outreach called "Identifying Teenage Depression." I had saved a brochure on the subject by the late Dr. Ross Campbell, M.D. for years. It was no longer in print, and too valuable not to be used by God, since we must discover depression in our teenagers so that they can do something about it before tragedy occurs.

We must be able to identify it early, since there are numerous ways today in which depression can be a harm to our children. A depressed teenager is quite susceptible to unhealthy peer pressure, is prone to fall victim to drugs, alcohol, criminal activity, inappropriate sexual experiences and other behaviors, including suicide. The best way to identify depression in a teenager is to understand the various symptoms manifested in teenage depression and how they develop. Dr. Campbell explains six (6) symptoms in his "Identifying Teenage Depression" article: 1) Shortened attention span, 2) Daydreaming, 3) Poor grades, 4) Boredom, 5) Psychosomatic depression, and 6) Withdrawal.

Grazieli wrote from Brazil, saying, "The big reason for depression among teenagers nowadays is related to social media, such as Instagram and TikTok. It is sad to see young people, like me, developing mental problems and becoming increasingly involved with harmful content on the internet, such as pornographic websites, anime and television series with promiscuous themes, among others.

"In addition, I see cell phones keeping my classmates from having better contact with family, friends and the community we live in. Instead, social networks contribute negatively, with 'influencers' who appear to have a perfect life, showing off sculptural bodies, impeccable appearance, dream homes and dream jobs in front of the cameras. It only takes one click for a young person my age to develop depression through such stimulation.

"Unfortunately, I see many young people with no direction in life. I believe that excess dopamine is keeping them from having a greater purpose, which can even be fatal. They have already developed insomnia, self-harm and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, suicidal desires, isolation and discouragement due to media, bullying and cyber bullying. It is truly sad to have to deal with friends who, during classes, need to be hurriedly removed from the classroom due to anxiety attacks and panic attacks. I desire to help them, but it is difficult."

Remedy For Depression . . .

What can we do to help our depressed teenagers? First of all, we must identify depression early in order to prevent tragedy. This means we must be familiar with the symptoms of teenage depression. People who need this information most are parents and those who work with teenagers, such as teachers, school counselors and youth workers. When depression is identified early that is when the depression is mild, it is relatively easy to halt its insidious progress and alienate it. Whatever situation that may have caused the depression or the teenager to feel lonely, it is crucial, first of all, to show them we do care, love and accept them, which is the key. Then, our love-giving, eye and physical contact and focused attention will be meaningful to them.

Teenage depression is not something you can consider a phase that will run its course. This insidious affliction tends to grow worse and worse until depression is identified and intervention is taken. I can identify with the symptoms of depression as a teenager being a major part of my problem. Though the problem seems physical and psychosomatic, the root cause is spiritual and can only be truly healed through God's amazing grace. The bottom line is that depressed teenagers are separated from God. Only when they understand God's love and acceptance of them and receive Christ will they truly be healed and secure. [Click here for the "Identifying Teenage Depression" article].

Who We Are In Christ Podcast . . .

This episode is Part 1 of 2 about our need to identify ourselves with the finished works of Christ at Calvary -- who we are because of His death, burial and resurrection. The devil will come to us with lies, saying we are no good, causing us to doubt our salvation. But ". . . Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free'" (John 8:31-32, NKJV‬). Do you know that you're a son of God? That you're redeemed, washed, sanctified by the blood of Jesus and on your way to heaven?

Paul wrote Philemon saying, "‭. . . that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (v. 6, NKJV). Do you see what Paul is saying? We are to have a firm knowledge and understanding of every good thing we obtain through faith in Christ Jesus. Then we will be able to have an effect in this world. This is a repeated theme in Paul's writings. ‭"For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end . . ." (2 Corinthians 1:13, NKJV‬). Paul is stating that the Corinthians are to understand those things, stated in Scripture, which give us our identity in Christ.

For the church in Ephesus, Paul prays, ". . . that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints . . ." (Ephesians 1:17-18, NKJV‬). He prays they come into the knowledge of who they are in Christ. Who are you? Do you have such a knowledge? Listen to this message and see how the Holy Spirit will reveal this understanding to you and possibly change your view as a believer. Selah! [Click here to listen to the Abounding Love Podcast].

Finally, my sole purpose and heart's desire is for you to know "Who You Are In Christ" through faith in God's grace found in His promises. The apostle Paul wrote: "Brethren, I do not count myself as apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14, NKJV).

A Prayer For You . . .

"Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in the knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called -- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. His is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the heavenly realms. Now he is above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else -- not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself" (Ephesians 1:15-23, NLT).

Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV).

Pray: Heavenly Father, I asked that you create in my heart a desire to know the truth through faith in Your Word. I pray that the knowledge and understanding of "Who I Am In Christ" will increase in my heart to overflowing. Amen!