Friday, October 1, 2010

Hope And Prayers (Are They Antidotes To Depression And Despair?)




Yes, we are depressed. Yes, we are desperate. Are there any remedies to these conditions? Whether depression is a state of the mind or a result of a chemical imbalance of the brain is not the issue here. I leave that to the experts. What I'm after is, how we can alleviate the pain and misery that depression brings to its untold number of victims. The effects of prolonged depression is catastrophic to the psyche of its victims. It leaves behind a lingering sense of hopelessness and despair that may even trigger a violent tendency towards self destruction. It's like entering a dark tunnel without any hope of ever coming out of darkness into the light. People loses their sense of right or wrong. They are bewildered, totally disoriented and seemingly helpless. Can hope and prayers overcome depression and despair? With due respect to the medical experts, I say yes. Hope is like seeing a flicker of light in the all pervading darkness of a tunnel. It gives us a sense of anticipation that finally, as we reach the end of the tunnel, we shall finally see the light of day. And who gives us this hope? Only God can and will. And we can fan the flames of hope through prayers. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31) How do you think those early Christians were able to face death with calm equanimity as they were crucified, mauled by lions and bears, or defenselessly butchered by battle scarred gladiators? They sang songs of praise and worship and even uttered prayers of forgiveness for their tormentors. They were clinging to that glorious hope of a blissful afterlife. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1Corinthians 2:9) Surely depression, outright insanity and total helplessness would have set in to those who have no hope whatsoever if faced with the same situations. Today, situations may vary but the results will still be the same. Those who have hope and diligently nurtures it with regular and intense prayers are those who will be able to overcome any obstacles and trials in life, whether they be depression or despair. Unflinching hope and intense prayers usher us to the very presence of God, where we can pour out all the pains and sorrows welling in our hearts. Did not the Lord admonished us to, "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you." (1Peter 5:7) When depression sets in, we must never give it a foothold by lingering on it. We can counteract its effects by claiming the promises of the Lord and through His triumphant Spirit. "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6b) If we persist in prayers, our hopes will be rekindled like a blazing torch that will illuminate the total darkness surrounding us. In God's time, we will receive our most cherished healing and deliverance. PRAY! IT WORKS!

18 comments:

burn said...

Praying hard is sometime difficult to do if you don't concentrate. But once you start concentrating. You can really feel the connection between you and God.

krystyna said...

Stress, depression today are common.
I also believe that prayer is very helpful
in relieving depression.
Scientific Researches also confirmed the healing effects of prayer and meditation.

Beautiful post!
Thank you Mel!

God bless!

☆Mama Ko☆ said...

In our place i think most of us survive depression in their own little way withiut going to the doctor. Thanks for a very interesting post Sir Mel.

Thanks for the visit and comments too. happy weekend.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Burn,
Yes, I agree with you. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you always.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Krystyna,
You are so right. Depression and stress can be remedied by prayers. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you always.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Shy,
Great if you can overcome depression without going to the doctor. Thanks for your visit and comments. Happy weekend too. God bless you all always.

kimmy said...

Well.. that would require a significant amount of FAITH. I believe that depressed individuals go through their ordeal because they do not have enough faith basically in their creator and in themselves. people pray because they believe that there is a GOD that will hear them and will help them out. but what if they don't know and don't believe in GOD at all? i think that's how depression gets in a person's system in the first place.. if a person gets depressed, it means that he doesn't trust the Lord enough.. i just wish i am wrong about this, lol! thanks for the nice post!

awalkthroughlife said...

thanks for this post bro mel. sometimes i can be a walking contradiction because i already know i need not worry about a lot of things however i can't help it that sometimes i worry first before i think about praying.
bro mel, please help me pray for my aunt. she already underwent chemotherapy. was really sad for her but i haven't visited her since she started her chemo but she knows i have been praying for her.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Kimmy,
You are absolutely right. People get depressed because they don't think anybody can help them in their ordeal. It's either they don't trust God or they do not believe in God at all. Lack of faith can cause depression because a person feels all alone to tackle his burden. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.

Chubskulit Rose said...

You are so right Kuya. Prayer is the only thing I can hold on to whenever I am feeling so down.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Rose,
Yes, prayers unlocks the portals of heaven so that divine blessings can pour down on us. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Kuya Mel for this inspiring post... I am going through a lot right now that made me depress the first couple of days, but now, with the help of prayer and the thought that God will never abandon me, I feel better.. Please help me pray Kuya Mel. I will not get into details right now, but I do need help in prayers. I know I could count on you for this... Thanks a lot in advance...

Life
Women
Mom

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Kathy,
Yes, I will pray for you. Surely God knows your burden and He will act on it. Just continue trusting Him for all your needs. You can write to me at melavilaalarilla@gmail.com and I will give you counseling and prayers. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Meretrisha,
Worrying is natural but it is also a hindrance for the attainment of God's miracle in our lives. We must trust God at all cost no matter what the circumstances are. Yes, I will pray for your aunt. Nothing is impossible with God. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.

MinnieRunner said...

I really love reading your posts Mel. Yes, no matter what situation we are at - depressed or happy - sharing it with God is the bestest decision. Pray! It really works!

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi MinnieRunner,
Yes, in these troubled times when depression and despair are so prevalent, let us turn our focus on hope and prayers. Can we ever survive without God on our side? Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.

awalkthroughlife said...

hi brother mel. thanks a lot. she just finished her 5 chemo. she'll have radiation next. my first cousin is taking care of her now. i haven't seen her yet. she and my first cousin are renting an apartment near the hospital for the whole duration of her chemo and radiation.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Meretrisha,
Let us all continue to pray for her divine healing. Nothing is impossible with God for those who believe. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.


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