7-Are you feeling distressed and overwhelmed with sadness? Are you wondering if you will ever climb out of the pit of suffering? I understand your pain. When I was going through cancer, especially through chemotherapy treatments, I wept, curled up on my bed, wishing my suffering would end. I dragged through the day, stressed out and depressed. I didn’t understand why I had to go through all that pain. Looking back now, I have better perspective and can be grateful Jesus embraced me through the sadness. Gratitude can touch us, helping us cope better with stressful situations, and can help us comfort others who are going through difficult times. Would you like to know how gratitude can transform you? Come join me for today’s episode, “Feeling Distressed? How Gratitude Touches Us So We Can Cope Through Suffering” This is part 4 of the Count Your Blessings, using the acronym G.I.F.T. Check out the other episodes in this G.I.F.T. of Gratitude in the Count Your Blessings series. 4-G. Gratitude Grows Goodness in our hearts Apple iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-count-your-blessings-series-part-1-how-gratitude/id1783189689?i=1000679252039 5-I.How Gratitude Inspires our Minds to Reset Depression Apple iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-5-feeling-blah-from-holiday-brain-fog-how-gratitude/id1783189689?i=1000679747270 6-F. Feeling Grumpy? How Gratitude Frees us and Freshens Our Perspective https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-feeling-grumpy-how-gratitude-frees-us-and-freshens/id1783189689?i=1000679932150 If you are enjoying this podcast, please send it to a friend, so they can journey toward mental health and discover hope in the process. Also please consider posting a review on iTunes! The reviews get the word out about the podcast, so many can discover strategies to boost mental wellness. Thank you! Contact by Email: Beth@healdepressionwithgod.com Books referenced in this four-part series: Dr. Robert A Emmons, The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks Dr. Robert A Emmons, Thanks, How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier Scriptures used in this episode: Psalm 34: 18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. NIV Isaiah 40:11 “He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11 NIV Corinthians 1 3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. ESV Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, NIV Three journaling Prompts Describe a situation where you suffered, naming all the feelings. Now, ask “How did that experience impact my life and help me to grow?How did God show up in that situation and comfort you?Through that experience, how can you touch and comfort someone else in a similar situation? Count Your Blessings Hymn Lyrics, Public Domain. Lyrics by Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1926); Music by Edwin Othello Excell (1851-1921) Accessed through https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/707, who freely shares hymn information. Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805 Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing. Here are some resources to help you. Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com phone or text 1-844-472-9687 Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide....
