Dealing With Sadness
Brother Richie Juacto: In today’s world of advanced science and technology, there’s still a particular problem that affects a great number of people. The problem is sadness, which can lead to depression.
Brother Bernard Daos: According to Mental Health America, over 1 in 10 youth in the United States of America are experiencing depression. And that depression is “severely impairing their ability to function and school or work, at home, with their family, or even in their social life.”
Brother Richie: And even the toughest among us who say, “Depression is a choice. Therefore I chose not to be depressed,” will still find themselves depressed. Or just sad at times which might lead to being depressed. So we need to learn the proper way to deal with sadness. And this is what we will study here on The Message.
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THE MESSAGE
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Brother Richie: Hello, I’m Brother Richie Juatco, and with me here in our studio is Brother Bernard Daos. Hey Brother Bernard! Always good to have you on the program.
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Brother Richie Juatco
Minister of the gospel
Brother Bernard: Hey, Brother Richie, good to see you!
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Brother Bernard Daos
Minister of the gospel
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Dealing with sadness
Brother Bernard: You know, even as Christians, we can not avoid getting sad or even depressed at times. And if we do not learn how to handle and deal with that effectively, it will affect all other aspects of our [lives]: including our health, frame of mind, our relationship with others, and worst of all, it may even affect our chance for salvation. Suicidal thoughts caused by depression are starting to become a common thing. And we know there is no recovery from that mistake.
Brother Richie: Now, since the problem is sadness or depression, the solution that many are trying to find is happiness. But can anyone even attain true happiness in this life? Brother Bernard, as long as one is smiling, like they’re laughing, it seems that they are enjoying life; would that be evidence of overcoming sadness or depression?
Brother Bernard: Well, the Bible will give us insight into the truth. And let us read what is recorded here in the Book of Proverbs. The chapter is 14, and I will read verse 13:
Someone who is laughing may be sad inside [Even in laughter the heart may feel pain], and joy may end in sadness.
[Proverbs 14:13 Expanded Bible]
Brother Bernard: Isn’t this so true? The Bible teaches that even though people may be laughing or enjoying themselves, they may be sad inside.
Brother Richie: Well, actually, this probably happens often because, most likely, when someone is sad, he or she doesn’t want anyone to know, but the sadness inside is still there.
Brother Bernard: Also, it is important to note that even though a person experiences genuine joy and happiness, the Bible teaches and reminds us that joy may end in sadness. You know, even comedians whose jobs are to be funny and to make other people laugh—they might be going through such a low point in their lives, but yet they are able to hide it.
Brother Richie: Brother Bernard, how serious is the condition of persistently remaining in a depressed or sad mood? Now how severe can sadness and depression get, and what can that do to those that actually reach that point?
Brother Bernard: Well, here is what the Bible teaches us in the Book of Psalms, the chapter is 6, verse 6. It says this:
I am worn out with grief; every night my bed is damp from my weeping, my pillow is soaked with tears.
[Psalm 6:6 Good News Bible]
Brother Bernard: We can see that a person can actually be worn out with grief or sadness; meaning not being able to find rest, find peace, and this can be very dangerous.
Brother Richie: So you say that it’s very dangerous. What is the danger of having that frame of mind?
Brother Bernard: Well, here in the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 8, verse 18. This is what the Bible reminds us:
My grief is incurable; My heart is sick.
[Jeremiah 8:18 New World translation (2013)]
Brother Bernard: Being in a constant state of grief or sadness is very dangerous because the heart can feel so sick that one will feel that their sadness, that their grief is incurable. Now take note that if grief is incurable, then one may feel there is no hope. A hopeless way of thinking is dangerous because that is when evil thoughts creep in, and people may think of harming themselves or maybe even ending their life.
What does the Bible say about depression and anxiety?
Brother Richie: What is in the heart that causes a person to feel sick to the point of depression or hopelessness?
Brother Bernard: The answer is here in the Book of Proverbs, chapter 12, verse 25:
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, …
[Proverbs 12:25 New King James Version]
Brother Bernard: So it’s the anxiety or the feeling of being anxious, being worried, or nervous when it builds up in the heart—that is what causes depression. Notice how it’s not the actual problems that cause depression or sadness but rather the anxiety, the worry that one feels when thinking about that problem.
Brother Richie: That’s correct, so the way we view problems is vital to whether or not we handle them properly.
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Brother Bernard Daos
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bernard: And since that is true, Brother Richie, can anxiety build in our hearts because of the way we think of those problems?
Brother Richie: Well, the Bible does describe how the control of our thoughts can help or harm our well-being. We can read that here in the Book of Lamentations, we’ll read from chapter 3, verses 19-20, and it says this:
The thought of my pain, my homelessness, is bitter poison. I think of it constantly, and my spirit is depressed.
[Lamentations 3:19-20 Good News Translation]
Brother Richie: Here we can see that this servant was experiencing—as we read—a bitter poison. Now what was poisoning him? He said the thought of my pain, I think of it constantly. So it is actually possible to poison ourselves just by constantly thinking about our problems. And if this is the case, one will feel hopeless and depressed.
Have hope in God
Brother Bernard: So the question is, Brother Richie is this? How can one get out of that state of mind?
Brother Richie: Well, we can continue to read. We read earlier 19-20. We’ll read 21-24. It says this:
Yet hope returns when I remember this one thing: The LORD’s unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The LORD is all I have, And so in him I put my hope.
[Lamentations 3:21-24 Good News Translation]
Brother Richie: Notice how this servant was able to recover from a depressed state of mind. How? He said yet hope returns when I remember this one thing. What is it that he remembered? He said “the LORD’s unfailing love and mercy still continue.” So just remembering that there is a God, He is alive, [and] we can receive his help that brings hope back into our lives and pulls us out of a hopeless or depressed state of mind. When we forget God, life can be very heavy, especially with all of its disappointments and failures, but when we view life with God in mind, we will always see things differently with optimism and with faith.
Brother Bernard: Brother Richie, is it just having God in mind enough to receive His help, to receive His goodness?
Brother Richie: Well, the following citation will help us understand what the condition is. We will read here 25-26 now:
The LORD is good to everyone who trusts in Him, So it is best for us to wait in patience—to wait for him to save us—
[Lamentations 3:25-26 Good News Translation]
Brother Richie: The Bible specifies the Lord is good to everyone who trusts in Him. So in order to get God’s help and goodness, we need to prove that we trust in Him first. Following His instructions prove we trust in Him. And because of this, Brother Bernard, what is the main instruction to prove that we really do trust in God so that we can receive His help and His goodness?
Brother Bernard: Well, here’s the answer, Brother Richie, in the Book of Psalms, chapter 34, verse 9. Here is what it says:
Worship GOD if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.
[Psalm 34:9 The Message]
Brother Bernard: So worshiping God is what proves that we trust in Him. And to take note, it opens doors to all His goodness. In fact, the very reason why God created us and gives us life is so that we can worship Him and receive His Goodness. Now we know that people have different faiths and beliefs and ways of going about their life, but some choose to worship God, some don’t, and God gives people the choice to make their own decision. But take note, the biblical truth is “worship God if you want the best.”
Brother Richie: Now, many might be thinking, “I do worship God, I’m religious, I have a form of worship, but where is the happiness that God provides that will take away my sadness or depression?” Now this question might creep [into] the thoughts of those who feel they are already where they are supposed to be. In a particular faith, religion, or church. So let’s answer that question, Brother Bernard, where is it? Where is the happiness that God provides so that it will take away a person’s sadness or depression?
Brother Bernard: Well, let us find out in the biblical answer recorded here in Hebrews chapter is 12, verse 22, and all the way to 24 is what I will read:
But you have come right up into Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the gathering of countless happy angels; and to the church, composed of all those registered in heaven: and to God who is Judge of all; and to the spirits of the redeemed in heaven, already made perfect; and to Jesus himself, who has brought us his wonderful new agreement; and to the sprinkled blood, which graciously forgives instead of crying out for vengeance as the blood of Abel did.
[Hebrews 12:22-24 The Living Bible]
Brother Bernard: So happiness, which is the solution to sadness or depression in life, is in this gathering in heaven. And those who are included in that gathering, according to the Bible, is the church composed of all those registered in Heaven.
Brother Richie: So we first need to understand that true happiness is not attained in this life but rather in heaven.
Brother Bernard: Brother Richie, that’s correct, and in order to be registered in heaven, we also need to be registered in the Church. Now take note the Bible did not mention multiple churches or any church of your choosing. Therefore the goal should be to be part of that one particular Church which is composed of all those who are registered in heaven.
Brother Richie: So Brother Bernard, since you said the goal is to be part of the particular Church, well, which is the particular Church that the Bible is mentioning?
Brother Bernard: Well, Brother Richie, there are so many churches, so let’s let the Bible clarify to us which one is that one particular church. Let me read again in the Book of Hebrews. The chapter is 12, verses 22 and 23, this time in The Remedy New Testament:
But you have come into the reality (of which the symbols only pointed to), to Mount Zion, the new Jerusalem—the heavenly city of the living God—and you are part of that city. You have come to join millions upon millions of angels rejoicing in God’s presence into the heavenly sanctuary—the true church of Christ—whose identities are stored in heaven. You have come to God—the source and standard of righteousness for all people; to the archived individualities of righteous human beings perfectly restored into Christlikeness of character;
[Hebrews 12:22-23 The Remedy New Testament]
Brother Bernard: The particular Church that we need to be a part of in order to be among the happy gathering of those in heaven—it is the Church Of Christ. And take note, not just any Church Of Christ but specifically the true Church Of Christ. That is why being a member of the true Church Of Christ, one will always have hope of receiving true happiness, which is reserved in Heaven. When will those in the true Church Of Christ receive that true happiness in heaven?
Brother Richie: We can read the answer of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will read here in John 16:20, we will also read 22, and this is what he says:
I can guarantee this truth: You will cry because you are sad, but the world will be happy. You will feel pain, but your pain will turn to happiness. … “Now you’re in a painful situation. But I will see you again. Then you will be happy, and no one will take that happiness away from you.
[John 16:20, 22 God’s Word Translation]
Brother Richie: Here the Lord Jesus Christ makes a promise to those [who] are in His church, the true Church Of Christ. What did He promise? He said “I will see you again.” So this is when He returns or the Judgment Day. Now on that day, what will the members of the true Church Of Christ experience? Our Lord Jesus Christ said “then you will be happy, and no one will take that happiness away from you.” This is when true happiness will be experienced—the ultimate solution to all of our problems and feelings of pain, sadness, and depression.
Brother Bernard: But Brother Richie, while we wait for that true happiness, between now and then, what did the Lord Jesus Christ prepare us that we will experience while we are still waiting, while we are still here on Earth?
Brother Richie: Now notice what He said, “you will cry because you are sad…you will feel pain.” So if there’s anyone listening today who is going through a rough period in your life, know that this is what the Lord Jesus Christ warned us would happen.
Brother Bernard: But how can members of the Church Of Christ, the true Church Of Christ, keep themselves from falling into a depressed state of mind as we wait for the Lord Jesus Christ?
Brother Richie: Well, let’s turn again what is recorded in the bible. We will read now from I Peter. We’ll read chapter 5, [verses] 7 and 10. And this is the instruction we get.
Tell God about all the things that make you sad or afraid or angry. Give your thoughts about those things to him and let them remain with him. Do this, because you matter to him… You will have trouble and pain for a short time. But after that, God, who is so completely kind, will make everything right. God has caused you to be united to Christ, so that you will live with him always. You will live with him in the beautiful place where he lives. And God will make you completely as you should be. He will make you strong, so that nothing can ever stop you believing him.
[I Peter 5:7,10 EasyEnglish Bible]
What to do when you have no hope
Brother Richie: What is the instruction that we get when we feel moments of sadness, even fear or anger? It says tell God about all those things. Now Brother Bernard, how do we tell God? How do we communicate with Him or talk to Him?
Brother Bernard: Well, we can tell God what makes us sad, what makes us angry, what makes us afraid through our prayers. That’s why our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us to be prayerful so that we won’t be discouraged, so that we won’t be sad, we won’t be depressed.
Brother Richie: That is 100% correct, Brother Bernard, and what should we mention in our prayers to God when we are feeling as though we don’t have the strength or ability to handle our situation? The Bible teaches us to “give your thoughts about those things to Him.” Now notice the specific instruction regarding the worries we did express in our prayer. We read “and let them remain with Him.”
Therefore if we really trust God with our problems, then we will not experience the same anxiety after the prayer as we did before we approached Him in prayer. Why? Because we left it with Him. Now why should we have the confidence to rely on what God can do for us? We read here, “do this because you matter to Him.”
So having someone on our side naturally makes us more confident, now all the more if it is God Himself. Now how much do God’s faithful servants matter to Him? Well, the Bible says that God will make everything right. How will God do that? It says He will make you strong. So who are the ones that God cares so much about that He will give them strength? Well, it specifies, “God has caused you to be united to Christ.” So we’ve studied many times in our other episodes that it is the true Church Of Christ that is united to Christ.
Brother Bernard: For those who are watching this program who are having difficulty emerging from a depressed state of mind and maybe are looking for help, this is the very reason we produce episodes like this so that all of us can hear God’s instructions so that we can receive His help and His mercy. We also encourage you to reach out to one of our ministers, for counseling, for biblical guidance, and to help inspire you during these very challenging times.
Brother Richie: And to those members of the true Church Of Christ, the invitation to speak to a minister is always open. No matter how difficult your situation may be, let’s remember that true happiness is waiting for us when Christ returns. But as we wait, never forget that God is always ready to hear our prayers and provide us with the strength we need.
Brother Bernard: On behalf of all of us here on The Message, we would like to thank you for joining us today in our study of God’s message.
Brother Richie: But before we go, please join us for a short prayer.
Our heavenly Father, we are so grateful for Your mercy and love to us. Allowing us to hear Your words on what we must do when we go through periods of time when we might feel sad or depressed, or anxious. We thank You for the comfort You give to us, knowing that we do not have to go through these things by ourselves, and You are there always ready to help us, dear Father, guiding us on how to handle these situations properly. We praise You and truly do magnify Your most holy name.
We do understand, dear Father—because we are human and weak—there are times [when] we do not know how to handle our situations. That is why listening to Your teachings is so valuable to us. We are asking that You allow these words to sink into our hearts and to those who are watching this program, please have mercy, dear Father. You are the one who knows what all of us are going through. Please allow there always to be hope, always realizing that You have conditions. You have instructions that if we follow that we will be able to receive the strength that only You provide.
For those [who] are looking for Your truth, our God, let them feel that it is You [who] is calling them. Let them realize that inside the true Church Of Christ, it is where they will be able to receive Your mercy and help. And for those [who] are members of Your nation in these last days of the true Church Of Christ, please always remind us of the great advantage of having You in our lives. Never viewing our situation as hopeless, but full of faith, full of optimism, full of what You can do for us, the convictions of Your teachings.
Please, our Lord Jesus Christ, bring this prayer to the Lord our God. Help us so that we can also have Your faith, that we can be humble, and that we can always obey our Father so that we can receive what You receive. You are there with our God, and we are waiting patiently for You to come and get those inside Your Church.
We believe, dear Father, You have heard this prayer. We ask that You always bless the Administration You have placed inside the Church. Unite us with them always so that we can continue to receive the guidance of Your holy word. We pray for all these things through the name of Your Son, our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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