Emotional poverty and depression

Emotional Poverty

The Bible illuminates seven realities within these passages.  And when we humbly admit that each of these are actually characteristics of our own brokenness, this revelation will completely turn our lives inside out, and radically shift our identity from the brokenness and depression of our pasts to the hope and wholeness found only in Jesus.

Within these two passages, God outlined seven specific individuals who personified the fundamental nature of mankind’s brokenness from sin and shame.  Our temptation is to quickly envision these characterized in the physical world.  But God wants us to consider them more deeply – in the realm of our soul and spirit.

Although we might be able to identify people who literally fit within these headings, God’s appeal is for us to open our hearts and minds to the reality that each of these individuals is represented in us.

Whether we’re willing to find ourselves in any or all of these characterizations or not, I believe that you and I have more examples than we could possibly count of instances when we have been judgmental or condemning of individuals whose lives had unfolded in these very ways.  To call myself a follower of Jesus yet look down on others simply because their brokenness looks different than mine, makes me no better than a Pharisee.

In addressing the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, Jesus said to them,

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.  Blind Pharisee!  First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:25-26 NIV).

The renewing of our souls will extend no further than our honest acknowledgement of our inner brokenness.

The Poor

Physical poverty has existed in varying degrees since the beginning of time.  There have always been those without food, water, shelter, clothing, and countless other needs.

Emotional poverty and depressionBut as troubling as this can be, God’s inclusion of the term “poor” in this passage was intended to speak even more to those who faced poverty of spirit and soul.  Our spirit defines our identity, our conscience, our morality, and the nature of our gods.  Our human soul is the place within us where all of our beliefs, thoughts, experiences, memories, and emotions reside.  Without the presence of Christ within us, the wellbeing of our spirit and soul – let alone our source of hope – can only be as great as what we’ve experienced in life up to that point in time. And depression is one of the common emotional effects.

Jesus not only came to proclaim the good news to the poor; He is the good news for the poor!  “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6 NIV)

A large portion of my childhood was spent living with a single mom in an apartment in federally funded housing projects.  Many aspects of those years caused feelings of embarrassment, inferiority, and poverty on multiple levels.  Although my entire past has been redeemed by Jesus Christ, there have been times in my adult life where I have allowed myself to slip back into that poverty mindset, even though I know I have been adopted as a child of the King, and all of His lavish abundance is mine!

I feel pretty certain that some who are reading this know exactly what I’m saying.  Emotional poverty and depression may be very real to you.

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Soul health and spiritual maturity cannot be separated.  Our counselors are ordained Christian ministers as well as certified and licensed Christian counselors.  We are able to help you experience freedom from shame, anxiety, depression, or marriage / relationship conflict with methods that are purely Christ-centered.  Please click on this link to learn much more about how our DEPRESSION COUNSELING can help you become a more authentic follower of Christ, and help you find freedom from identity dependence.

Life Training offers convenient sessions at our office in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as online counseling via Zoom or FaceTime.  Our non-profit counseling practice has an outstanding track record for over a decade helping men and women, individuals and couples who are ready to move beyond anxiety, depression, and conflicts in marriage or other relationships find hope and healing in their lives.  Contact us today at 502-717-5433, or by email at drdave@lifetrainingcounseling.org 

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