How do I get over myself enough - another question for the christians out there?

Question

i asked the question - " how do i know god answers prayers? what does it mean ' god answers prayers ' ? "

i got a lot of great answers. in reading them i got to thinking about a close freind of mine. hes dealing with some crap in his life and yet he PRAYS for me. someone said in their answer " pray for someone you know who needs help, whose benefit would not benefit you AT ALL " and my freind tells me im getting answers. ( my life is turning out great and i think its partly because of my freind )

that person said " dont let it benift YOU at all " what i get from this is i must be to wrapped up in my own stuff to pray for someone else, completly for them. clearly i need HELP. so my question now is ..

How do I get over myself enough to be able to really pray for someone I care about?

i dont have a problem being happy for someone i just want to do it RIGHT. i dont want to be disrespectful to god!

darrell how dare you you think that by posting alot of sh1t i am going to give you the points ? and mood disorders? better think again buddy

Answer 1

Prayer is not a vending machine. Prayer is a way of connecting intimately wiht the God that created you, loves you and died for you. Just as a close frienf God wants to hear about your struggles, problems and worries as well as you hopes, dreams and successes. This is easy prayer and can be shallow and selfish/selfserving. The next step in prayer is hard really really hard but extremely rewarding. You must trust God to fix/handle things. Even harder you must trust that God's way of dealing with things is best. Even when that way is God saying no you can not have that or no you must go through this trial. Praying for God's will in circumstances means you won't always get what you want but you will always get what you need.

I always ask God to show me God's will and way through my trials. Faithfully, God always has after a trial shown me how and why that was best for me.

Open you heart to God and then trust God to do what is best even when you think something else is better.

Answer 2

How do you buy a birthday gift for some you care for, knowing you'll get nothing out of it? How do you give to the Salvation Army, knowing it will go to some stranger? How do you do any good deed for anyone, even when you know you won't prosper from it?
Our prayer lives are the same way. If you love someone, and if you truly want them to succeed, prayer is another way to support them.
If you have a problem being happy for other people, maybe you should seek God on how to overcome that. If not, just start praying for them in small increments.

Answer 3

"How do I get over myself enough to be able to really pray for someone I care about?"

Pray:
"God, help me to pray more for others."

God LOVES to answer prayers like that!
For a while I prayed every night, "God, help me to pray; teach me to pray."
All of a sudden, I'm saying the Rosary daily.
God answers all prayers, just not always how we expect them to be answered. If you ask to pray MORE, God goes, "Yesssss! OK! No problem! I'd LOVE to, my beloved child!"

I hope some of that made sense.
Peace!

Answer 4

Jesus mentioned to wish for individuals who persecute you in Matthew five;forty three-forty eight do not go back evil for evil Romans 12;17 should you needed to particularly your Job there are bigger ones available in the market however i could cross over the bosses head and inform your facet of the tale inform them you do not believe you got a reasonable listening to God needs us to do well however he does not desire us to be walked far and wide both you'll both allow God manage it on judgment day or inform the top character the reality as you notice it

Answer 5

Hi,
Are you wondering how to downoad for free Mario Forever? You can get it for free here: http://j.mp/1p0vMFG

Mario Forever is another remake of the classic Super Mario game which brings a new action and mission for Mario. Once again please strap your wrench and put on your hardhats and join this chubby plumber in his expedition in over many skillful levels you will go to, as he goes to the castle of this evil dragon and save the cute little princess in the end.
It's my favourite game.

Answer 6

Praying for someone you care for does nothing. Caring for someone you care for does everything. Praying is make belief made up by manipulative people. Belief in yourself and not in "scary" stories that others tell you.
Be good be nice

Answer 7

I just think your avator is cool

Answer 8

UNDERSTANDING
MOOD DISORDERS

HOPE FOR
SUFFERERS
In this series:

Tormented Minds
Living With a Mood Disorder
Hope for Sufferers
How Others Can Help
Related topics:

When Someone You Love Has a Mental Disorder
Life Is Worth Living
Why Does God Allow Us to Suffer?
IN THE past, people tended to avoid those who suffered from mood disorders. As a result, many who were afflicted became social outcasts. Some encountered job discrimination. Others were shunned by members of their own family. Often, this only aggravated the problem and prevented those who were ailing from getting help.

In recent decades, however, great strides have been made in understanding clinical depression and bipolar disorder. Now it is well-known that these conditions are treatable. But getting help is not always easy. Why?

Reading the Signs
A mood disorder is not diagnosed with a simple blood test or X ray. Instead, a person's behavior, thinking, and judgment are monitored over a period of time. A number of symptoms must be present for a diagnosis to be reached. The problem is that sometimes family members and friends do not realize that what they are observing constitutes evidence of a mood disorder. "Even when people agree on how a person's behavior deviates from normal," writes Dr. David J. Miklowitz, "they can have very different beliefs about what causes the person to be this way."

Furthermore, even when family members feel that the situation is serious, it may be difficult to convince the sufferer that he or she needs medical attention. Or if you are the one who is ailing, you may not be inclined to get help. Dr. Mark S. Gold writes: "Maybe you believe what you think when you're depressed—that you're no good, so what's the use of going for help when there's no hope for somebody like you anyway. Maybe you'd like to see someone about it but you think that being depressed is something to be ashamed of, that it's all your fault. . . . Maybe you don't know that what you're feeling is depression." Nevertheless, for those who suffer from major depression, medical attention is crucial.

Of course, everyone feels despondent on occasion, and this does not necessarily indicate a mood disorder. But what if these feelings seem more intense than a mere bout with the blues? And what if they persist for an unusual length of time—perhaps two weeks or more? Furthermore, suppose the depressive moods are preventing you from functioning normally, either at work, at school, or in social situations. In such a case, it might be wise to consult a professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat depressive disorders.

When a biochemical imbalance is involved, medication may be prescribed. In other cases, a program of counseling might be recommended to help the sufferer learn how to cope with his or her condition. At times, both approaches combined have produced beneficial results.* The important thing is to reach out and get help. "Many times sufferers are frightened and ashamed of their condition," says Lenore, a bipolar patient mentioned in the preceding article. "The real shame, though, is suspecting you have a problem and not seeking the help that you so desperately need."

"Once I started getting help, the black cloud over me began to lift. I felt so much better!"—BRANDON

Lenore is speaking from experience. "I had been virtually bedridden for a year," she says. "Then, one day when I was feeling a little stronger, I decided to call and make an appointment with a doctor." Lenore's condition was diagnosed as bipolar disorder, and medication was prescribed. This proved to be a turning point in her life. "I feel normal when I take my medication," Lenore says, "although I have to keep reminding myself that if I stop taking it, all the old symptoms will return."

It is similar with Brandon, who suffers from depression. "As a teenager," he says, "I often entertained the idea of committing suicide because of my overwhelming feelings of worthlessness. It wasn't until I was in my 30's that I went to a doctor." Like Lenore, Brandon takes medication to cope with his disorder, but more is involved. "To help my overall well-being," he says, "I take care of my mind and my body. I get rest and watch what I eat. I also fill my mind and heart with positive thoughts from the Bible."

Brandon points out, however, that clinical depression is a medical problem—not a spiritual one. Realizing this is crucial to recovery. Brandon relates: "Once I was told by a well-meaning fellow Christian that since Galatians 5:22, 23 says that joy is a fruit of God's holy spirit, I must be depressed because I've been doing something to block that spirit. That made me feel even more guilty and depressed. But once I started getting help, the black cloud over me began to lift. I felt so much better! I wished I had got help sooner."

A Spouse's Observations
"Before the onset of Lucia's illness, she touched the lives of many with her keen insight. Even now when people visit my wife when she is calm, they seem drawn by her warmth. What most do not realize is that Lucia alternates between extremes of depression and mania. Such is the legacy of bipolar disorder, the illness she has endured for the past four years.

"During the manic phase, it is not unusual for Lucia to be up until one, two, or even three o'clock in the morning, with creative ideas reeling through her mind. Energy just pours out of her. She will overreact to the minutest things and spend money impulsively. She will walk into the most dangerous situations, feeling that she is invincible, that there is no danger—morally, physically, or otherwise. Related to this impulsiveness is the risk of suicide. Always on the heels of mania is depression, the intensity of which is usually proportionate to that of the preceding mania.

"Life for me has changed dramatically. Even with Lucia's treatment, what we can accomplish today may be different from what we could accomplish yesterday or will tomorrow. It changes as our circumstances do. I found myself forced to become more flexible than I ever thought possible for me."—Mario.

Winning the Battle
Even after a diagnosis has been made and treatment has begun, it is likely that a mood disorder will present continual challenges to the sufferer. Kelly, who battles major depression, is grateful for the professional help that has addressed the medical aspects of her condition. In addition, though, she has found that the support of others is crucial. At first, Kelly was reluctant to reach out to others because she did not want to be perceived as a burden. "I had to learn not only to seek help but also to accept it," she says. "It wasn't until I opened up that I was able to stop the downward spiral."

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, Kelly attends meetings with fellow believers at the Kingdom Hall. At times, though, even these happy occasions present challenges. "Often the lights, the milling around of people, and the noise can be overwhelming. Then the guilt sets in, and the depression increases because I feel that my disorder must be a reflection of a lack of spirituality." How does Kelly deal with this situation? She says: "I have learned that depression is an illness that needs to be dealt with. It is not a reflection of my love for God or for my fellow Christians. It is not a true reflection of my spirituality."

Lucia, mentioned previously in this series of articles, is grateful for the excellent medical care she has received. "Seeing a mental-health professional has been absolutely vital for my learning to deal with and ride out the mood swings that accompany this disease," she says. Lucia also emphasizes the value of rest. "Sleep is an important key to dealing with mania," she says. "The less sleep I get, the higher I climb. Even when sleep won't come, instead of getting up I have trained myself to lie there and rest."

Sheila, also mentioned earlier, has found it helpful to keep a daily journal in which she can pour out her feelings. She sees a marked improvement in her outlook. Still, there are challenges. "Fatigue, for some reason, lets negative thoughts percolate in my brain," Sheila says. "But I've learned to silence them or at least lower their volume."

When Medication Is Prescribed
Some feel that taking medication is a sign of weakness. But think of it this way: A diabetic must submit to a program of treatment that may include taking insulin injections. Is this a sign of failure? Hardly! It is simply a means of balancing the body's nutrients so that the sufferer can remain healthy.

It is much the same with taking medication for depressive and bipolar disorders. Although many people have been helped by a program of counseling that has enabled them to understand their illness, a caution is in order. When a chemical imbalance is involved, the illness cannot be simply reasoned away with logic. Steven, a bipolar patient, relates: "The medical professional who treated me illustrated it this way: You can give a person all the driving lessons in the world, but if you give that person a car with no steering wheel or brakes, then those lessons won't do much good. In the same way, giving only cognitive counseling to a depressed person may not attain the desired results. Balancing the brain's chemistry is a valuable first step."

Comfort From God's Word
The Bible is a strengthening aid for many who suffer from "disquieting thoughts." (Psalm 94:17-19, 22) Cherie, for example, found Psalm 72:12, 13 to be particularly encouraging. There, the psalmist states about God's appointed King, Jesus Christ: "He will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save." Cherie was also encouraged by the words of the apostle Paul recorded at Romans 8:38, 39: "I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God's love."

Elaine, a bipolar patient, finds her relationship with God to be an anchor. She is greatly comforted by the words of the psalmist: "A heart broken and crushed, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:17) "It has truly been a comfort to know that our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah, understands," she says. "It has been strengthening to draw close to him in prayer, especially in times of great anxiety and distress."

As can be seen, living with a mood disorder presents unique challenges. However, Cherie and Elaine found that prayerful reliance on God along with appropriate treatment enabled them to improve their lot in life. How, though, can family members and friends help those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression?


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* Awake! does not endorse any particular approach. Christians should make sure that any treatment they pursue does not conflict with Bible principles.

The Bible is a strengthening aid for many who suffer from negative thoughts

UNDERSTANDING
MOOD DISORDERS

HOW OTHERS
CAN HELP
In this series:

Tormented Minds
Living With a Mood Disorder
Hope for Sufferers
How Others Can Help
Related topics:

When Someone You Love Has a Mental Disorder
Life Is Worth Living
Why Does God Allow Us to Suffer?
PERHAPS you know someone who suffers from depression or bipolar disorder. If so, how can you be supportive? D. J. Jaffe of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill offers this sound advice: "Don't confuse the illness with the individual; instead, hate the disease but love the person."

A woman named Susanna had the patience and love to do just that. She had a friend who was a bipolar patient. "There were times when she just couldn't bear to be around me," Susanna says. Instead of giving up on her friend, Susanna did research to learn about bipolar disorder. "Now," she says, "I realize how much my friend's demeanor was affected by her illness." Susanna feels that making efforts to understand the sufferer can bring a wonderful reward. "It can help you grow to love and treasure the beautiful person behind the illness," she says.

When the ailing one is a family member, wholehearted support is crucial. Mario, mentioned previously in this series, learned this lesson early on. His wife, Lucia, also mentioned earlier, is a bipolar patient. "Initially," Mario says, "I was helped by going with my wife to her doctor and by studying up on this strange malady so that I would be thoroughly familiar with what we were up against. Lucia and I also talked a lot with each other and kept working with whatever situation developed as time went on."

Support From the Christian Congregation
The Bible admonishes all Christians to "speak consolingly to the depressed souls" and to "be long-suffering toward all." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) How can you do this? First, it is important to understand the distinction between mental and spiritual illness. For example, the Bible writer James indicated that prayer can make the spiritually indisposed one well. (James 5:14, 15) Nevertheless, Jesus acknowledged that those who are physically ailing need a physician. (Matthew 9:12) Of course, it is always right and helpful to pray to Jehovah about any concern, including our health. (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6, 7) But the Bible does not state that increased spiritual activity in itself will cure present medical problems.

Discerning Christians, therefore, avoid implying that depressed people are responsible for their own suffering. Such remarks would be no more helpful than those offered by Job's false comforters. (Job 8:1-6) The fact is that in many cases depression will not improve unless it is treated medically. This is especially so when a person is severely depressed, perhaps even suicidal. In such cases, professional attention is essential.

Jesus acknowledged that those who are ailing need a physician.—MATTHEW 9:12

Still, there is much that fellow Christians can do to be supportive. Of course, patience is required. For example, certain aspects of Christian activity may be especially daunting to those with a mood disorder. A bipolar sufferer named Diane says: "I am finding it a struggle to take part in the ministry. It is challenging to bring the good and happy news from the Bible to others when I don't feel good and happy inside."

To be of assistance to sufferers, strive to be empathetic. (1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:4) Try to view matters through the eyes of the sufferer rather than through your own. Do not burden the individual with unreasonable expectations. "When I am accepted for the person I am now," says Carl, who struggles with depression, "I feel that my sense of belonging is gradually being restored. With the patient help of a few older friends, I have been able to build a closer relationship with God and have found a great measure of joy in helping others to do the same."

With support, those who are ailing can find great relief from their distress. Consider a Christian woman named Brenda, who is also a bipolar patient. "My friends from the congregation have been wonderfully supportive and understanding during my low periods, never judging me as spiritually weak," she says. "There have been times when they have let me accompany them in the ministry and let me just listen or when they have saved a seat for me at the Kingdom Hall so that I could come in after everyone is seated."

The assistance of loving and empathetic congregation elders has been a great aid to Cherie, mentioned in the preceding article, who suffers from depression. She says: "When the elders reassure me of Jehovah's love, read me passages from God's Word, the Bible, and speak of Jehovah's purpose for a paradise of peace and well-being and when they pray with me—even on the telephone—I feel the burden lifting. I know I am not abandoned by Jehovah or by my brothers, and that is a source of strength for me."

The Bible promises that in God’s new world, “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”—ISAIAH 33:24

There is no doubt that by providing meaningful support, family members and friends can play a significant role in a sufferer's well-being. "I think I have a pretty good handle on my life now," says Lucia. "My husband and I have worked hard to get through this together, and things are better than ever for us."

Many who now struggle with various types of mental illness realize that the battle with these dreadful afflictions is a long-term one. Yet, the Bible promises that in God's new world, "no resident will say: 'I am sick.'" (Isaiah 33:24) Gone will be the distressing ailments and maladies that plague so many today. It is indeed heartwarming to contemplate God's promise of a new world in which all illnesses—including mood disorders—will be gone forever. At that time, says the Bible, no longer will there be mourning or outcry or pain.—Revelation 21:4.

for more information please feel free to go to:
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