:-\ undefinedundefinedPlease keep me in your prayers.I have Bipolar Depression and have not slept too well.I've already talked to my doctors and I am doing all that they told me.It's all in God's hands but its hard when my sleep effects my mood.I don't like being depressed and extra emotional.No fun,but I know that the Lord hears my cry.Thanks,I'm really struggling and its frustrating.I am making sure I read my Bibe and praying and being in fellowship and am keeping busy.I know this will make my faith stronger.

i want to encourage you with some scriptures. there is a difference between happiness and joy. happiness is based on circumstances. when things are going relatively well in life you are happy. joy is an emotion that comes from within, given to us by the Lord. we can be full of joy and peace regardless of what circumstances in life tell us. in and of ourselves this cannot be acheived, but with God all things are possible.

here are some good verses for all of us to remember (regardless of whether or not bipolar is attacking us).

Psalm 16:11 tells us that in the Presence of the Lord we have fullness of joy. (that whole chapter is a good read to lead up to that verse.)

so where do we go when we feel depressed, stressed, worried, angry, fearful? in His presence. how do we enter His presence? worship, prayer and reading His word. the Lord is always with us, it is a simple matter of us getting our focus off the internal (me, myself and i) and to the eternal (to God and what moves His heart).

"...weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

we all mess up and life isn't always perfect. but i am thankful for each evening the ends a day and for each morning because God has given us another chance at life. another opportunity to grow closer to Him. another chance to love others with His love.

Psalm 30:11-12
"You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent; O Lord my God, i will give thanks to You forever."

God has done so much for us. to know He is always with us and made a way for us to come out from the power of darkness and into the Light of His Son is a reason to celebrate! i know so many times once we've been saved awhile or heard about the Lord enough, our hearts tend to grow cold and we forget the excitement of first knowing Christ and what He did for us in love. it is good to think back on that moment and thank Him for His faithfulness, love and mercy.

which leads right into what Isaiah tells us in chapter 12 verse 3:
"Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

it is a good thing to draw from the well of salvation - to remember the goodness of God in our lives. and in doing so, we will draw His presence (water refers to the presence of God). the fact that we are still alive, breathing is a miracle from God. every breath is a gift.

other good verses to look at are:

Isaiah 61:1-3 (note how Jesus Christ, speaking of Himself, said how He is annointed to set the captive free, whether it be captive to an addiction or emotional mood swings...whatever holds us captive, and that He has an oil of joy for mourning. beauty for ashes. comforts those who mourn. He is with you in all of this, just look to Him.)

John 15: 9-11 (He wants us to be filled with His joy)

Galatians 5:22-12 (joy is one of the fruit of Spirit that we are to possess. these verses also describe Christ.)

Hebrews 12:2 (to look past our suffering to how this will help other people to see us overcome this, gives us joy. how could Jesus endure the cross with joy? because He saw us united once again to the Father as a result of His obedience and willingness. we are to be like Christ.)

my prayer is that these verses speak to you. i would research more on the joy of the Lord throughout the Bible and how this pertains to us. (i've helped by giving some scriptre) ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to see and every time you start to get depressed about something, meditate on the word of God. it will help you (along with fellowship and prayer as you menioned in your post).

Thanks Tracy for the encouraging scriptures and words!I really appreciate you encouraging me and my sleep is improving.Meditating on God's Word always helps me!Thanks again and God Bless You Tracy!!!!
Lovin Christ, Rose

your welcome Rose. :) we can have peace in the presence of Jehovah because He is peace.

May the Lord continue to bless you.

Lord,
Hear my cry oh Lord. I have not been in your word daily and I am stubborn and I am sorry Lord that I have put other things before your word Lord. Lord please help me to stay in your word. Lord I feel depressed and empty and I know why. Please forgive me Lord for my sins. Lord you know me so well and I deserve nothing,but Thankyou Lord for your grace and your mercy oh Lord.For this is a season and it will pass,
but I must put you first and I must spend more time with you Lord and less time on the internet and less time focusing on what feels good.I pray all of these things in your precious name Jesus Amen.

I will say a prayer for you rose(I absolutely loove your name,btw =)

as-i-lay-dying,
Thanks for your precious prayers and
Thanks for your kind words on my name!
God Bless You and Your Family in 2006!
Lovin Christ Always.Rose (GodsRoses)

Thanks I am feeling much better. God is good!

That's good to hear. I know the tribulations that can be caused by bipolarity, but I also know the relief that one can feel to overcome. :)

I am praying for you too Rose...I hope that God will give you peace. I will also pray that God will give your doctors wisdom in treating you.

Blessings

John

That's awesome that you're feeling better :)

Aren't you on the Plumb board too? I know how hard it can be, I have suffered with depression since high school but God is amazing and nothing can keep Him from the ones He loves

Yes I am from Plumb's Board. Thanks for the encouragement! God Bless! Lovin Christ, Rose