NOTE: The title for this Post comes from an excellent 2014 Historical TV series called TURN. It is an account of George Washington’s Spies at the beginning of our War of Independence from England. A must see for history buffs.
There are many Snakes in our garden (life). We all have them. What we need to do is first, recognize them, and secondly, deal with them in a Scriptural fashion. Our dealing must be Scriptural because if don’t deal with these Snakes Scripturally, we are just applying Band-aids to open wounds where-by no lasting healing will occur. I spoke of this somewhat in my Blog on Perspective.
How do We Recognize These Snakes
They are many, and they come in all forms. Just to name a few of the more prominent ones we have:
- Depression
- Negative thoughts, Self condemning and Critical attitude’s
- Loneliness
- Compulsive Anger
- Excessive Fear, Anxiety, Stress
- Sin – Guilt and Shame (Real or False)
- More – the list goes on.
Now it is true that some of these conditions many be chemical in nature. However other causes may be:
- Age – the gift that keeps on giving.
- Sickness – see a doctor.
- Outside circumstances – you can’t control these. Stuff happens.
- A feeling that you are just “Out of control”. Which you probably are. Should you be? Isn’t God in control?
Symptoms of Depression Explained
A definite slump in your feeling, thinking, and life in general. Depression is not to be brushed off easily as many do. It is extremely serious and can be life threatening. Not only does it affect yourself but it affects: your spirit (very important), your job, your ministry, definitely your health and everyone around you. Depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance in your system. That’s why you must see a doctor. And don’t be ashamed to talk about it! There is a stigma attached to seeing a “Shrink”. You’re concerned about what others will think or say, (more about this later). Also, I’m sure you’ve seen TV adds that tell you the side affects of drugs. Depression is often among them. I do look at these symptoms and often wonder why take any of these drugs at all? It becomes a “shot-in-the-dark”, wondering what is the least of two evils. Not a situation you want to be in. And this comes out of the mouth of someone who spent all his carrier of 46 years in Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Bio-Tech industries. Of course you must consider this; why feel you have to pick an Evil at all much less a lesser evil? Of course you don’t. Always consider the Scriptures and our God first, then proceed, with wisdom (which may be to take a prescription). God created Doctors. God gave them knowledge for fashioning remedies, and God may want us to take part in His benefits in this manner. Again, use wisdom, not tradition, here-say, or ignorant use of scriptures. We are subject to God, He is not subject to us. His “servant-hood” is not our kind of servant-hood.
Scriptural Causes and Cure for Depression
The Cause:
“…that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; (2 Corinthians 1:8)
I also believe, after reading many articles on depression and knowing somewhat of the Bible and scriptures, that Depression often comes when we somehow believe a lie about ourselves. Think about this and think with a clear eye (with much consideration and Godly wisdom). Therefore, Know your Bible and the Scriptures.This, of course, is often not enough. That’s why we have: counselors, friends, and God. Do not withdraw and isolate yourself. This is the worst thing you can do. Talk with empathetic, Godly, friends.
The Cure
Cast all your worries on Him, or He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalms 9:9)
But, He “turned my wailing into dancing; (He) removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,” (Psalms 30:11)
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalms 40:2)
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
You can get out of your depression!
Symptoms of Negative Thoughts Explained
We all have them. I hate myself. I want to kill myself. I am so stupid. Why do I do everything wrong. Other other people are so much better than I am. I can’t stand this any more. I’m at wits end. I see no way out because there is no way out. Why do all the sinners have more than I do. I hate them, everyone. I wish everyone would leave me alone. I’m useless.
Okay, I’m definitely getting carried away. I see so much of myself above. Let’s turn to the Scriptures again. Hey, are we not to walk in The Way, the Truth and the Life. It’s in the scriptures. If you’re looking for a worldly answer, don’t come here.
Causes of Negativism
“Two types of voices command your attention today. Negative ones fill your mind with doubt, bitterness, and fear. Positive ones purvey hope and strength. Which one will you choose to heed?” Max Lucado
You will meet “Live Givers” and Life Takers in your life. Chose Life Givers. I’m sure your been is situations where you met people who simply drain you of your all your energy. Again, I’m sure you’ve met people that you just want to hang around. Their fun. They feed you. They give you Life and you feel good having spent time with them. Interestingly enough, spend time with God and in the Scriptures. Isn’t He the “Life Giver” after all?
The Cure
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27)
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34)
Symptoms of Loneliness
OK your lonely, helpless, bored, isolated, no companion, no friends, no one to turn too, no where to go to for help. Are you among one of these? Note that even Jesus felt loneliness.
Causes of Loneliness
There are many examples in Scripture. Even Jesus felt loss of a loved one.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:24)
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isiah 53:3)
“Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. ‘For whom am I toiling,’ he asked, ‘and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?’ This too is meaningless—a miserable business! Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12)
The Cure (Scriptural)
David prayed and so should we.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in You. (Psalm 25- 16-21)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. (Psalm 23:4)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. (Psalm 27:10)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
It is one thing to know these scriptures but we must learn to Live them. To do that we need the Holy Spirit. All other things like: exercise, get a hobby, see a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist, join a group/Club (e. g. A Moose Lodge, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Chamber of Commerce etc.), are but Band-aids.
Symptoms of Compulsive Anger
Severe physical and emotional stress caused by: irritability, frustration, anxiety, rage, stress, feeling overwhelmed or guilt, among other things may bring on intense anger. This can be expressed: inwardly, outwardly or passively (sulking, being sarcastic, and making snide remarks).
Causes
From the worlds perspective compulsive anger can be caused by: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Substance abuse (Drugs) or some kind of internal / external (Mental) malady. An interesting note here is that the World does not believe in sin so it will not say that some of these are sin but that they are “Sicknesses”. The Bible is clear, anger is SIN! We must stop excusing sin as something that we must simply learn to manage. Anger is often a difficult sin to conquer but remember, with God, “all things are possible.”
From a Scriptural perspective we must consider the following:
“A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.” (Proverbs 29:22)
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Proverbs 29:11)
“A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” (Proverbs 14:17)
The Cure
I think most everyone must agree that Excessive Anger must stop (It is Sin) and come to an end. To do so there are many things that can be or should be done. Some will counsel you to go to an Anger Management class, or get some sort of Behavioral Therapy. Some may even tell you to go to the Scriptures. Again, lets see what the latter has to offer.
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
“But now you must also put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:8-9)
Symptoms cause Excessive Fear, Anxiety and Stress. Many of these symptoms overlap, one causing the other.
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- Fear is a symptom created by Satan himself when we face an unknown. Often this unknown is man himself.
- Anxiety can be crippling disease, taking over our minds and plunging our thoughts into darkness.
- Stress is an uneasy feeling that all is not well and we are the cause.
Causes
Fear: Not knowing or understanding what lies before us.
Anxiety: Per notes from Billy Graham, Anxiety is the natural result, when our hopes are centered in anything short of God and His will for us.
Stress: Can be caused by all of the above and/or various combinations there-of.
The Cure
“We can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4)
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Symptoms of Sin (mentioned here because it is listed above as a Snake in our garden)
Guilt and Shame
Cause
Knowing the will of God and not doing it.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good (the Will of God), and (does) it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)
Cure
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5: 16)
See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil; in that I commanded you this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply: and the Lord your God shall bless you in the land where you go to possess it. (Deuteronomy 30:15-16)
Conclusion
The Snakes in our Garden need not all be caused by sin directly, but definitely by the fall of man in Genesis. Regardless whether-or-not they are sin or become sin, we must deal with them. They are a bother (Oh bother – As Winnie the Pooh would say). However, beware, If you recognize any of these as sin you must deal with them immediately. I always remember wise words from one of my teachers to “keep short accounts with God”. Never think that you will confess or repent later when you have time or worse yet, “feel like it”. You never will.
Enough said
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 13:33)
