One Lent, my faith was really being tested.  The cross had been particularly heavy.  I emailed my Aunt Betty and said “I give up!” She responded with “Great!  Now let Jesus take over!” Below is my phone conversation with her:

Say, “Lord, I don’t have to go there (into depression) because you’re here. Emotions make us think they are the whole of us. That’s an illusion.  They are just a small part of us.  You can take back your power.  That takes away your emotions’ power.  Who you are, faith in Jesus, is the rock that enables you to stand on His truth.  Unite to the rock by your faith. 

We need to stop relying so much on feelings.  We live on faith.  It’s the difference between standing on shifting sands or solid rock. Stand on the Word of God like a rock. Don’t let feelings be your guide because they aren’t trustworthy.  We can acknowledge our feelings, but then put our focus on the truth.  Ask instead, “What’s the Word of God say about this?” Cling to the Word of God like it’s a lifeboat.  Chew on scriptures. 

It helps me to post scriptures or other inspiring phrases on my mirror so I’m reminded to say them over and over. One I say a lot is, “Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.”

Let truth make you strong.  Choose scriptures that come against that which is getting you down.  That honors God and helps you grow in faith.  Image the burdens going to the cross, and will to let them go. We will all go through trials where our faith will be tested. God is in every situation, and He can only be seeking our good. We need to stand on the rock of truth and be strong. We can sit before the Lord, and pray and not go ahead and try to control the future. That is part of the death to self.  Hold this scripture close to your heart:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).  Say, “Yes, Lord I believe you are true.  All things work together for good.  Lord, I trust the good you want to bring out of this.