Taking the Hand of Jesus  (click on my writings under "Depression")
                                               an analogy by
                                                Ann Sullivan                              
                                                                                                             
    When someone is trying to learn how to swim they will find the more they struggle the faster they fall to the bottom.
Remember in the Bible when Peter walked on the water.  As long has he kept his eyes on Jesus he could make it.  When he took his eyes off of Jesus and put his focus on the raging waves he became afraid and begin to sink.  Taking the hand of Jesus, he was lifted to safety.
    When a person fights against the water he goes down again grasping for air.  Then he takes a bit of air and goes down again. In the same way we struggle with God by telling Him that we can make it without his help until things get out of control. Then one struggles with the idea of the power of the water overcoming him.  We can conquer our fears by floating on top of the water.  One can float and rest letting the water lift him up.  The secret to learning how to swim is to relax.  When one struggles with the idea of the power of the water overcoming him the panic makes the arms get so tired that one can't seem to make it to the top of the water where air and freedom is found.  The weight of the water engulfs him.  We can let the weight of the worlds problems engulf us.  God can hold us in his hands and lift us up on top of our problems if we will have faith in Jesus who told Peter to walk on the water.  When the weight of our problems pull us under, it is Jesus'  hands that saves us.  

1. Pray Out Loud!
2. Don't let your emotions control you.
3. Quote scriptures. Example: "I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me." Philippians 4:13
4. Know that this will pass.
5. Sing and play good music that will make you feel better.
  The joy of the Lord is my strength!
6. Remember the times when God helped you.
7. Wait and trust God who cares about you.
8. Get your mind off yourself.
  Do something for someome else.