What is the meaning of your life? What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning and gives your life purpose? Is there an ultimate reason, one that rises high above all the rest and justifies or defends the multitude of things you plunge yourself into each day and gives these other things meaning?
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“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair… “ – Paul
Many Americans struggle with depression. Statistics show that depression affects more than 16 million people in a given year, and almost 10% of doctor office visits are due to depression. In the US, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death, and The World Health Organization has forecasted that depression will be the number one cause of disease by 2020. Continue reading
“And having no root in themselves they endure but for a time. But when trouble comes they quickly fall away” – Jesus
Scripture reminds us repeatedly and sternly that we are not to lose heart due to the troubling events in our lives, as they are not fully what they may seem; whether the exodus from Egypt, the wanderings in the desert, entering into the promise land, choosing a king, maintaining the stability and integrity of the nation, or the beginning and flourishing of the Church. There is a tension that runs throughout all of scripture: that of trusting in God to guide and sustain our lives or believing that the events in our world are as they seem, and we are left to our own devices to provide, protect, and care for ourselves. Continue reading
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately – Book of Matthew
Perhaps the reason why God chose Joseph to be the Husband of Mary, and the father of Jesus, was because he was a just man; for “to do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” Prov. 21:3, and “the Lord loves justice” Is 61:8. Joseph gives us a beautiful picture of justice which allows us to see how marvelously justice reflects the goodness of God’s character. Not only that, but we can see why God also delights when we perform acts of justice ourselves – then we become a sweet smelling aroma. Continue reading
Olive Branch Family Counseling 