in other words
march17
2016
Things to Ponder: Is There Any Hope?
By Grant Williams
of us are able to live a “normal” life. Of
course a normal life looks different for
This world we live in keeps get- each individual and it is only by God’s
ting crazier every day. There is so much grace that any of us are able to enjoy
turmoil all around us it’s a miracle any some semblance of peace.
For me this dilemma raises
some huge questions. Why are so many
people unhappy? And even more im-
portantly, why are so many people who
claim to be Christians unhappy and suf-
fer from depression?
Sometimes there are medical
explanations for the situations we face.
For instance, in a time of crisis or fear
our body produces adrenalin that gives
us super energy. Is it possible that when
we get depressed it is because of a chem-
ical our body produces that alters our
ability to think clearly and feel healthy
emotions resulting in negative affects?
In simple terms, isn’t depression the ab-
sence of peace?
The Apostle Paul seems to ad-
dress this problem in his epistle to the
Philippians in the 4 th chapter, verses 4-7,
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will
say rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be
known to all men. The Lord is near. Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication with thanks-
giving let your requests be made known
to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all comprehension, shall guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Je-
sus.”
There is no doubt in my mind
some people will question my line of
reasoning. But can you imagine how
wonderful it would be for those suffer-
17
ing from depression if the solution was
this simple?
It is not just an accident or coin-
cidence the Holy Spirit instructed Paul
to write these words in his letter. The
Bible has much to offer us in practical
information that goes beyond salvation
and gives us real answers to life prob-
lems.
Paul says more in Philippians
4:8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever is
true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
right, whatever is lovely, whatever is of
good repute, if there is any excellence
and if anything worthy of praise, let your
mind dwell on these things. The things
you have learned and received and heard
and seen in me, practice these things;
and the God of peace shall be with you.”
What Paul is communicating in
these verses is the way we think affects
our wellbeing. The absence of peace in
a person’s life is relevant to what they
dwell on. Remember the old adage, “you
are what you eat?” It is equally true that
your outlook (emotional wellbeing) is
directly related to your mindset.
Being
anxious
creates
uncertainty. Paul is telling us prayer
and trusting God will bring peace to our
storm. Don’t focus on your problems
but on the One who promises comfort.
Even though you cannot see Him, He is
there and He cares!
Keep It Local Columbia County
continued from 16
Columbia County, including Clatskanie,
Rainier, and Vernonia as well as the
South Columbia Chamber.
“We need to capture some of the
lost sales related to having an extraordi-
narily high percentage of workers living
in Columbia County and working out-
side the County,” said CCET Executive
Director Chuck Daughtry. “We are los-
ing almost $200 million in annual per
capita sales. This is money that should
support local businesses and local jobs.”
For more information on Keep It
Local Columbia County please visit our
website www.keepitlocalcc.com or like
us on our Facebook page “Keep It Local
Columbia County.”
Vernonia’s Voice is published twice each month on the
1st and 3rd Thursday. Look for our next issue April 7.
Bridge Street Bits
The Vernonia Senior Center wishes to
congratulate our hometown Loggers on their
2A Boys Basketball Championship!
Vernonia Senior Center • 939 Bridge Street • 503-429-3912
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