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Christina Cook Lee

Media Producer - Author - Blogger - Songwriter

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Hope

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Focus: Riding the waves

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NKJV) “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
 and do not return there,
 but water the earth, 
and make it bring forth and bud, 
that it may give seed to the sower
 and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; 
it shall not return to Me void, 
but it shall accomplish what I please, 
and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it…”

Times of heavy testing are often referred to as a ‘wilderness’ or ‘desert’ experience. In the Bible, rain is usually symbolic of blessing. However, there are times when rain can come in the form of a storm…too much of a good thing. Then rain becomes a trial. As a person who lost a coastal home from flooding due to a storm surge and wind driven rain…I understand the destructive side of rain pretty well. It’s the same way with the sun. Some sun is wonderful—too much sun can be destructive, too. And let’s not forget the wind…two sides there, also.

What we always hope for is perfect balance. Showers of blessing, but not a torrential downpour. Some sun…but not too much. A bit of a breeze, but no hurricanes, tornadoes, or tropical storms—but you and I both know the weather isn’t always our idea of perfect. We also know by now that trials and wilderness or desert experiences aren’t much fun either, but they’re how we learn and grow. Tough as it is to have to learn the hard way, neither you nor I want to be stuck in a rut going nowhere.

When things are the same all the time—life gets boring. To become good at something, we need practice.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw my husband water ski. It wasn’t long after we first started seeing each other. Jeff was a shy guy back then. His parents had a cottage on a lake and a boat. We went up there for a visit and some swimming. Jeff wanted to ski, so I rode with his dad in the boat. Jeff was out in the water with his skis, holding the rope. When they were both ready, his dad took off and so did Jeff. He shot up out of the water and it seemed to me like he was dancing. I was dumbstruck. He had so much grace and confidence. It was clear he had skied on that lake a lot of times and he understood how his dad drove the boat.

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New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day

Now, I’m sure Jeff didn’t look like that that the first time he got up on water skis. I’m sure he did his share of falling down and maybe even getting mad at his dad—thinking maybe the reason he fell was his dad’s fault and not his. Truthfully, his dad was a bit ‘quirky’ in his style of driving the boat—at least he was when I rode with him. Let’s say he liked being a little daring. But, after Jeff got good at waterskiing, I’m sure he learned to enjoy the surprises his dad could dish out.

I hope I never forget the memory of that day. Seeing Jeff dance over the waves—swerving and smiling in complete control—showed me a side of him I hadn’t seen before. It was a sight to behold and seemed like a vision.

In recovery, learning to survive is one thing…but getting good at riding the waves, is another. Maybe it’s hard to imagine ever becoming so comfortable with challenges that you could handle them with ease—even dance on them. Maybe harder still to think of yourself ever being an example of hope to others, but that’s what could happen in your life—if you don’t give up.

Trials are sent to ‘form us’ into the likeness of Jesus Christ. He endured testing and was faithful. Part of His purpose on earth was to show us by example how to win over our circumstances.

What kind of rain are you facing today? Is it a light shower, or a monsoon? Do you feel like the water is rising, the wind is blowing, and you don’t know how to swim? Maybe your head is barely above the surface and your arms and legs are almost too tired to keep treading water.

In all of this, you can’t see it—but you are getting stronger. You don’t feel it because the tests keep getting harder, but you are growing all the same. Look back to another time when you had a test you thought you couldn’t get through. If you had to go through that one again, you wouldn’t have as much trouble with it this time because of the experience you gained.

If we think of trials like rain, we can appreciate the need for them. Rain comes to water the earth so seeds will grow and produce food that will feed us and sustain our lives. Trials will produce a depth of character and strength that will ‘feed you’ in the future, too. Just like God’s Word never returns to Him ‘void’…this time of trial will not be wasted.

Declaration: I will find new strength by learning to ride the waves.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

Honesty

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Focus: Learning from the example of others

Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV) Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
 but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Does it ever seem like maybe you just don’t know enough to live the kind of life that will lead to happiness and security? When you consider the prospect of living an honest and open life before God, does the task seem daunting? When we’ve had our share of failures, it’s easy to wonder if anything good will ever come of us. The Bible is frank about the condition of mankind. There is none righteous. So, that could leave us feeling defeated—if we let it. Yet, the heart of God is absolutely tender to those who come to Him seeking wisdom and counsel.

There is a story in the Bible of a man who lacked wisdom. He was faced with an intimidating task and had no idea how he would be able to handle the responsibility set before him. Do you feel that way sometimes, too? If so, there is good news for you. As plain as the Bible is about the fact that there is none righteous—it also states that wisdom can be had by those who ask.

James 1:5 (NKJV) says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Great news! Except there is a catch. Verses 6-8, go on to say: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” In other words, the key to getting wisdom is to ask God in faith, not doubting—believing He is able and willing to provide.

The first eleven chapters of 1 Kings in the Bible give an overview of the end of the reign of King David and the acts of King Solomon during the time he ruled over Israel for forty years, ending in 970 BC. In chapter three of 1 Kings, we see a precious example of how the Lord rewards those who lack wisdom, but have honest intentions.

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The account in 1 Kings 3:4-14 (NKJ) says: “Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

King Solomon was blessed by God with much wisdom, power, and wealth. But as is the case with many people who become rich and powerful—Solomon began to feel he was above the law in some ways. He didn’t keep the One True God as his only God. He married many foreign women and honored their false Gods. This made God angry, and toward the end of Solomon’s reign God told him so. Even though God had blessed him abundantly—King Solomon didn’t stay honest by not having idols. He compromised and lost honor in the process. We can learn from that.

Declaration: I will find new strength and wisdom to live an honest and open life by asking God for His help. I will not compromise or lower my standards. I will trust God to help me walk in right ways all my days by staying close to Him through His Word. I will learn from the example of King Solomon’s life, not to take the blessing of God for granted.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

Hope

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Focus: More of God

Psalm 42:11 (KJV) Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

During a long battle with depression, or a recurring battle, you ask yourself, ‘Why am I still going through this?’ Or, ‘Why am I going through this again?’ What is it about depression that is so hard to shake?

The word ‘depression’ indicates a ‘low spot’. A place of emptiness. A condition of lack. Have you ever given any thought as to whether the loneliness of depression could be related to the soul’s cry for more of God?

Psalm 42 was written by someone who was struggling with a very deep need. The writer begins by saying he is thirsty for God. It’s interesting he uses thirst as a comparison of his need for God.

Before we go any further, think about how water consumption is basic to human survival. We were created with a continual need for hydration. God made us that way. For basic health requirements, it’s recommended the average person should consume eight glasses of water a day.

Thirst is a recurring condition. So, the writer of Psalm 42 uses thirst to describe his need for consistent infilling—or more and more of God.

After the verse about thirst, the writer launches into a statement that essentially says, ‘When am I going to get to come to You? I am living through a veil of tears—not even desiring food. My loneliness and homesickness for You makes me a subject of mockery, as people ask me where my God is.’

(Read more below)

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The Psalmist explains how even after going to a religious event—a celebration of joyful praise with many people—he is still ‘cast down’ with a depression that is actually loneliness for even more of God. The writer is clearly not thirsty for more religion—he craves more relationship with God.

He goes on to refer to some lofty mountain peaks and a vast fertile land—but states he is not satisfied by the most beautiful sights of earth—knowing the dwelling place of God to be far superior.

In verse seven, we see the phrase, ‘Deep calls unto deep’. Here, the writer is using the word ‘deep’ to describe the extent of his great capacity and desire for God. Yet, he acknowledges God as ‘deep’ in His ability and resources—which are compared to noisy waterspouts, waves, and billows. The writer knows God is capable of covering him with great and overwhelming springs of living water. He doesn’t use ‘still water’—which also can run deep—as a symbol of God’s ability to sustain him. He uses a wild and lively outpouring of water that is continually overflowing and unstoppable.

He continues, declaring his confidence that he would survive his present circumstances with the lovingkindness of the Lord in the daytime, the song of the Lord in the night, and his own prayer to the God he can’t live without.

His need for more of God is so great that even with these wonderful provisions of comfort from the Lord—he still feels as though he has been forgotten—compared to how much more of God he desires.

He goes around mourning because people who don’t have the kind of desire he has for God—are so heartless toward him. Even though he is consumed with a great love for the Lord, he lives with the daily assault of the enemy of his soul. He grows tired of the battle and his loneliness for more of God.

In spite of his sorrow and suffering, he commands his soul to have hope in God. He knows more of God is the only hope for him. He is sure God is the only One able to provide him with the nourishment he needs for his spiritual and physical health to be restored. He promises to continue praising God—now, and in the future—as the One who will transform his circumstances.

As you view your own situation of depression, consider whether it might actually be a loneliness for more of the Lord. Think about your own ‘low spot’, emptiness, and lack. Is it something God can’t fill? Contemplate these things, and in your desperate moments when things appear hopeless—say, ‘Give me more, Lord. More of You. I thirst.’

Declaration: I will find new strength by viewing the condition of depression with a different attitude. I will see it as a need for more of God. I will take comfort in knowing the depth of the Lord’s love and resources is as deep as my need.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

Honesty

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Focus: Speaking the truth

Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV) Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

In the fabric being woven in the progress of your recovery from depression and addiction, there are a number of specific factors that need to be maintained. The common thread that supports all of the other factors—is ‘honesty’. The honesty you have already shown is admirable. Being humble enough to admit you need the help of God to survive and conquer your weakness is a huge accomplishment. It isn’t easy to admit you struggle in certain areas that some people have never had a problem with…and you’ve been able to do that, to some degree.

Ephesians chapter four is a collection of basic instructions for living a transformed life. Verse 25 speaks about ‘lying’. Let’s look at some important points we can apply to our personal journey in recovery.

The most obvious application, would be that we should be determined to improve in the area of truth telling. A lie isn’t always saying words that aren’t honest. A lie can be an illusion. The Bible sometimes refers to lying as ‘bearing false witness’…or leading someone to believe something that isn’t true. A lie can be the act of saying enough to create a scenario and then letting the listener draw their own conclusion. Not everyone tells outright lies, but that’s why lying is such a subtle sin. When a person doesn’t actually speak the words of a lie, they sometimes don’t believe they’ve told one—if what they actually did was ‘lead someone to believe’.

Whether a lie is told outright or eluded to—we should take a look at a few of the reasons why lies of all kinds are told as related to our recovery.

  • To make others think we are better than we are
  • To get something we want
  • To keep from having to do something we don’t want to do
  • To avoid embarrassment
  • To please others
  • To protect ourselves
  • To protect others
  • To avoid problems

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So often, lies are told ‘for the sake of others’, or so others ‘won’t feel bad’. This is where we need camp for a bit. When you think about your own situation with depression and addiction—how many times have you ‘covered the truth’ about the way you truly felt? It can be uncomfortable to reveal you’re having a bad day. You don’t necessarily want the response you might get from people if you tell them how you really feel…so, you just answer, ‘fine’, when they ask. We can be sure people aren’t always looking for a long story from us when they ask how we’re doing, so we shouldn’t feel obligated to go into a lot of detail—but at the same time, covering up our feelings is not going to help us move forward in the area of being honest and open about the condition we’re in, either.

The Bible uses the word ‘neighbor’ to apply to ‘any person’…but it can also mean people who are close to us. It could refer to someone who actually lives next door or someone who is a friend or acquaintance. Let’s think of the word in a loose sense here—in other words, anyone who you are acquainted with. The reference verse talks about the importance of speaking the truth with people in general.

The ‘truth’ has to do with a person’s character. Isn’t it odd how a person telling a lie thinks their story will make them look better than the truth? Lying never makes a person look better.

The final part of Ephesians 4:25 says, ‘we are members of one another’. In recovery, the act of being accountable is very crucial to our progress. It’s true, when we don’t let people get close to us—we don’t have to lie about how we’re doing, right? But, the ability to have honest relationships shows we are no longer hiding.

God wants you to be able to walk in truth and in victory. Don’t believe the age old lie, ‘If people know you—they’ll reject you’. You were created by a loving God. You were made in His image. You are lovable. You don’t have to hide who you are. You will find healing as you are honest and open with people about where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going. If anyone has a problem with the truth—ask them to pray for you.

Declaration: I will find new strength in the truth. I will stop trying to hide, out of fear of rejection. I will take comfort in the Word of God and find courage to keep moving forward.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

 

Hope

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Focus: The season of hope

Romans 15:13 (NKJV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Almost no one could miss that spring is in the air. Pastel colors of pink, lavender, yellow, blue, peach, and green are everywhere. People are planting flowers, the days are getting longer, and the weather is warming up.

You can walk into any grocery store and see portions of their real estate dedicated to potted plants. Brightly colored displays of candy, seasonal foods, and accessories abound. At the discount department stores, whole sections are devoted to water toys, above ground swimming pools, outdoor activities, and games. An abundance of Easter candy, baskets, dishes, and party supplies are waiting to jump off the shelves into your shopping cart. Stores specializing in building and gardening supplies have ramped up their inventory of ‘spring ware’, as well.

I know everything I’ve mentioned has to do with marketing, but I have to say I’m inspired by all the hoopla. One of the reasons I’m inspired is because the spring marketing season is different than the others. This is the season that is all about new life and growing.

Some people have a problem with the commercialization of Easter. I don’t. My attitude is that it draws people’s attention to another Christian holiday. It would be nice if more people were actually celebrating Easter for the right reason, but even if they’re not—some kind of impact is being made on the world because of Resurrection Day.

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I love the symbol of the egg. Some people don’t understand what eggs have to do with Easter. To me, it’s pretty obvious. The egg represents ‘something coming’. A new life on its way. Traditional Easter egg hunts have a spiritual meaning, too—if you look for it. Jeremiah 29:13 (AKJV) says, “And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.” The mystery of searching for unseen or hidden things is the essence of how a person comes to know Christ.

Easter is celebrated in the spring, when people are planting new plants and seeds–and tending the ones they already have. There’s another spiritual application. When we make the decision to follow Christ—our new life becomes ‘planted’ in the family of God. For those who are already members of the family—spring is a reminder that it’s time to do some spiritual weeding and tidying up for the important day as it approaches. All of these things speak so strongly that this is the time of year when we are highly focused on ‘new life’ and ‘things to come’.

Even Jesus had a hopeful optimism about what He was facing as He anticipated His crucifixion. Hebrews 12:2 says, “…who for the joy set before Him–endured the cross…”. For Him, it was all about love and the hope of having an eternal future with you. He knew there was an almost impossible price attached to purchasing your salvation—but He loved you enough to pay it—and He did it joyfully.

We look at so much of life’s disappointments in terms of the cost and the waste. We often fail to see the benefit of the work being done to strengthen our character. When we go through an extreme trial—we see only the ‘death’—and not the resurrection, or eternal weight of glory that has been accomplished.

You have been through a ‘death’ of sorts. You have had to ‘die’ in many ways as you have struggled with depression. God is bidding you to ‘rise again’. He is calling forth beauty from the ashes. He wants you to observe the season of hope with new eyes this year. He has many things to reveal to you that you couldn’t have seen last year at this time. You are ready for new revelation. You are ready for a ‘new life’. You are ready to find Christ in a deeper, more intimate way than ever before.

Coming out of the grave is a decision that has to be yours. You can wait…but a grave is a dark place. Nothing new happens in a grave. Staying in there is ‘familiar’, but there is so much more for you if you choose to ‘rise’.

Embrace the season, the symbols, and the significance of Christ in His death and resurrection and choose it for yourself, as well. God is waiting to celebrate your resurrection. The angels in heaven rejoice when one who was lost is found. You have been dead long enough. It is time to come forth.

Declaration: I will find new strength by taking in the sights, smells, sounds, feelings, and tastes of this season. I will embrace to the full all that God wants me to learn from it. I choose to put off my grave clothes and come forth into new life.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

 

Honesty

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Focus: Honesty versus foolishness (based on the book of Proverbs)

Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, 
but he who heeds counsel is wise.

The opposite of being honest—is being a fool. The fool trusts in his own mind and abilities. He thinks people believe whatever he says. Fools are not good listeners—they are only interested in hearing the sound of their own voice.

The fool has no restraint when he is challenged. Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool. He thinks anyone who seeks wisdom and understanding is stupid. Fools say there is no God, but not all fools are atheists. When he does wrong, a fool thinks he will get away with it and never be found out. The fool is always dreaming up crazy, dishonest schemes. A fool takes many more words to say what could have been said in just a few.

A fool doesn’t trust anyone but himself. He thinks he is the only one who knows anything. He keeps repeating the same mistakes over and over and always thinks he is in control. A fool never seeks counsel because he doesn’t think anyone else knows more than he does. A fool is arrogant and thinks he can always figure things out by himself.

A fool doesn’t truly know how to be humble. The only time he will try to appear humble is when he is attempting to trick someone into thinking he is weak, so that he can take advantage of them.

A fool doesn’t think he has to plan for the future, he only lives for today. Having to wait for anything is greatly annoying to a fool. He thinks the world and everything in it should revolve around him. A fool never forgets a wrong done against him. He will spend endless amounts of time trying to get even with people who may have caused him injury.

(Read more below)

NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ!

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New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day

A fool surrounds himself with people who know less than he does because he is intimidated by wisdom. A fool is always running after riches and thinking he will get prosperity without having to work for it. He spends much of his time following after people who have a history of scamming and taking advantage of others.

Fools refuse to acknowledge any wrong they have done, they always have an excuse. A fool never thinks he needs to apologize, because he is convinced that any failure in his life is someone else’s fault.

A fool only looks out for his own welfare and always puts his needs before anyone else’s. He lives his life constantly shifting responsibility to others. He likes the best of everything and thinks he deserves luxury.

A fool is full of himself. He is only interested in conversations that are about him. He has little or no interest in what others have to say and is continually thinking of what he will say next when someone else is talking. A fool is impatient and can hardly wait to express his opinion. He hardly ever lets someone finish what they are saying—but will find any possible opportunity to interrupt and take control of the conversation.

A fool believes he can push the limits and break rules. He thinks the law doesn’t apply to him.

If a fool is questioned about his morals or honesty—he will usually crack a joke. He is the one who laughs the loudest.

A fool lives in a world of fantasy. He believes in himself and in the make believe world he has created for himself. He is reckless and always feels justified in doing whatever it takes to get what he wants.

A fool thinks he will win at everything. He imagines people are saying good things about him. He is always thinking he will be promoted and receive honor for his amazing ideas. He never agrees to do anything that is hard for him. He looks for the easy way out and quickly bows out of any situation where true effort is required.

A fool doesn’t know that others see who he really is. He thinks he is convincing and clever at everything. He sees himself as a genius and he thinks everyone should think he is a genius, too. He is always trying to take credit for other people’s ideas. A fool’s enemy is someone who is wise to his ways. He will quickly slander anyone who he senses is ‘onto him’.

A fool has very few true friends and usually dies lonely.

Declaration: I will find new strength by seeking after wisdom, counsel, and the knowledge of God.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.