How Jesus Can Reset Your Soul by Beth Weldon

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV James 1:2-3)

How does one live in the Light when so many dreams have been shattered? When depression has always been a part of your DNA? It isn’t easy (that’s a huge understatement) and there are many times throughout my years where I’ve cried and cried until honestly, my entire body must have been dehydrated. God has all of my tears. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book Psalm 56:8 NLT So back to genetics - although growing up I was painfully shy, and I did suffer from what most definitely were “low periods” in my life; it wasn’t until 1995, at the age of 32, a diagnosis of bipolar was given. And — it was only then that I discovered my maternal grandmother dealt with this in the days when it was called “manic depression” and doctors weren’t sure exactly how to treat it. As my mom told me, my grandfather was instructed to take my grandmother for a trip around the world, which he did. What a prescription right?! Nothing like that happened for me. I was treated with medication. And bad side effects come with so many meds. However for a chronic disease you must stay on them.

A trip around the world might have temporarily “cured” or dulled the pain of a depressed person but you do have to return to reality at some point. Instead, I was good and followed doctor’s orders, though the drug I was on gave me extremely dry skin; an insatiable thirst (I could never drink enough water); and made me so sleepy that I took daytime cat naps. At the age of 42 — my marriage came to a screeching halt. I had my family and friends to help me navigate the mess that ensued but Jesus was the One who rescued me. And He’s still doing it today; rescuing me from deep wounds inflicted by the very people you expect to love you the most. I’ve learned so much through the trials I’ve been through and continue to learn through present day problems. How do I live in the Light? How does Joy remain in my heart despite the pain or suffering I might be feeling? Jesus. There is no pain or suffering or hardship that He hasn’t been through and I am eternally grateful for His gift of peace that He left each one of us who choose to accept it. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

And from the New Living Translation: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

As a further extension of this article on resetting my soul: It helps me to know that Jesus’ family was very hurtful and damaging to Him; actually calling Him out as crazy or “out of his mind.” Mark 3:21 I love these Bible verses that help me to make sense of many of my circumstances. Jesus also said that His brother and sister and mother were those who do God’s will. (For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”) Matthew 12:50 NIV

I hope and pray that this message can help others. So many blessings from Jesus have kept me afloat. “Walking on water” as Peter did; but the moment I lost focus, as my mind diverted to the problems surmounting and swirling about in my head — I began drowning; only to wake up with Jesus’ presence right beside me, “drying my tears.” He is the Comforter. As the footprints in the sand poem goes — ‘Jesus has picked me up and carried me until I was able to stand and walk again.’ Much like a rehab center, Jesus restored me. He reset my soul and He will continue to do so until His return. These last three verses from the book of Matthew help me begin and end my days with joy: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV