I struggle with writing a series about fear, anxiety and depression because I don’t really suffer from these disorders. It’s not that I’m uncommonly brave or anything like that. It’s just that from my childhood until now, I’ve always had an attitude of “something good is about to happen to me.”
This becomes somewhat funny if you take the time to read my testimony because the Lord saved me on the day I was going to commit suicide. It’s not that I was depressed or anxious on May 20, 1985, it’s just that I had run out of options to save my home, car and family. My life insurance policy of $125,000 seemed to be my only hope. So I thought of it at the time as a business decision – nothing more.
Now, the only time I have ever truly suffered from depression was when a Christian friend with good intentions leant me his copy of Deliverance and Inner Healing by John and Mark Sandford. The book blends scripture with the teachings of Jung and Freud to supposedly rid believers of buried memories. The authors’ premise seems to be that Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Bible are not quite enough to set captives free.
I began reading the book on a Saturday afternoon. And after about a hundred and fifty pages, I became severely depressed and confused. The book had convinced me that my Bible studies and prayers were wasted efforts and that I needed the insights of inner healing, as outlined in this book.
I decided to go for a walk to clear my head.
As I walked down the sidewalk in a foggy daze, a Christian neighbor looked out his window and saw me. He felt I was in danger. He rushed outside and asked, “Larry, what’s your problem?”
“I’ve been reading a book entitled Deliverance and Inner Healing and it has really confused my faith,” I answered.
“Oh, that book is filled with psycho-babble and sorcery,” he replied. Then, he proceeded to outline the history of Agnes Sanford, John and Paula Sandford, Karl Jung, Sigmund Freud, inner healing and more.
“Jesus is the way, truth and light. Period,” he said.
His words instantly set me free.
Thus, if my depression on that Saturday is a small example of what many suffer on a daily basis, wow! It makes me realize just how debilitating and tormenting fear, anxiety and depression must be for millions of people.
Two female riders on my ride-share travels this week inspired me to write this article. We will talk about them in the future.
(Continued in Part 2)
Larry Who 
Yea man,
Your fear, anxiety and depressions are all demonic words, you are dragging yourself down talking about this stuff.
See the light, have peace, love and live the Truth it really is that easy.
Kokanee101,
Some interesting insights, but the Bible does mention fear, anxiety and depression. So, I will keep on writing. God bless you.
Thank you, Mr. Larry. These are the topics of a series that is happening at church right now. Blessings as you write!
Debbie,
Hey! If you have some insights, please feel free to give them. God bless you.
The first message was on relationships and gave us some points to try and follow.(I can’t get to my notes right now, but I can email you more details later, if it would be helpful! ) the next week we talked about anxiety . . .and taking those thoughts captive to Christ. (He gave the example of finding a bat flying around their bedroom and how he grabbed it with oven mitts, then threw the bat, oven mitts and all, out the window. 🙂 he suggested we do the same with thoughts that don’t line up with God’s truth). Last Sunday was about depression. He shared 2 warning signs that happen to him before depression hits : an unhealthy pace and an unhealthy desire to be liked. This Sunday suicide will be discussed. God bless you too!
Debbie,
Hey, if it’s not too big a bother, I’d love to see the notes. Thanks.
Sorry Mr. Larry . . .I just saw this! Will get them to you tomorrow !
Debbie,
Thanks. I look forward to reading it.