11-Three Ways God the Counselor Comforts Through Devastating Loss

Heal Depression with God

Have you ever experienced devastating loss? The fires burning in Los Angeles show how quickly life as we know it can vanish in minutes. The fires have burned whole neighborhoods, destorying lives and felling an estimated 12,000 buildings across 37,000 acres, according to NBC news on Jan. 11. Amid it all, neighbors are reaching out to help, opening hotels and homes to evacuees, consoling and providing food and help. In our times of hurt and pain, God as Counselor listens, comforting us with compassion, caring support, and courage, guiding us to a place of mental and spiritual wellness. Today’s episode is Part 2 of Proclaim His Name Series in Isaiah 9:6, God is Counselor. Come on in, to discover “Three Ways God the Counselor Comforts through Devastating Loss.”

Be sure to tune in for other upcoming episodes in this five-part Proclaim His Name Series in Isaiah 9:6!

10-God is Wonderful: Distraught? Gaze Upon God’s Wonder to Boost New Year Mental Wellness

11-God is Counselor: Three ways God as Counselor Comforts Through Devastating Loss

12-God is Mighty God: Suicidal? Mighty God Fights for Us through Battle of Depression

13-God is Father: Discouraged? Everlasting Father Embraces us to Restore Hope After Failure

14-Prince of Peace: Anxious? God Calms the Chaos to Anchor us in Storm of Anxiety

If you are enjoying this podcast, please share it with a friend, so they can journey toward mental health and discover hope in the process. Also please consider posting a review on iTunes! The reviews spread the word about the podcast, so many can discover strategies to boost mental wellness. Thank you!

Scriptures Used in this Podcast

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. KJV

Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

Three ways God as Counsel Comforts us

1. Compassion Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,
   yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
2. Caring Support Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
3. Courage a. Isaiah 53:4 He is despised and rejected by men, he is a man of sorrows, he is acquainted with grief.
4. Isaiah 61:3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Express Healing through Journaling.

1. Pour out your heart to God. Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
2. Comfort someone else, If you are currently not suffering from loss. How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone who is broken? 1 Corinthians 1:3,4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

KJV, Public Domain

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing.

Here are some resources to help you.

Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com phone or text 1-844-472-9687 Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide.

If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning. Best Regards, Beth Steigerwalt