A couple of months ago there were several articles that came out stating that of all professions, it’s medical doctors who have the highest incidence of stress, anxiety and depression.
A young doctor who is a blogger wrote, “My stress is constantly 1000% of what I feel able to manage and it absolutely rules my life; I don’t go out, I don’t socialize and I feel on the verge of a mental breakdown constantly.”
I was astounded to read this! I have both a husband and a son who are medical doctors. My husband is retired, but he’s always been an easy-going kinda guy. Through the years there were only a few stressful incidents.
Our son’s specialty is emergency medicine and he teaches at a major university medical school. So I asked him his opinion of these articles.
He said, “Yes! It’s a huge problem among doctors. We even have medical students who take medication for depression and anxiety. It’s especially hard for doctors who work in the Emergency Department because it’s one of the highest stress areas.
So I asked, “Of those you know, both medical doctors and students who suffer from anxieties, are they Christians?”
His answer came quickly. “No. None of them.”
“What about you?” Has the stress caused problems for you?”
“Well Mom, Emergency Medicine is stressful, but I have the Lord. Trusting God makes all the difference.”
What joy filled my heart to hear that! I wanted to immediately praise and thank God.
Yes, depression, anxiety and stress are increasing. Yes, suicide is becoming a trend. I believe it’s due to another trend–the trend to ignore God and His ways. I believe God created us in such a way that we are the most content and the most at peace when we know Jesus, we know His Word and we trust Him with our life. I’m reminded of the bumper sticker: “No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know Peace.” It’s true.
I might also add that there are times when even a Christian may commit suicide. I believe it’s because he/she has believed the message of the enemy: “You aren’t good enough. You’re a failure. Nobody loves you. Nobody cares, not even God.” Just watching the news these days can be depressing and overwhelming. It can even seem hopeless when we take our eyes off Jesus and His Word and begin listening to the enemy.
- Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Romans 5:1
- Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
- SONG: DEAR LORD OF LORDS – by Kathleen
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Outward signs aren’t always an indication of what’s going on internally, are they? So often the phrase “Fake it till you make it,” has become a motto for all, including Christians. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were circumcised as a SIGN of God’s covenant between Himself and His children. However, the people became prideful of the sign. God wanted their hearts, a circumcision of the heart, the cutting away of SIN, and not just the flesh. The enemy, as you pointed out, is on the prowl always. He seeks the mind, the emotions, etc., not the heart.
Thank you as always, Kathleen.
I know it made your heart sing to hear your son pinpoint the difference between him and others in his profession who are constantly stressed out and anxious. How much better would all believers do to simply follow the advice he gave and know that ‘trusting the Lord makes all the difference,” Thanks for sharing, Kathleen
PS you might want to read what my son wrote that made my heart sing too. it’s here http://www.switchbacks.org/2018/07/11/sands-of-time/
Yes, it makes such a difference when you have the peace of Jesus in your life! It’s the only way to truly be able to give up stress, because life is out of our control. Knowing God is in control is what gives us true freedom! What a relief for you to know your son is there! ✝️