And they said, Let us rise up and build.
So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
Nehemiah 2:18b
So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
Nehemiah 2:18b
The first thing the people did after declaring they would rise up and build was to strengthen their hands for the work. Sadly, this step is often skipped because of one of two reasons: (1) People don’t understand the significance of taking care of the physical in relation to dealing with emotional problems, or (2) People know but don’t want to embark on that part of the journey.
Yes, I’m talking about diet and exercise. Do you realize that most of the diseases (physical, emotional and mental) we face today are linked to what we eat and our habits (or lack thereof) concerning exercise? It’s true, and anxiety and depression are no exception. We are constantly feeding the very things that are draining our lives from us. And here’s the crazy part, most of us refuse to change our eating and exercising. We refuse to strengthen our hands for the good work.
When I think about this, I’m reminded of the story of Naaman the leper. Naaman was a mighty man and great ruler, but he was infected with the dreaded disease of leprosy from which there was no cure. By God’s great grace, he learned of the prophet Elisha who could do miracles. When Naaman sought the prophet’s help, Elisha sent his servant to tell Naaman that he should dip himself in the Jordan River seven times, and he would be healed. To say that the mighty man was upset would be an understatement. He was offended, first off, that Elisha didn’t speak to him personally but sent a lowly servant. Second, the thought of sticking his big toe into the muddy waters of the Jordan was about as appealing as being buried neck-deep in sand, much less dunking his entire body in it seven times. Determined that he had wasted his time, he turned to storm off, but his servants stopped him and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? (II Kings 5:13)
Naaman wanted drama. He expected that it would take so much more than a leisurely swim to solve his problem that he couldn’t come to grips with the fact that his healing was much simpler than he imagined. He was willing to do something big but couldn’t believe that this mere act of obedience would bring him healing. But it did!
Many people suffering with depression and anxiety are the same way. The problem is so big that they assume the solution must be too, but it’s not, or at least, it doesn’t have to be. We don’t need magic potions or expensive treatments (though if you are currently using drugs to manage these issues, please do not quit at this point). I hope and pray that you’ll find true healing with the elements that I will detail in this book and that, in time, you’ll be able to stop taking medication. I’m not against medication, mind you, but the problem is that, like Naaman, we’re seeking healing, and medication doesn’t do that. It doesn’t solve the problem; it only masks its systems, and many times, it doesn’t even do a good job at that. So, while medication is sometimes necessary, our goal is to attain freedom from it as well as the depression and anxiety, and the first step is to address our physical health.
Remember, this isn’t about a big drama. I’m not going to tell you that you have to live the rest of your life in a deprived state and never eat chocolate cake again. That’s no way to live. We all need chocolate cake from time to time, right? While I did not take the time or space in the main Rise Up and Build book to discuss diet and exercise in great detail, I did write a companion book that details the process I've used to lose weight, gain energy, lower my blood pressure and control my mood swings.
The reason I did not include it in the original book is because I know many people will skip over this section because it makes them uncomfortable. But, for those of you are determined to do all you can do to escape your prison of anxiety and depression, I've laid it all out for you in the companion book. In it, I discuss diet and exercise and share my secret for losing weight and improving my health while eating delicious foods like ice cream, fried foods and more. I also share how I've cut my meal planning, shopping and preparation time in half, which has led to less stress over the age-old question, "What's for dinner?" Additionally, I've included some of my favorite recipes that make up the majority of my diet.
So, if you're serious about wanting to be free from anxiety and depression, the first thing you need to do is strengthen yourself for the building process ahead. And remember, it doesn't have to be a drama. It can be simple and stress-free if you have the right approach to health. I encourage you to pick up a copy of the companion book today.
Yes, I’m talking about diet and exercise. Do you realize that most of the diseases (physical, emotional and mental) we face today are linked to what we eat and our habits (or lack thereof) concerning exercise? It’s true, and anxiety and depression are no exception. We are constantly feeding the very things that are draining our lives from us. And here’s the crazy part, most of us refuse to change our eating and exercising. We refuse to strengthen our hands for the good work.
When I think about this, I’m reminded of the story of Naaman the leper. Naaman was a mighty man and great ruler, but he was infected with the dreaded disease of leprosy from which there was no cure. By God’s great grace, he learned of the prophet Elisha who could do miracles. When Naaman sought the prophet’s help, Elisha sent his servant to tell Naaman that he should dip himself in the Jordan River seven times, and he would be healed. To say that the mighty man was upset would be an understatement. He was offended, first off, that Elisha didn’t speak to him personally but sent a lowly servant. Second, the thought of sticking his big toe into the muddy waters of the Jordan was about as appealing as being buried neck-deep in sand, much less dunking his entire body in it seven times. Determined that he had wasted his time, he turned to storm off, but his servants stopped him and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? (II Kings 5:13)
Naaman wanted drama. He expected that it would take so much more than a leisurely swim to solve his problem that he couldn’t come to grips with the fact that his healing was much simpler than he imagined. He was willing to do something big but couldn’t believe that this mere act of obedience would bring him healing. But it did!
Many people suffering with depression and anxiety are the same way. The problem is so big that they assume the solution must be too, but it’s not, or at least, it doesn’t have to be. We don’t need magic potions or expensive treatments (though if you are currently using drugs to manage these issues, please do not quit at this point). I hope and pray that you’ll find true healing with the elements that I will detail in this book and that, in time, you’ll be able to stop taking medication. I’m not against medication, mind you, but the problem is that, like Naaman, we’re seeking healing, and medication doesn’t do that. It doesn’t solve the problem; it only masks its systems, and many times, it doesn’t even do a good job at that. So, while medication is sometimes necessary, our goal is to attain freedom from it as well as the depression and anxiety, and the first step is to address our physical health.
Remember, this isn’t about a big drama. I’m not going to tell you that you have to live the rest of your life in a deprived state and never eat chocolate cake again. That’s no way to live. We all need chocolate cake from time to time, right? While I did not take the time or space in the main Rise Up and Build book to discuss diet and exercise in great detail, I did write a companion book that details the process I've used to lose weight, gain energy, lower my blood pressure and control my mood swings.
The reason I did not include it in the original book is because I know many people will skip over this section because it makes them uncomfortable. But, for those of you are determined to do all you can do to escape your prison of anxiety and depression, I've laid it all out for you in the companion book. In it, I discuss diet and exercise and share my secret for losing weight and improving my health while eating delicious foods like ice cream, fried foods and more. I also share how I've cut my meal planning, shopping and preparation time in half, which has led to less stress over the age-old question, "What's for dinner?" Additionally, I've included some of my favorite recipes that make up the majority of my diet.
So, if you're serious about wanting to be free from anxiety and depression, the first thing you need to do is strengthen yourself for the building process ahead. And remember, it doesn't have to be a drama. It can be simple and stress-free if you have the right approach to health. I encourage you to pick up a copy of the companion book today.
