As I think about what has helped me get through seasons of desiring to be in Heaven, I can't go past '10 Truths'. This simple exercise redirects my suffering mind towards ten simple truths.
How does it work?
When I am overcome with anxiety and confusion, I find it helpful to write down ten truths in my diary. If ten is too many, start with three. If you do not know where to begin, think about what is going through you mind when you are hurting. This might enable you to see what truth would be beneficial to you.
Example
"I feel so unlovable - I hate myself" might be the thought that is hurting you.
A potentially helpful truth to combat that thought is, "I am loved by my Heavenly Father".
What can I do with these 10 Truths?
Richard Baxter was a Christian theologian, poet and preacher who wrote his own truths to 'digest'. However, he took it to the extreme by writing 31 truths. Baxter encouraged his reader to "digest these following truths and counsels, and it will cure you".
I am very cautious in saying that you will be cured by meditating on these truths. I don't dare make that promise to you. However, I appreciate the way Baxter talks about how we are to 'digest' these truths.
To digest is to break down, absorb, take in, understand, comprehend, consider, contemplate, mull over, meditate, ponder and to grasp. There is great wisdom in soaking ourselves in truth. Especially when depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation are feeding us continual lies.
We can digest by praying these truths, by reading these truths routinely, by speaking these truths out loud, by drawing these truths visually, by hunting for Bible passages that support these truths, by writing these truths on your body, by finding songs that sing of these truths, unpacking these truths with a trusted pastor or minister etc.
Further considerations
Keep the truths short and simple.
Make them personal to your circumstances.
You can keep these truths private.
Don't worry if you currently don't feel these truths to be true, for now 'head knowledge' might be what we depend on to get through this season.
I encourage you to not only think of these truths, but write them down on paper.
Great benefit can come in writing these truths with the help of a friend or counsellor.
My most recent 10 Truths
1. I am loved by my Heavenly Father.
2. At my worst, I am still loved.
3. Jesus is not surprised by my weakness, He knew what he was buying on the cross.
4. I am never alone. God stands by me, Jesus walks before me, the Spirit lives within me.
5. You feel compassion rather than anger towards my depressed state.
6. Although your ways are often mysterious, you have always been faithful to your people.
7. This is not my home, therefore it is appropriate that I do not feel at home.
8. You are not a genie who is enslaved to my wishes. Although hard, this is a good thing.
9. Yes, this world is a mist, but there is still purpose to my life.
10. In sickness and in health, I will always be loved by my Heavenly Father.
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