Thief OnThe Cross.

[oak]

I wanted to share a deep religious experience I had. I suffer from depression and anxiety and am tormented by these afflictions. My "vision" of the thieves, helped me understand my illnesses better. This is my experience based on the bible. This is not scripture.

Recently, I saw myself as the thief to the left side of Christ. I was in my own pain, my own thoughts, cursing life and its meaning. I saw it as nothing; an absurd joke, a grave insult to my potential, topped off by an insulting, degrading punishment (like a severe depressive episode). Being grossly involved with my thoughts of injustices, I gazed at the thief on the right side of the cross. He was in the same torment as me, losing his breath to pain, and was looking at Christ. Yet at that very moment his heart became alive. He withdrew from his thoughts about himself, and took out the time to look at someone else

[mead]

You are a blessing in chat brother.

[Larry 2]

I wanted to share a deep religious experience I had. I suffer from depression and anxiety and am tormented by these afflictions. My "vision" of the thieves, helped me understand my illnesses better. This is my experience based on the bible. This is not scripture.

Recently, I saw myself as the thief to the left side of Christ. I was in my own pain, my own thoughts, cursing life and its meaning. I saw it as nothing; an absurd joke, a grave insult to my potential, topped off by an insulting, degrading punishment (like a severe depressive episode). Being grossly involved with my thoughts of injustices, I gazed at the thief on the right side of the cross. He was in the same torment as me, losing his breath to pain, and was looking at Christ. Yet at that very moment his heart became alive. He withdrew from his thoughts about himself, and took out the time to look at someone else

[Guest]

[Mudcat]

I wanted to share a deep religious experience I had. I suffer from depression and anxiety and am tormented by these afflictions. My "vision" of the thieves, helped me understand my illnesses better. This is my experience based on the bible. This is not scripture.

Recently, I saw myself as the thief to the left side of Christ. I was in my own pain, my own thoughts, cursing life and its meaning. I saw it as nothing; an absurd joke, a grave insult to my potential, topped off by an insulting, degrading punishment (like a severe depressive episode). Being grossly involved with my thoughts of injustices, I gazed at the thief on the right side of the cross. He was in the same torment as me, losing his breath to pain, and was looking at Christ. Yet at that very moment his heart became alive. He withdrew from his thoughts about himself, and took out the time to look at someone else

[Guest Biblicist]

[nebula]

The point is addictive personalities have made their self-absorption their main concern, and neglect the First Commandment. You may brake the cycle if you, even while experiencing pain, can show concern for God and your fellow man, even if it's for awhile.

So very true!

May we all learn to focus our eyes this way.

[BlindSeeker]

Thank you for sharing this Oak.

God has spoken to me through the heart of your expressed epiphany.

I am glad you let his light shine as I can identify with much of what you have said.

I needed to hear this today.

There are moments when I fall back into sin.

I suppose in those moments I have identified with the Roman that flogged the Master.

Sometimes forgiving myself when I fail, is hard.

I read this OP when there were no responses but was unable to articulate one myself.

I therefore determined to watch the thread until my feelings appeared to be adequately expressed.

Therefore, I now feel I am able to wholeheartedly express aloud an "Amen" to your reply.

Thanks Oak and Mudcat.

Peace

[Treasure_7]

Thanx for posting!! This is really beautiful!! I really think that the Lord is telling me through this that he just wants me to get my mind off of my stuff and get it on others and their needs. He's already showing me some things that I can be doing!

[traveller]

You may brake the cycle if you, even while experiencing pain, can show concern for God and your fellow man, even if it's for awhile.

Your entire post is beautiful.

I quoted this part to say that this also applies for one that is in constant grief. Helping others, or considering and having empathy towards others, is a soothing balm for wounds of the heart. Compassion is good medicine.

Thank you for sharing this.