christian / bible readers, help please?

[sleepymamaof3]

i need to start reading the bible, but where do i start? a little history on me, i am going through some major depression and serious anxiett right now, and am trying to deal with anger and relax when it comes to hating people - which i never do except 1 person, it's bad horrible thoughts, really bad negative thoughts on myself / low self esteem. anyway, there is a lot going on in my life and honestly, i am not ready to go to church, but i want to take a step into a christian lifestyle. i have a bible sitting too the side, and everytime i try to open it i never know where to go to read. please, some suggestions? 

[faithnlove99]

Feb. 27, 2010 at 9:48 AM

gospel of John is the best to start with. and Matthew is  my favorite

[faithnlove99]

Feb. 27, 2010 at 9:53 AM

Oh before u open the bible. pray.Ask God in Jesus name to help you  understand what you are about to read

[NannyB.]

Feb. 27, 2010 at 10:22 AM

The Psalms are wonderful for encouragement and for ministry to the overwhelming difficulties of life.  For just general instruction about various areas of life, read the Proverbs. 

[MaryEtta42]

Feb. 27, 2010 at 11:03 AM

Dear Sleepymamaof3,

Depression is a very serious medical condition that affects one's brain and whole being as well as one's whole life.  If you had chest pain or if you broke your left leg, what would you do?? A wise person would seek immediate medical assistance.  Problems with depression, bipolar and other brain illnesses are as important as other problems in our body.  Please, please seek help.  You will not be able to pull yourself up by your boot straps unless you have medication. How do I know all of this info??  I have been dealing with bipolar illness since 1997.  Like you, I tried reading as many positive thinking books as I could.  I read my Bible.  Nothing seemed to help.  Finally,  I broke down body, soul, and spirit.  My psychiatrist told me that not matter what I tried to do by myself, I would not have quality life for myself and my family.  He said that I have like diabetes of the brain.  My brain chemical medications are like insulin is to a diabetic.  I surely hope I have convinced you to ask an important member of your life to help you make a doctor's appointment and to go with you to that appointment. If you feel like hurting yourself or someone else, please have someone take you to the emergency room.  Does someone help you care for the 3 you mention?  I am a retired RN who has worked with people of all ages with mental health issues and I have the experience of my own mental health issues.  I can no longer work as a nurse as I waited too long to get help. 

I do have a special scripture that means so much to me.  Psalms 139 verses 1 - 16.  I read it often.  God loves both of us and knows all about our lives the good and the bad.  Please love youself enough to take good care of yourself.  Don't be afraid to ask other people to help you when life gets to be too much.

 

[BlooBird]

Feb. 27, 2010 at 12:08 PM

I am someone who has a hard time reading the Bible.  I get so caught up in trying to pronounce words and it drives me nuts.  But then I went out and bought a Bible on cd which is the same version as my book.  Now I can read along and I find I get so much more information because I can concentrate on what is being said. 

When I first became a Christian I had huge depression issues.  I think it helped when I hung out with other Christian women.  Maybe you can join a group at church or something.