The heavy darkness of depression has permeated every hour of the day. Finding joy has become a passing fantasy, leaving the bed in the morning a feat of epic proportions. The anger, angst and despair have tainted the beauty that God wants you to cherish. The depression has taken over, the darkness veils the future.
But fear not, for it is at this moment that God showers his blessings. He says, “Let light shine out of darkness.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) and Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Because you walk in the light of God, He has promised “”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.””(Jeremiah 29:11). God will bring the light from the darkness.
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:5
Realizing that depression is an illness is the first step in trusting God to help heal the burden. Today’s society has wrongly placed a stigma around mental illness and, consequently, depression. There are many who feel depression can just be dealt with or you can pray your way through depression. Unfortunately, that attitude is misinformed and not healthy for the person suffering from depression.
When someone suffers from depression, it is experienced throughout the physical body and the spiritual well-being. Depression causes lack of sleep, feelings of hopelessness, and negativity. It causes questioning of God, His promises, and His presence in the every day. Yet God is there, guiding the recovery, working “for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
Jesus says, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, sick people do.” (Matthew 9:12), and mental illness is a sickness. Through God’s guidance, the physicians and pharmaceutical companies have been blessed with the knowledge and desire to lift the burden of depression, the veil of darkness.
Trust that He has placed this professional here, upon Earth, at this time in history to treat the devastation depression can cause. He wants the gifts of healing given to these professionals to be exploited and cherished. God understands that the human flesh is weak but having Faith in Him gives strength. Living by faith in God means that the doctor and his medicines are given under the guidance and blessing of Him, working behind the scenes and through the hands of the physician.
Living with faith in God means He has placed this stumbling block of depression along the path in order to grow faith and teach a lesson. Believe that God is in control, and, as Paul did, “learn(ed) to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).
The harder the circumstance, the more God will comfort and guide you. Send up your prayers to Him and ask that He put things back into perspective. Confess through prayer, repent and receive forgiveness. Know the Resources of God and understand that His Resources are unlimited to you – His love, wisdom, power, forgiveness and grace will. And, as God promises, “Be sure of this – that I am with you always, even to the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).
Pray unto Him
Heavenly Father, lift me from the darkness and shine your light upon me. Give me the strength and courage to walk the path you have placed before me in a way that celebrates Your greatness. Guide me to the professionals I need to make my journey productive and bless them as they work to provide the healing you desire. Forgive my doubt in your Divine plan and place your blessing upon each of us who feels the heaviness of depression. In your name I pray.