Sometimes, life hands us negatives so that we can see the positives. For instance, without darkness, we won’t appreciate light. Without sickness, we won’t appreciate health. Without the night, there’ll be no moon. Also, in our walk with God, without times of trouble, we won’t understand how close God is. Psalm 34:18 (KJV) says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
The Scripture above uses graphics and words to describe someone who is depressed. We see the person’s heartbroken and the crushing of their spirit. It applies to losing a loved one, failure, and many other brutal experiences that plunge the soul into darkness.
The most striking thing about this Scripture isn’t how broken or crushed the depressed; its how close God is and why He’s so close. In your bleakest moments, when everything seems grey and God seems distanced, God is closer than you think. He is the breath you breathe in and out. He’s not up in Heaven ignoring you, but He’s standing by to help you if only you can call on Him.
In her book, “HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION,” Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv. featured a real-life stories of how God healed people of depression. In this particular story told by Therese Borchard,she recounts how her 11-year-old self-discovered the power of faith to help lift someone out of profound depression. In the year following her parents’ divorce, her mom, heartbroken by the loss, prayed earnestly for a week; on the fifth day of five straight days of prayer when their neighbor, Mr. Miller, who had a beautiful garden, decided to surprise her mother by giving her six dozen beautiful flowers to her mother.
“I’ll never forget the tears of joy she shed as she stepped into a home that looked and smelled like a rose garden on the fifth day of her intercessory prayer, she exclaimed. At that point, she believed God had answered her prayers and would give her the strength she needed to overcome her depression, she added.”[1] she added.
Sometimes you need reassurance like this woman. In the first place, it is God’s Word that assures us. However, when you pray, God reassures you that even the littlest element of your life matters to Him. Reassurances have saved my life on several occasions. Even when you don’t sense God’s love, He is always there for you.
This woman in the story could read the signs that God was answering her prayers. She understood that God was closer than she thought. Have you believed God has forsaken you? Maybe the pain you feel is so great, and you feel all alone. God said He’s not far from you; therefore, the help you desire is right around the corner. Keep praying, hoping, and most importantly, paying attention to the signs. Better days are ahead.
Do you want to learn more about how to overcome depression and live a life full of laughter and fulfillment? Then get this life-transforming book, HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION by Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv.
[1] https://thereseborchard.com/2016/05/26/how-faith-helps-depression/