Help I am Drowning!
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into deep waters; the floods engulf me. Psalm 69:1-2
Here David is feeling the overwhelming feeling of depression. In his depression he cries out to the Lord. I know personally how David felt, I too struggle with depression. It does not necessarily take an “event” to bring on the depression either. Sometimes it blind sides me, other times I can feel it coming on. It is a thorn I think the Lord has given me to keep me on my knees to him.
Many people can bounce back from life’s disappointments. Others who deal with depression have the sadness that persists and you feel everyday mundane things become too difficult to accomplish. First I want to say if you deal with depression and have not talked to your doctor, please do so. Even if you don’t want to deal with medication, there are natural ways to deal with depression that can help. But my point today is that even if people around you can not understand your mood or why things are so difficult, God understands. First admit you are depressed bring it to God and cry out to him. Even the word…HELP does wonders.
From my personal experience if I feel it coming on I make sure I am feeding my ears, my heart and my mind with things of God. I am reading scripture, reading devotionals, or listening to Christian music. It may not take the depression away but I have found it can help lessen the impact. When I am blind sided I have to tell myself (over and over) I can not rely on my feelings, but on what I know to be truth. It is during these times that your feelings will betray you.
There is nothing to be ashamed of, depression is not a sign of weakness and God will never leave you alone. Do not think depression is a sin, what is a sin is not turning to God for help in your time of desperate need. First if you need help please get it, secondly as a Christian if you know this is something you battle with provide yourself with the tools to help you through those dark times. My struggle with depression is something I don’t think will go away, but seeking doctor’s advice and providing myself with the tools I need when I feel depressed, has helped me tremendously. These things do not take it away, but make it survivable.
I am in no way an expert on depression I am only speaking from my experience, but for some reason God laid this on my heart to share.
Heavenly Father if there is anyone reading this today who struggles with depression I pray you will lead them to the resources they need to get help. Father I know some things in our life you have said you will not remove, we may not know the reason but we do know that we can turn everything around and use to your Glory. Father even when I feel the darkness…you are there. Even when I can not get out of bed…you are there. In Isaiah 40:29 you said you will give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. Father please give us strength in our times of great weakness. Amen.
You are right, Laurel. He is our strength in weakness and when our days are dark. Having the right tools, e.g. His Word, doctors and prayers of our friends is very important to deal with our struggles…
Thank you so much for sharing your honest and sweet heart with us…
Be blessed today and always.
Thank you for a wonderful post Laurel, and one that I needed to read tonight. Depression can be debilitating if not dealt with in the right way, and thankfully as Christians we have the added measure of God being with us to deal with it successfully. No, it may never go away, but we know that we have Him with us to get through the bad times. Thank you again. Paula 🙂
Thank you Laurel. I too deal with depression. Your words ring true to me. I find a lot of comfort in the Psalms. David has a great way of expressing the depressed heart. Yet always coming back to the truth of our caring God. God has “allowed” this heart break in my life, so that I may know and better understand His heart. Strong lives do not need others to survive. But as Paul says, through my weakness – I am (or better yet, HE is) strong.
Last night I picked up a book by Tina Zahn called “Why I Jumped.” It’s her personal struggle with life and depression. She illustrates the pain so perfectly. I stayed up all night reading, crying and thanking God that he continues to hold on to our precious hearts.
I LOVE this post Laurel! I’ve battled depression before too – only God could get me out of it literally!
Oh Laurel,
Your willingness to be vulnerable always touches my heart. I do not often deal with depression and feel completely inadequate to encourage others who battle with this. I find it so helpful to read about your life so that I can relate and be of some comfort to others. Thank you Laurel… As I move forward in my ministry at church this could be an area I need help with and I will call you. Love you girl.
Laurel, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your battle with us. Depression seems to be domainant in my husband’s family. He has chosen to go the nonmedication route and treat it with spiritual disciplines and some natural ways. It sometimes takes him a day or two to recognize that depression is oppressing him, but after he does, he’s able to combat it with total reliance on the Lord….but it is a battle! I honestly don’t know how people deal with it without the Lord!
Thank you, thank you, sweet sister.
Hello Laurel,
I read the first blog entry. I was so hobbled and relate so much what you written. Your blessing has been a blessing to me, and I know God plan for you is reaching farther and instrumental to all whom goes through such illness. As a surivior of tramuas as well. I hope and pray you keep writing and my prayers are with you.