Prayer when depression feels like you’re doing your best
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“The Lord is near the broken one, and will save those who have been crushed by the spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Read or listen to the following:
I have been suffering from depression since I was a teenager. However, I was not diagnosed until I was enrolled in university. The first symptoms I began to notice were constantly feeling unwell, suffering from motivation, wanting to spend time on my own, and wanting to disappear from the world. This caused me to suffer from deep depression because I felt that everyone hated me. It wasn’t until my 20s that I reached out to the therapist and started experiencing some of these issues.
My primary care doctor prescribed antidepressants, but my therapist prescribed me to work through traumatic memory. Depression is difficult because there is no cure. You can take antidepressants and attend treatments, but it still gets worse over time. In other words, depression is not a disease of all sizes. Different people experience depression in different ways. Many people cry, while others always make you laugh. This is why we need to be aware of our actions and the actions of others.
Through treatment I learned that making others laugh and joking is how I handled it. I had never known this before, but after she pointed out this, I realized she was right. To hide my own pain, I bring laughter to others. In this way I was able to help them not to feel the same pain I feel. Even today, when any trauma occurs to me, I can turn it into something and make others laugh. I can’t fully explain that, but that’s how I deal with it with my own creations. Erasing and replacing the scary stuff with laughter will help me push through for years.
Depression may be the same for you, and you can deal with it in different ways. As long as it’s a healthy coping mechanism, such as expressing yourself in art, talking to friends, seeking treatment, etc., it’s great. However, you should be aware of dealing with it in an unhealthy way. Sometimes depression can try to get us to deal with in an unhealthy way, but the Lord can help us get back on track and do healthy things for our bodies in the long run. In addition to doing what we can to help our situation, we must also turn to the Lord. Jesus loves us. When my depression makes the most of me, it convinces me that Jesus does not love me. This is a complicated problem, but depression is feeding. If you are struggling with this too, know that the Lord loves you (John 15:9).
The Bible teaches us this important truth. “The Lord will save those who are close to those with broken hearts, and who have been crushed by their spirit” (Psalm sal 34:18). We suffer from depression, we are broken people, people crushed by our spirits. This passage tells us that when we go through periods of intense depression, the Lord is close to us. He will never leave us and will never let him walk alone this season. He takes us with his hand and tells us to find comfort for him. He is close to you: hold on this promise and look back at it when times are difficult. The Lord will repair our broken hearts and restore our crushed spirits. With Jesus’ love, we can have brighter days and brighter futures.
There is no need to allow depression to consume anymore. We still struggle with this mood disorder, but we don’t need to control. By going to the Lord in prayer, rest in His love, taking the necessary steps to prevent troublesome flare-ups, you can overcome depression during this season. One day, in heaven, you don’t have to face depression again.
Let’s pray:
Dear Jesus, depression can sometimes be overwhelming. There are certain times when I feel that is my whole life. Give me hope in these times and equip my heart with the love it needs. I know that your light is in everything, and your grace is abundant. You are my mighty God and I trust in your healing, comfort and love. The strength and heart that will continue to me should focus on you. I know I serve you, and when I am with you in heaven, my depression will go away. In your name, I pray, amen.
Photo Credit ©GetTyimages/Splendens
Vivian Bricker received his Bachelor of Mission and a Master of Arts with a focus on theology. She loves theology, mission work, and everything that helps others learn about Jesus. Find out more about her content on Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
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