Beyond Priceless: Who God Is When I Feel... Sample

When I Feel Depressed, God Is RIGHT BESIDE ME

As a brain injury survivor, I’ve learned that our brains need movement to heal and that healing is a journey, not an instant destination. Satan wants us to feel trapped and hopeless in our depression. The way we defeat his lie is by declaring out loud that we are on the move. We don’t have to be healed all at once to experience healing, we just have to be moving in the right direction to have hope for one more day. 

As believers, sometimes we feel pressured to declare that God instantly healed us, and He can. But more often, our healing is a process of trading who we are for more of Him. Next time someone asks you if you are better, try saying this: I may not be where I want to be, but I am healing and moving in the right direction. 

Dear Comforter,

Please cradle me in Your everlasting arms today and whisper hope to my heart. Help me to know that I am never alone, because You are walking beside me, holding my hand. Show me how to trust You in the good times and the bad. Thank You that my soul can find rest in You. I don’t have to be enough because You are enough for every problem I face. I praise You in advance for healing my wounded heart a little more today. I know You can mend every broken place and replace all the lies in my head with Your truth. I refuse to give Satan power over me. I’m believing that You have an amazing plan for me and that I am a priceless daughter of the King. 

Did you know that one of God’s mightiest warriors suffered from depression? That’s right! Elijah, the great spiritual leader who prayed fire down from heaven, felt hopeless and afraid. After his greatest mountain-top experience, he hides in the wilderness battling suicidal thoughts. 

Our God runs after Elijah and stays with him during his darkest moment. He doesn’t condemn him for being depressed. He doesn’t abandon him for doubting his purpose. Instead, He comes close and cradles Elijah with help and hope. God knows exactly what Elijah needs. He understands us when we don’t understand ourselves. And He doesn’t leave us stuck all alone, but instead provides a practical plan to get us moving again in the right direction. 

What could you do today to start moving in the right direction? Start with something simple and practical like Elijah: get up, get dressed, take a shower, take a nap, eat something, or go for a walk. Make a commitment to take one step with God in the right direction!