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COME TO ME
When we hit the depths of depression or crash from an anxiety attack, we can feel lower than a catfish’s belly button. (I know, catfish don’t have belly buttons, but they're bottom feeders. You get the picture).
In Psalm 42, the writer owns his depression. He speaks to his soul and says, "Why are you so dark?” Look at verse five and the first part of verse six:
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:5-6a)
The writer is in the pit of despair. He has no hope. His gut’s growling. Yet it’s as if that still, small voice whispers in his ears, "You're going to be okay. You need to refocus. Your hope can’t be in yourself. It has to be in God.”
Our souls were created to be filled with Jesus. He gives us health professionals, medicine, godly men and women, and the Church to lower life's volume or pick us up when we’re down. But none of those can replace Jesus. That’s why His invitation to us is so important as we deal with anxiety and depression. Look at that invitation:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus is always there with you through your highs, lows, wins, and losses in life. He simply invites you to come to Him. He’s not there to shame you, to tell you that you’re less than something because you’re suffering. Instead, He's there to provide you hope, love, rest, and relief.
I picture Him standing there with two nail-pierced arms open wide, lovingly looking at you or me, saying, “I know you’re going through something rough. Come to Me. You’re tired; life has put something on you that you can't do by yourself; that you didn't bring on yourself. Only I can give you that true rest that you need. Do you want rest for your soul? I promise you that I’ll give it to you. I’m gentle, loving, patient, and kind. Let me help you."
Will you come to Him?
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About this Plan
As a pastor, I was ashamed I had anxiety and depression. Too many told me it was a faith issue, a sin issue, or both. In the end, I realized it was much bigger than that. Moreover, I came to understand that Jesus didn’t want to condemn me; He wanted to help me. I hope you enjoy this 5-day devotional called “Stressed, Depressed, Hot Mess!”
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