Devotions From City HarborShembull

Ever since I was in high school, I have struggled on and off with depression. It’s a trial that many have faced in my family line. Some seasons I know how to work through things like a pro, other seasons I walk through the valley...and it feels like I walk for 1 million miles. The song “I Still Believe” came out of that place. Sometimes we think we need to “feel” God to know that He is near. Sometimes we think we need to “feel” God to know that he hasn't forgotten us. But, if there is one thing I have learned throughout my struggle with depression, it’s that faith isn't about a feeling. Jesus, by way of The Holy Spirit, is with us all in every situation. His love and comfort never fail.

Even when the ocean rises high, and I can’t see the sunshine in the sky. Even when hope is hard to see, I still believe....in a love that’s true, in a love that’s real, in a love I know is here even when that’s not how I feel. In a love that’s fair, in a love that’s right, in a love that will get me through the darkest of all nights, I still believe. I still believe.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.” - Psalm 34:17-20

The key to all of this is choosing to believe and trust through all the storms of life. Even though it is not easy, believe in His goodness.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” - Proverbs 3:5

Pray. He is listening. Seek. He will respond. Reach. He already has His hands stretched out. Believe. He is God, the one who created you, knows you, loves you and sees you... in every second of your life.