Our Daily Bread: Navigating the BluesНамуна

CRY OUT

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). -MATTHEW 27:46

Depression is complicated, to say the least. The numbness, lethargy, disinterest, and sadness often cannot be understood by anyone who has not experienced the complicated illness.

And what about faith? Where is it during these very low points in our lives?

That’s a question those who love us dearly, yet have not experienced depression may pose too. (They just don’t understand why you can’t shake this or snap out of it.)

Faith and depression can exist in the same space. Just because you’re walking through a low point doesn’t mean you do not have faith. Even Jesus suffered mightily and questioned God. Depression can make you do that.

But Jesus, the Master Teacher, continues to enlighten us through His example. His words uttered while on the cross teach us to cry out to God especially when we’re in excruciating pain.

As Jesus moved closer to His ultimate mission on earth, He cried out to His Father, God. Jesus stared death in the face as He was drawn up on a cross. He understood what was about to happen as a part of His purpose, His mission, yet He cried out: “Father, why have you forsaken me?” (see Matthew 27:46).

Can’t you hear the agony in those words? Jesus feels abandoned by His Father—but I’ve never heard anyone question Jesus’s faith.

The very fact that He is crying out to God means Jesus acknowledges God and His control over everything. Crying out can serve as a means to release your agony and acknowledge that God is still God—even in the midst of your pain.

Crying out during bouts of depression may not ease the pain immediately, but it’s a model from Jesus that we can follow.

And it may just draw us closer to our God—which in the end is a win. Crying out like Jesus may be the reminder you need to know that you are going to be okay.

MY CONFESSION

I can cry out. I can yell at God—even question God—as uninvited pain takes up residence in my body and mind. I have no answers, but I do have the ability to cry and lament and the assurance that God hears, sees, and cares for me.

If Jesus cried out, so can you. Release what's on your heart to God.

Take a few moments and cry out to God. Share what’s on your heart and mind, how you feel, what concerns you. Release your thoughts to your Father who cares for you (see 1 Peter 5:7).

My God, my God: Sometimes I feel forsaken. Why am I enduring so much pain that I cannot always explain it to others? Help me. Be with me. Hear my prayer. Amen.

*This devotion is taken from Day 1 of Katara Washington Patton’s book Navigating the Blues: Where to Turn When Worry, Anxiety, or Depression Steals Your Hope.