“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 NKJV
For the past several days I have been in a brain fog, and physically feeling as though I was mired in a vat of molasses. Have you ever felt that way? It is depression, pure and simple…. but not so simple to deal with. For some people, depression is something they deal with on a daily basis; for some, it is seasonal or situational (or both); and for a few, I suppose never experience it. There’s medication for that. Yes, I’m well aware of the pills available, and the counseling that is available, and I have integrated both into my life. However, sometimes all you can do is muddle forward as best you can.
I just finished a book by Jennie Goutet called “Stars Upside Down, A Memoir of Travel, Grief, and an Incandescent God.” In her journey, Jennie struggled with depression and addictions, and finally, her return to God. There was a lot there I could relate to, and a lot I couldn’t. What I came away with was the message I have shared many times, yet I still need to hear. God never leaves us. We can turn our back on him: we can run from him, even to foreign countries, but He is always there beside us.
We can get discouraged, and feel frustration. Look at Job, and Abraham and Moses; even Paul was frustrated at times. Fall on this verse that he wrote and hold tight to it.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 NLT
We will have many trials in life. I fight the discouragement and helplessness of not having an income. You may also be struggling financially, or you or a family member could be dealing with illness or death. We can’t know what trials anyone else is facing. Our God is not only capable, but completely willing, to move our mountains. As Jesus said about the mustard seed:
“It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches…. “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” ” – Matthew 13:32; 17:20 NLT
Jesus loves me, this I know. Oh, for the faith of a mustard seed!
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