Jesus’ tells us to come to Him, the Son of God, co-creator of the universe, Savior, Redeemer, and friend—and we can cease from our struggles and pain and trust that His rest will come: “Come unto Me, all of you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
These words from Matthew 11:28 spoke to my heart one glorious morning after I had slowly emerged from a dark cocoon of depression. What joy my soul knew that early winter day!
Clinical depression—when life as we know it becomes gray and lifeless. When suddenly, or little by little, the things in our everyday lives that used to bring us satisfaction and joy become sources of pain instead of gladness. How does one cope when even getting out of bed in the morning is a major accomplishment? Daily living is a struggle, and as a Christian you can’t help but wonder where God is in this and why He has allowed this darkness in your life. Doubt creeps in concerning the word of God. Is it really true that Jesus will never leave you or forsake you?
Once these thoughts are allowed to drift around in your head, a door opens, and the enemy of your soul comes in with more lies and whisperings that “you must not be worthy of His love, so that’s why you don’t feel that He is there.” The joy of the Lord is gone, so therefore you have no strength. Right?
No, beloved! Wrong, wrong, wrong! No matter how your feelings rise up and your flesh cries out that you can’t “feel” God’s presence, pray, or even open up your Bible, that doesn’t change the truth of God’s word. His word is truth because He is truth. Nothing the devil says to you will ever change that.
As intercessors we are to come unto Him and allow the Holy Spirit to intercede in us for others. No more striving. This truth brings great freedom to the role of an intercessor—as well as to everyday life. Jesus told us that we would have troubles in this world, but we were to be of “good cheer” because He has overcome the world.
So, what can you do when you find yourself sinking in the quicksand of depression or some other circumstance of life that really challenges you? Cling to the Rock, regardless of how high the waves are that thrash against you. Meditate on the words of Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God.” Wait like blind Bartimaeus by the side of the road, listening and hoping against all hope to hear the footsteps of Jesus passing by. When He comes, cry out with all your might for Jesus to have mercy on you as He did on Bartimaeus. We all know what happened to blind Bartimaeus—he received his sight!
Lord, I pray that I may truly “see” You in the waiting times in my life when there is no clear path and the fog is so thick around me. Let me trust in You in those moments of utter darkness and believe that You are there with me, leading me through.
Is something on your heart?
Six intercessors will pray for your request for 21 days.
