IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY (PART I)
PANTETH MY SOUL
Finding the words about how I feel when I'm praying to the Lord is almost impossible. But - with God nothing is impossible, and with God all things are possible. The joy, and peace I get is just one of the rewards I get when I go into His presence - our special place - where I find, and feel the connection of oneness with God - my creator, my mighty God - my forever God. Being able to find, and feel God's awesomeness is breath taking - it takes my breath away - It's physically overwhelming!
(Plalms 42:1 - As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.) Telling God how I feel about His awesomeness - His beauty - His strength - His power - His Love, is beyond words I can imagine or express. The joy He feels when I do express how I feel is my reward - I feel His joy - His awesomeness - His beauty - His strength - His power - His Love. GOD IS ABSOLUTELY BREATH TAKING!
BUT - IN THE DARKEST OF TIMES
It is also in His presence where I draw from God's strength to win all my victories when I find myself in the darkest of places. I do have those moments when I am looking at myself through mine own eyes - not God's eyes. All I see are my insecurities, things that I haven't accomplished, mistakes I've made. Or, even just dealing with the daily mundane things of life. Sometimes you feel it coming from every side of you, and you just can't shake it. All I can do is curl up in a ball, and cry, along with that horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that you just want to go away.
You can't talk to anybody about it - You wouldn't want to burden anybody with a pity-party - as some people may call it, because they don't understand depression, they don't know how to comfort someone with a broken spirit. Or, worse yet, they think depression is contagious. So, they stay away, and judge you. They don't know how to battle depression - a battle they haven't battled.
DEPRESSION - A BATTLE TO BE WON
Depression is a battle against dark forces, or sometimes a chemical imbalance for some. It takes supernatural strength to overcome, and that supernatural strength can only come from God Himself. For some, having a good doctor with experience. One that understands depression, and can prescribe the proper medication. But, it is a battle you can have victory over. Jesus said in (Matthew 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.") Also, it says in (Isaih 40:31 - But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.)
GOD UNDERSTANDS DEPRESSION
God understands depression, and Jesus does too! In the garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus prayed three times. He was in such agony that was unimaginable! So much agony that it appeared as though His sweat were great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:44). When Jesus was dying on the cross, Jesus said "It is finished." (John 19:30) But that was just the crucifixion that was finished. Am I saying Jesus was depressed - absolutely not! But, Jesus does understand agony. Jesus still agonizes for us, and intercedes for us daily. After Jesus gave up the Ghost the soldiers came and pierced his side. Blood and water came out. (John 19:34) A sign of a broken heart.
THE MIRACLE OF PRAYER - JOY
What might be surprising to you is finding victory over depression is finding joy through it!
STEPS I TAKE THAT GOD TAUGHT ME
1) Accepting you have it.
2) Choosing to have victory over it.
3) Choosing to do something about it.
4) Finding joy through it.
5) PRAY! A lot!
In (Part II) I will share some experiences that God took me through, and how I walk daily with Him so I can have victory over depression with His joy. I'm sure you're asking how can you have joy in depression, and be victorious at the same time. Trust me you can! Isn't that what you want - joy instead of depression?
