“When they saw Job from a distance , they scarcely recognized him.” Job 2:12 (NIV) Job, a man of integrity who loved God, would most likely today be diagnosed with depression. His friends were shocked when they saw him and Scripture tells us they barely recognized him. When a loved one is suffering from depression or another form of mental health condition, at times you may not recognize them by their behavior or appearance. The increase of mental health diagnoses and awareness in recent years reveals more families are affected. Our pandemic-changed world has caused mental health problems to burst …
When You Seek Him
In those days when you pray I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:12-13 Over two decades ago my husband, Jay, landed in the hospital due to a severe depressive episode. This storm arrived like a tornado and was the beginning of a troublesome, lonely and often chaotic journey for our family – it was no picnic. While we were raising three young boys the search for effective treatment was exhaustive. Finding support and medical resources would often leave me feeling angry, weary, frightened all while unsure where to turn. I believed …
Light
“You are all children of the light, children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NIV) Imagine walking through an unfamiliar dark house? Imagine walking through a dense forest at night when clouds blanket the sky hiding the stars and moonlight. For me, both situations would bring fear and anxiety, especially if I weren’t holding a lantern or some source of light. Darkness is often a descriptor for depression. Whether you are the caregiver, the one suffering, or a concerned friend of someone who struggles, you have most likely felt …
Apart From the Lord
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord: apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2 (NIV) It has been two weeks since I returned from the mission field, a place where my relationship with God is always heightened and I can honestly say is the center of each day. Several days after returning I realized the busyness of re-entry from the mission field had minimized the amount of time I was spending quietly before God. How I missed the authenticity of that time. David acknowledged the value of being unified with God. Separated from God, David …
What’s Inside of Your Tattered Life
“Though we experience every kind of pressure, we are not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out.” 2 Corinthians 4:10 (The Passion Translation) Do you have seasons in life where you feel and even look tattered? Circumstances, caregiving and disappointments can leave us a bit shabby and worn-out. Picking up a small Bible that had been tucked away, I wondered, why is this thing so tattered? Then the memories came flooding back. That period of time …
His Glory Our Comfort
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” John 16:23b (ESV) I prayed many years for my husband to be healed of his anxiety and depression, before fully recognizing my motive for this prayer may not align with God’s plans. It seemed like a wonderful and decent prayer, but why wasn’t God answering? Often found myself praying and pleading with God, “Why aren’t You healing, Oh Lord?” My faithful prayer was without ceasing and I continually poured out my heart to God. I was asking …
This One Sunday
“And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, The inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, Who created all this in the first place, Has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along.” Ephesians 3:8 (MSG) Mental health illness and challenges; part of our family for over 20 years. Two decades should have been enough time to identify, treat, deal and heal from mental illness, so we could move on. I was tired. The desire of my …
Middle of Your Mess
“The Blind and the lame came to Him at the temple, and he healed them. “ Mathew 21:14 (NIV) I can say with confidence that if someone you love suffers with mental health your life has experienced periods of chaos or messy circumstances. These times may seem like everything around you needs a good straightening out. The same mess may even show up again after it has already been cleaned up once. During Holy Week every year I love to read the familiar stories written in the gospels about what Jesus endured during this time over 2000 years …
What and In Who Do You Choose to Believe
What and In Who Do You Choose to Believe? “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6 (ESV) Life can be daunting, circumstances and the enemy can work against us and rob us of our joy and peace. However, we hold the power through the cross of Jesus Christ to allow the robbery or not. If you live in an area where even moderate crime exists do you not lock your doors to prevent robbery, or use an alarm system? How much more should you protect your heart from anything …
Will You Trust His Perfect Timing
Ecclesiastes 8:6 (ESV) “For there is a time and a way for everything, Although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.” Surprisingly the first backup camera was used in 1956 on a Buick concept car and it wasn’t until 2014 the US Department of Transportation announced the camera requirement for new cars. This technology made it easier for drivers to have wider views and see rear images clearly, which assisted drivers maneuvering their cars in a safer manner. As in life, clarity often comes when looking back through the rear-view camera or mirror. Living with a mental health diagnosis and …
Show Me Your Glory
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God? “John 11:40 (ESV) I recall Christmas Eve several years ago suddenly waking at 4:30 am. I was about to learn it would be a morning of great surrender, something I will never forget. My morning routine was to fill a mug with coffee and then open my Bible. With Christmas lights twinkling, I continued with my routine, then lit the fireplace and began pouring out my heart to Father God. Sitting warm and cozy, I read Scripture and …