It's okay to feel...

“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.”
Psalm 42:5,11 MSG

It’s the subtle changes in mood. It’s the thoughts that come in like bullets you can’t protect yourself from. It’s the exhaustion that comes no matter the hour. It’s the pain you feel when you look in the mirror. It’s the relationships you can’t let go of. It’s the longing for better days and the lack of hope for future ones. It’s the feeling at the end of the day where you ask yourself, “Is this all there is?”

About 20 million people in the United States suffer from depression. Depression is one of the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood struggles in America. Its treatment is hard to tackle. Unlike the flu where a shot is given and you can physically track your recovery, depression is more difficult to treat because its symptoms exist primarily in the mind. Depression is an internal battle between mind, body, and spirit. Its symptoms manifest themselves in a loss of interest in daily activities, decreased overall mood, fluctuating appetite, mood swings, practices of self-harm, or thoughts of suicide. The seriousness of depression begs a call to action on the church. As the body of Christ, we should know what depression is, how to help those who struggle with it, and how to be present for those who have no hope. Because, after all, we’re all one body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)

A recent article that was published; “Teen depression on upswing during pandemic.”  in part by “Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta” and WMC-TV, has reminded us that depression does not discriminate across generations.  The findings share the truth that “It’s been a year like no other for teens, from drive by diplomas to virtual proms in the middle of a pandemic and it’s been a tough year on their mental health.”  Our children and teens are dealing with things on a level that many of us have never seen and/or experienced ourselves.  They have outlets in the form of social media, video games and devices that both provide an escape as well as can add fuel to the fire of isolation. While the article addressed children, adults have not been immune from depression the past few months either. On April 14 WSMV in Nashville did a story titled “Calls to suicide prevention hotlines rise from February to March in Tennessee” that indicated that calls to suicide prevention hotlines have increased 800%.  The downward spiral of hurt, anxiety, worry and depression is very real and it is currently having an affect on many in our communities.

The question for the church is, How do we, as people who trust in Jesus Christ, respond to depression? Where do we turn? Will we allow ourselves to be trained by the truth of God’s Word? I believe that we can learn from the great pioneers of our faith. There are a number of times that we can read, learn and apply from individuals in God’s word that found themselves consumed by isolation and depression.  David, in his writings recounts several times periods of regret, isolation and depression. In Psalm 55 we see where in this wiring alone he addresses; his feelings of loneliness (1-5), the desire to look beyond his circumstance and for a safe harbor (6-8), a willingness to observe and learn from his present situation (9-15,20-21) and lastly, yet most importantly he looks towards God with a desire to trust Him (16-19, 22-23).

Depression is a serious problem. Medical advice, medicines and counseling is an incredible and proven resource.  Scripture, and prayer has also proven to be a significant resource as well.  The community of faith can and should also be a safe place for those that need a listening ear. When asked “How do you deal with?” Remember you have a story to share of when Christ moved you from “Darkness to the marvelous light.” (1 Peter 1:9). Take the time to recall that/those moments when Christ clearly intervened in your life and renewed your heart, mind, soul and body. There is someone needing and waiting to hear your story. 

So today I say “it’s okay to feel…” Many before you and many more to come will experience the same roller coaster that you are experiencing. If you feel as you have been or are currently dealing with depression please seek counsel and advice. Know that while I’m not a licensed counselor I can be one that provides comfort, prayer and resources. God loves you and desires for you peace. Submit and turn over all of your worries, anxieties, fears and depression to Him. In doing so you will find mental, physical and spiritual rest (Matthew 11:28)

Serving Him,
Pastor Jeff