God is making everything new!

I remember a conversation I had with a very good friend named Rick. We were having breakfast one Saturday morning, and he looked at me with very contemplative eyes and simply said, "Grant, you look better. You seem lighter."

My journey out of depression did not happen instantaneously. It was not one moment where I was suddenly feeling better. No, it was a slow and steady climb out of a very dark hole, one that happened with Jesus at my side.

Along that journey, I learned so much. I was not alone. I had friends, I had God's word, and I had His promises. I hope that our time together this week has been valuable and fruitful, no matter what kind of journey you may be walking.

Listen to the words of Psalm 30, where David says, "I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:1-5, NIV)

I do not believe that depression is a result of God's anger. I believe that depression comes out of a broken world where often we are overwhelmed by fear. What I love about Psalm 30 is that it's in the past tense. David had been delivered! David had been healed! David had been brought up from the realm of the dead. Yes, he'd gone down into a very deep pit at different times in his life, but in this moment, he's thanking God for the truth that while his tears may have stayed for a night, his rejoicing came brand new in the morning.

One of the most encouraging things for me in Scripture is the fact that the book of Revelation tells us that God keeps our precious tears in a bottle. They mean that much to Him! As we contemplate a moment of tears now, we hold on to the promise of Revelation 21 that also speaks of tears.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" (Revelation 21:3-5, NIV)

My friend, right now, you may need to open up a book and write down some words. Maybe words like "better days ahead" or "God will see me through." Or maybe you need to make a list of His promises that are holding you steadfast in this moment.

Whatever you need to write down, always remember that the one who sees every word and dries every tear has said, "I am making everything new."

Never forget, my friend. You are a miracle.