God loves you

Before we embark on this brand new journey of hope and healing, I want to make sure you know a little bit of my story.

Over two years ago, I wrote for A Miracle Every Day: "I'm not a doctor, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist; I'm a pastor, and the only story I have is the story of God's grace. A part of my story is a ‘little black rain cloud’ that I've battled for years. I never would have classified myself as depressed—maybe sad, maybe blue, maybe down, but not depressed. My ‘cloud’ grew into a full-blown hurricane about 15 years ago, and I had no choice but to acknowledge that I was, in fact, depressed. I felt so alone until I began to search the Scriptures and found out that I was anything but alone. Many people in Scripture battled depression.

One of my constant companions on the journey out of depression was the prophet Jeremiah, who said in Jeremiah 45:3: ‘...I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest’ (Jeremiah 45:3, ESV).”

I wrote those words over two years ago, and in truth, I wouldn't change a thing because every part of it is true. I did battle depression, and I have run to Scripture to find that I have constant companions on this lonely journey.

The beauty of my story is that I'm currently doing really, really well. I'm filled with hope, joy, and God's promises! I've gone back to Scripture over and over again, and what I know is true: God promised that he would never leave me or forsake me. God promised me that his faithfulness was new and fresh every single morning. God said there would be sorrow during the night, but joy would come in the morning! (See Psalms 30:5.)

I can tell you, if you are one of those people battling depression right now, you need to know that there is a God in heaven who loves you, who is for you, and who wants to do everything in His power to change the direction of your journey right now.

As you know, October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I’ve been talking about anxiety over the last little while. Now, we’re going to continue talking about another topic I know well, and one that the Bible addresses, too: depression.

King David of Israel wrote from a very dark place on his journey: “Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.” (Psalm 69:1-2, NLT)

David got to a very dark spot, just like I did, but he also discovered the same thing that I have unearthed: God meets us in those deep and dark moments, and there IS hope for tomorrow.

Never forget that you are a miracle, that God has a miracle for you, and that together we can walk this journey into a place of hope and renewed joy.

Your friend,

You are a miracle!