Will you CLING to Him
Life can throw so much at us: worries about tomorrow, attacks on our peace, and moments where our hearts just feel heavy and burdened to the point where we wonder if we can take another step.
In my journey battling anxiety and depression, I have found so much help in the book of Psalms, a beautiful collection of hymns and prayers that have always spoken to the deepest part of my soul.
When depression starts to creep in on me, I find incredible comfort in Psalm 16. The words, "Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge" (Psalm 16:1, NIV), are a powerful prayer. When the attacks of doubt and fear come knocking, I turn to Jesus and ask Him to place me in the shelter of His heart—a place where no evil and no depression can touch me. I proclaim it over and over again, "Lord, You are my only good," until my fears just begin to melt away. It's not just a prayer; it's a declaration of faith!
Then I often turn to Psalm 27: "Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.” (Psalm 27:7, NIV)
Our God longs for us to run to Him, whether we're filled with sorrow or with joy. When we seek the face of Jesus, we find the truth that He is always with us. I love the promise in this Psalm, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (Psalm 27:10, NIV)
I also love the words of Psalm 31; they have given me so much comfort as I've walked the dark journey of depression. It says, "Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief." (Psalm 31:9, NIV)
You know, sometimes my tears flow until there are none left, and my body gets so tired from the weight of my own fear. In those moments, I repeat a simple truth to myself: "But I trust in You, O Lord, I say; 'You are my God.'" See, all we need is to call on the name of Jesus. Even if you have to whisper it over and over again—"Jesus, I trust in You"—you can know that healing has already begun. The battle might not be over, but our God has heard our cry, and He is right there with us.
Psalm 42 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." (Psalm 42:1, NIV) This verse reminds me of what my soul is actually thirsty for: connection with God. Just like a deer longs for life-giving water, my heart longs for the cleansing and renewing love of Jesus. When I give Him full control, my deepest longings are fulfilled.
Finally, Psalm 91 has always offered me a powerful promise of protection: "Because he clings to me, I will deliver him; because he knows my name I will set him on high.” (Psalm 91:14, NABRE)
When anxiety and depression rise, these verses are a road map for me, and they direct me straight to the comfort that I need and crave. My God has promised to answer when I call on Him and to be with me in my distress. He may not take the heaviness or the anxiety away instantly, but He has promised to walk through it with me every step of the way.
Cling to Him, trust in His unfailing love, and may you find peace and comfort in His Word today. May His promises be your source of strength for this journey.
Never forget, my friend, you are a miracle.
