Instead of pulling away...

The world often tells you that being a leader means you're not allowed to be weak. It tells you that you're not allowed to struggle. For a really long time, I bought into that lie. As a pastor, leader, and writer, I thought I had to have it all together. I thought if I admitted my struggles with depression, it would somehow mean I was a failure and that I was lacking faith.

So I'd tell myself, "Come on, Grant. Just pray harder, believe more, work harder!" But all that did was leave me feeling alone and trapped.

Feeling like you're the only one who's struggling is a lonely place to be.

I kept searching for answers, and as I went back to God's word, I found the truth again!

Moses was a mighty man of God who saw miracles with his own eyes. And yet there came a time when he said to God, "I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me.” (Numbers 11:14-15, NLT)

Just like Jonah, he became so depressed and full of despair that he wanted to end it all. Moses, the leader of the people of Israel, felt the same kind of despair that we often do. But what did he do with that despair? He didn't pull away. Instead, he surrounded himself with others who could help carry the burden, and that's exactly what I needed to do, too.

As part of my journey, I also looked at Elijah, another incredible man of faith. He was scared and ran away. But instead of leaning on his friends, he went alone. When we're hurting, the Enemy wants us to isolate ourselves. He wants us to be alone so that his voice is the only one we hear.

I plead with you, don't take the bait! Instead of pulling away, lean in. Be a Moses, not an Elijah. Being alone with Jesus is wonderful, but God also created us for community. When we surround ourselves with people who love us, we're better able to feel God's pure and beautiful love.

If you're struggling with depression, you don't have to walk this journey alone. And even if you aren't, maybe God is calling you to be the friend who can walk with someone who is. Together, we can make it through the darkest moments!

Would you pray with me?

“Jesus, we ask that you would help us on this journey. Help us open our hearts to the people you've placed in our lives to walk with us. And for those of us who are struggling with depression, we know that your joy is the answer and your promises are our hope. We pray for the miracle of joy today. We pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.”

Never forget, my friend, you are a miracle.