I have been so touched by the concern and care shown to me after I wrote about “Some Days Are Like This. . .” I have dealt with clinical depression off and on for years. At first, I was embarrassed. I mean, “I’m the preacher’s wife!” But, I’ve come to realize that I’m not the only one that deals with sadness and depression. By opening up the conversation, I have been able to serve and encourage others that they are not alone. You usually don’t “spiral” down overnight, and you definitely can’t just “snap out of it!” But, little by little by taking care of yourself in the four ways that Jesus grew – you’ll find yourself feeling like yourself once again.
Luke says that “Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). When I’m down – I pick up a book. I get online and do a little research. I learn something new and it helps to take my mind off of me. He also grew in stature – I get on the treadmill. I plan a nutritious meal. I start taking better care of ME. I spend extra time in God’s Word. So often we carry on one-sided conversations with God. We do all of the talking in prayer – but are you “searching the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) to see what He has to say? And then, Jesus grew in favor with man. There are always others, who are going through things worse than I am. I remember the saying, “I once complained because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.” That puts things in a different light, doesn’t it?
Friends, God did not promise that life on this earth would be perfect. If it was, we wouldn’t be looking so forward to heaven. No, but He did promise us that “He would never leave us nor forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5) He didn’t promise us that life would be easy – but heaven will be so worth it. No doubt, no fear – I will persevere! Simply blessed, Courtney