God’s Love is Greater than My Depression

This may not seem obvious to everyone so I wanted to start with this; God’s love is greater than my depression.

Let me begin this week’s blog with a quick reminder to pray the Ukrainian and Russian people. The war brought on by this tyrant in Russia has been raging now for five long weeks with countless thousands having lost their lives. Will you join me in praying for both the people of Ukraine and Russian? Let me know in the comments below.

Heavenly Father, we come to you in solemn prayer today asking You to intercede in this atrocious war being waged in the Ukraine. We ask for your protection, especially, of the children in the Ukraine as many continue to seek shelter in the darkness of the subways and sewers. We praise You for the good reports we have heard from friends who are in harms way today. Father, we ask these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

So Again, What is Depression?

The Mental Health Foundation defines Major Depressive Disorder as a “mental disorder characterized by the presence of a severely low mood of no clear cause that persists for at least two weeks and which pervades across most, if not all, aspects of life.”

The support I have received since coming out about my depression has been enormous — at times, even a bit overwhelming. Here is the tricky part, I have depression which likely may never go away until the day when I meet my Lord. Coming out about my depression was a last gasp effort on my part to seek. Please do not miss that I am in no way remorseful about my decision however, as with someone who still suffers with this hidden pain, constantly having to explain my feelings is exhausting. However, keep check on me please. I very much appreciate all of the love and support received by my many friends and family; including my new found online friends being reached by this weekly blog.

To share a brief update, since opening my shop Etsy in August 2021, we have had 100 sales. And by His Grace, we were able to make a donation of $500 to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention last year. That also means that I have been able to touch at least 100 people with my art. I am also sending out a weekly email to just over 100 individuals. If you have not signed up for my weekly newsletter, please do. I send one or two emails per week.

So What Point Am I Trying to Convey?

Most English translations of the Bible make no mention of the word depression; however we do see evidence of its existence mentioned throughout the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul wrote about a thorn he had been afflicted upon him in 2 Corinthians 12:7b. David also wrote several sad penitential Psalms recognizing his sin. Even Jesus Himself suffered severe anxiety the night before His death on the cross. Luke 22:44 describes as the blood of Christ came out as sweat while He prayed — an actual rare medical condition known as hematidrosis.

I know, I hear you screaming at me through the screen as I type. So how does this all relate God’s Love being greater than my depression As Paul continued in 2 Corinthians 12, God’s grace is also sufficient for me. We are not sure here of what Paul’s reference to a thorn entails however one is for certain, Paul did not let it defeat him. Perhaps a better title for today’s blog would have been “God’s Grace Is Sufficient For Me”.

Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

-- 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (HCSB)

So, I will continue to talk about my depression but I will also continue to point all the praise, honor, and glory to God. I do not know why I suffer the pain but I know there is coming a day when I will be made whole and forever will I be with my Jesus.

;

If you made it this far, please consider commenting below, subscribing, and also sharing on your social media sites. Most importantly, I ask for your prayers. I write this weekly blog as an outlet in my fight against depression. However, my hope is that something I write here may help others who may be struggling. If you would like to help with my battle against depression, check out my online Etsy store and affiliate links. Most proceeds are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. You may also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.