And Wait

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"

Isaiah 30:18

There is nothing timely about depression or anxiety. Depression and anxiety do not have on and off switches, there is no fuse box that can be shut off or reset. There is no scheduling of symptoms, emotions, or reactions.

The point is that depression and anxiety do not happen on your time. They sort of happen on their own time. Symptoms may arise out of nowhere. Even when you may have an idea that you are being triggered, the full episode or break cannot always be avoided. Depression and anxiety, control the timing of your life. So long as you allow it. Coping skills, such as: taking breaks, knowing your limits, deep breathing, etc. may be helpful in managing the interfering and uninvited symptoms of depression and anxiety. But managing depression and anxiety, requires, managing the symptoms on the fly. Learning to become more in tune with yourself to recognize any warning signs. Learning to prevent the symptoms, as much as possible. But being understanding that they might show up, as you're getting ready for a nice dinner out with family, and all of a sudden something that you were looking forward to is something that has turned into a nightmare. For some this moment can come and go, and they can still go to dinner. For others, it can set them back and dinner is now not an option. This is where a good support system comes into play, the response of the family in this scenario can be empowering to you through their acceptance of this twist in the plans, or it can be a catalyst for the symptoms to create false assumptions in your mind.

But waiting for the symptoms to happen, does not sound like an option either. Waiting for the lack of motivation to show up, may prevent you from participating in the plans you have. Waiting for the anxiety to kick in, may prevent you from looking forward to that party or that event. Waiting for the uninvited darkness of depression, may lead to overthinking, racing thoughts, negative thought patterns. You know that how you think, is how you will react or respond. So think positively. And accept that some things are out of your control.

The Lord, however asks you to wait. To be patient. While your symptoms of depression and anxiety may not wait. One area of control that you can have is waiting. Waiting to respond. Waiting to react. Waiting to act. Decreasing the reactive responses because of these untimely guests (depression and anxiety). Just because they are impatient, does not mean that you have to be impatient also. The bible shares with you that through waiting, He reveals Himself. Waiting is strong. He rewards those that wait. The symptoms of depression and anxiety, are going to happen. At times that is out of your control. But wait. It is okay to pause. It is okay to press hold. The answer will be there, in the moment of waiting. In the pause of this chaos, He will be there to show you the way.

Scripture:

Psalm 27:14

Isaiah 30:18

Isaiah 33:2

Reflection:

How long do you currently wait before responding to your symptoms?

What would it be like to wait for His guidance in managing depression and anxiety?

How can a relationship with Him, bring you healing?

How has He answered you in the past?

Prayer:

Lord, I turn to You for guidance. I turn to You for answers. I pray that when others find themselves faced with depression and anxiety they may find answers in You. Lord I know that symptoms can come from out of the blue, or there can be warning signs, but they are never on our time. They are not convenient. They do not always fit in with our life. But Lord, You are convenient, You fit in. I pray that in moments of depression and anxiety, I turn to You instead of the symptoms. I accept that they are present, and then I find You to seek guidance. Lord, I pray for those who continue to struggle. I pray for those who do not know You. I pray for those who are facing this battle and feeling alone. I pray that they may be free from the uninvited symptoms of depression and anxiety, and rather invite You into their lives. I pray this in Your name, Amen.