Do not be afraid

"So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Do not be afraid. For your God is with you. Through every storm. Every trial. Every challenge. Every struggle. But let's be real. There are times, that while you know He is there, it is hard to accept that what you are going through is necessary.

If you image a world where depression and anxiety does not exist, what an amazing world that may be. But depression and anxiety do exist. While there is no fault in imaging such a world, does it prevent you from recognizing how your experiences are part of this world. There is yet to be a reason that people must experience depression and anxiety in order to form a closer relationship to Him. But there are countless reasons that forming a relationship with Him, eases those experiences of depression and anxiety. As you read through scripture you will find that Jesus shares that the makings of the world are not without tribulations, not without fears, not without dismay (sounds a lot like the makings of depression and anxiety). Luke 17:1 "Jesus said to his disciples:'Things that cause people to stumble are bound to happen, but woe to anyone through whom they come." But He does not give you hope because He plans to take these things away, He gives you hope because He reminds you to "not fear" because He is with you. Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Experiencing depression or anxiety for the first time, or watching someone experience depression and anxiety for the first time can be a confusing, scary, whirlwind of an experience. You're not alone. First and foremost, you are not alone in Him. And second, as the world has become more open to the experiences of depression and anxiety there are people out there who experience it too. And are willing to share about it. But going through this time can be a time where you think to yourself "I'm afraid of this." And it is okay. It is fine to be nervous about these experiences, to wonder what is going on, what is happening. To be a little concerned. And honestly, it is okay to feel the feelings that you are feeling. Notice in scripture that you are called to "not be afraid," you are not told to "stop feeling that way." The difference is night and day. In the first you are told that through this fearful moment God is with you and wants to be there for you. In the second one, you are not validated. As you go through depression and anxiety, validation of these experiences can be life changing. It does not mean that what you are feeling is accurate, or right, or the best option, it just means that you are feeling it. The next step is to find out why, or to check in with yourself to find out how to evolve in these feelings. It is important to recognize the feelings, but challenge their truth. For example: depression can have you feeling lonely and worthless, but is this true? Anxiety can have you feeling worried about things that may never happen, but is this appropriate for the time? Checking this feelings, acknowledges that they exist, that they are occurring, but then they are checked for truth. And Jesus says in John 8:32 "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." For reference, He is the truth and He is also the light in the darkness of depression and anxiety. John 8:12 "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

After experiencing depression and anxiety and going through the cycles, you may get a handle on things; and it may be difficult to express these things to others. It can be hard to open up and share about these experiences and to find that support system. But sharing about it, with the right people can be, life changing. God is one of the right counsels. He is for you in so many ways. He is on your side. He is there, even when you don't want Him to be. He is standing just on the other side of "Lord come into my life." At times no words will make sense, but He understands. Revelations 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with the person, and them with me." So while scripture reminds you to "not be afraid," scripture also reminds you that you must be active in your pursuit of Him. But know that He is actively pursuing you too. He is knocking. He is knocking for you. You just have to be the one to open the door. He will not open it for you.

Scripture:

Luke 17:1

Isaiah 41:10

John 8:32

John 8:12

Revelations 3:20

Reflections:

What do you fear?

How does God hold you in these moments?

Does giving these fears to Him, help you accept and manage depression and anxiety?

How?

Prayer:

Lord, Heavenly Father. In times of depression and anxiety there are moments of fear. Fear from a lack of understanding, and fear from a sense of these symptoms and pains that one goes through. Lord I pray for anyone currently going through these fears. I pray that they may find Your hand holding them beside you. I pray that they may know Your love for them. And Lord, while You have promised us trials, You have promised us Hope and an eternal life with You. Romans 8:18 says "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Lord, I pray that Your will be done. I pray that healing in Your desires be placed upon those that experience depression and anxiety. I pray these things and those without words, in Your name. Amen.