Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Niehemiah 8:10, NKJV)
For the last 2 weeks, I've been fighting a battle with depression. Though it's been hard and I've had times where I've just wanted to throw in the towel, I've refused. I've refused to sink down to Satan's level. He wants me to be depressed constantly, he wants me not to look up to the Lord. After all, he knows that when I look to God, I'll be renewed in my spirit. Our text tells us not to sorrow, that the joy of the Lord is our strength. I've said several times over the last 2 weeks that "I don't have any strength left." And I don't. If I try to do it in my own strength, I'll fail; I'll be tired and weary of the fight. While I'm still battling right now, I choose to say that, "yes Lord you're my strength and I trust You to get me out of this pit." Do you have something you're facing today? Maybe it's not depression. Maybe it's unemployment. Maybe it's abuse. Maybe it's loneliness. Let me tell you ladies, the joy of the Lord is your strength. While your problems won't go away, they'll surely be easier to bare.
Lord thank You for giving us Your strength when we're tired and Thank You that we have You to call on when noone else is around. Lord we love You and we praise You.weary of this journey.
Sweet Jamie, I'm so sorry about your situation and please know that I'm praying for you. You're such an inspiration, and I love that you can encourage others as you yourself struggle.
ReplyDeleteHang in there. Love you, sweet girl!!
Jamie, I wanted to share something God gave me many years ago when I was going through a season of depression.
ReplyDeleteWeary and worn out from my journey, I sat down one day to pray; and the Master who knew my heartache, placed His hand on my head and prayed. He prayed Father, this is my daughter. Come and heal her soul today. Pour your oil upon her heartache and take all her tears away. You know how much I love you. You know I died for you and dear child, when you choose to praise me...the joy of the Lord is on the way.
Lord Jesus, we know you live to make intercession for us when we become weary and worn out and you are the one who comforts us when we are depressed. Thank you for the beautiful heart of your daughter who reaches out to encourage others. Right now she is planting seeds of encouragement that I pray will be watered, cultivated, and blossom in her own heart, as in the hearts of others. Hugs to you, Jamie! Glenda Mills