Only God can intervene. He gives me glimpses of hope and occasional moments. Hours. Sometimes a day or two of beautiful, bright light shining from the typically shuttered eyes of the young man I love and adore. Once upon a time, mirth danced in those eyes but the child disappeared behind the dark shadow of depression, and now every beat of my issues a prayer.

Please, Lord, have mercy. Give him your peace today.

Is Your Loved One Battling Depression?

When you fight depression on behalf of your child, it’s as if a sword has pierced your own heart. You can’t bear your child’s cross despite the desire to free him of its burden. I would willingly take on depression, once my own companion, if it meant my son could live liberated. 

But only God can lift the load so I continue in my prayers.

Please, Lord, have mercy. Give him your peace today.

[bbctt tweet=”How deceptive is the Shadow’s call, luring one deeper until little else can be heard-except for the small, still voice of Truth.#depressionawarenessmonth”]

Maybe depression holds you or your loved one captive. How deceptive is the Shadow’s call, luring one deeper until little else can be heard—except for the small, still voice? The voice of Truth reaching out. I will never leave you nor forsake you. 

But how does one fight when strength is diminished? And how do mothers, wives, and sisters wage war against depression as we support those we hold dear?

[bbctt tweet=”How does one fight when strength is diminished?#fightdepression#depressionawarenessmonth”]

 

Three Keys to Battling Depression

 

There are three keys to remember when battling depression whether you’re struggling, or you are storming the gates of heaven for a loved one. They are: Position, Practice, and Power.

Position

Ephesians 2:6 tells us that “He raised us up with Him and seated us in the heavenly realms with our beloved Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King.” (The Voice) Despite what we know of ourselves, regardless of our sinfulness, God sees us as pure and holy through the sinless nature of Christ-at least once we received Him through faith.

Our position, then, is one of strength. Through our weakness, He is made strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

[bbctt tweet=”If He is faithful to me, He will be faithful to my son and He will be faithful to you.#depression#mentalhealth”]

While I long to see my son delivered from depression and fail to understand why God hasn’t answered years of prayer, I know He is faithful. If He is fathful to me, He will be faithful to my son and He will be faithful to you.

Whether or not this mother’s prayer is answered this side of heaven, my son is seated with Christ. He is promised

• life abundant (John 10:10)
• that he will bear much fruit (John 15:5)
• his needs will be met (Philippians 4:19)
• God’s presence (Hebrews 13:5)

eternal life (John 3:16)

These, too, are the precious promises that belong to you as a Christ-follower. No matter the momentary struggles we face, victory is ours through Jesus. There is more to life than what we experience here and now.

 

Practice Praise and Prayer

 The practice of praise and prayer are essential to overcoming depression. If you’re suffering from depression, journaling prayers or reading through the Psalms can be a              comfort. Many of them were written by David, who understood the darkness of depression.

Psalm 42 is one of my favorites.

Praising God seems like an odd suggestion, but research supports what God knew from before time began. Fostering a heart of thankfulness or gratitude increases happiness. Reciting a few favorite Bible verses, naming people for whom we’re thankful, or listening to a favorite playlist moves our focus heavenward and helps us maintain an eternal perspective.

Feel free to start with my Praise and Worship playlist.

Power

Depression is powerful. It can cloud judgment and steal joy, but I have news that sometimes gets lost amid the struggle.

• God is bigger.
• God is stronger.

God is more powerful.

I know there will come a day when “He will wipe away every tear…and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

What joy awaits!

[bbctt tweet=”That is the last tear you’ll ever cry, child.#hope#mentalhealth”]

Comfort If You or Your Child Battles Depression

Just as I stooped over my child after he’d skinned a knee years ago, our Father will kneel by you and me, gently gathering the last bit of sadness on the edge of His thumb and whisper, “That is the last tear you’ll ever cry, child.”

Power and might are in His hand.

Depression is painful. I wish my tears could wash it away. For now, I’ll press on recognizing my own position in Christ–along with that of my son–as I daily practice praise and prayer. Above all, I cling to the truth that I serve a God of power who renews, restores, and resurrects.

Peace and grace,
Tammy

This is Depression Awareness Month. If you or a loved one struggles with depression and you haven’t asked for help, reach out to a trained Christian counselor or therapist. Besides your local church, SAMHSA and the DBSA Alliance can provide helpful resources. As always, please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can pray for you.

 

 I often link up with the following wonderful bloggers:

Mondays   InstaEncouragements/  Mandy and Michele, Kingdom Bloggers,

Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,

Wednesdays   Worth Beyond Rubies, Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/

Thursdays Heart Encouragement  /  Tune In Thursday  /Salt and Light /  Five Minute Friday

Friday Faith on Fire, Blogger Voices Network, Grace and Truth Linkup