Depression: The Lord is Close to the Brokenhearted

Depression: The Lord is Close to the Brokenhearted As a principal of a small Christian school, one phenomenon I saw from time to time was “cutting.” Students would cut themselves, not deeply enough to do permanent damage but enough to inflict pain and leave scars. I wondered why students would “cut,” and no amount of discussion would help me understand. Until I experienced depression. A few years ago, life threw me some pretty tough blows and I began to wonder if I would ever recover. I was in so much pain physically, mentally, and emotionally that I was desperate to make the pain go away. That’s when it hit me: “cutting” was a different kind of pain. It could make the pain I was experiencing go away. I didn’t cut myself or do anything else destructive, but God used that experience to help me realize what it was like to hurt— really hurt. I decided right then and there I needed a new perspective. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Are you feeling brokenhearted? Crushed? Like you can’t even breathe? Try this: * Pray: “Lord, I’m so tired of hurting. At times, I feel like I can’t take another breath. Please bear this pain with me and let me know I’m not alone.” * Start a journal: Tell God how much you are hurting. Include a list of the good things in your life. * Make a plan to add something new to your life: Exercise, a new hobby, attend a Bible study. Sometimes you may need to seek professional help. Visit your doctor to see whether medication or counseling might be needed to help you climb out of the pit of depression. Know that God cares for you and that He will help you through this. (Barbara Hunsaker) * * * Your Turn Are you feeling brokenhearted, crushed, like you can't even breathe? Pause here to pray the prayer above, ask the Lord for a deeper revelation of His Presence with you, and ask Him to direct your path. You are invited to share your experience with depression, right where you are in your journey, with us on our blog. ~ Devotionals Daily