So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
(Luke 24:15-16 NKJV)
Darkness engulfs our days. Like the sun slipping away earlier and earlier each day, we find it difficult to grasp onto hope. Pain envelopes us with its tentacles. Defeat covers us at night and greets us each morning. A tear-soaked pillow cradles our head as we contemplate life…and death.
I cry out to God once again. “Where are You?” No reply. Why doesn’t He answer? I know Hebrews 13:5 is still true:
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I seek His presence, but He evades me, or so I believe.
Friend, that was me in the spring of 2016. I have tasted the sour cup of depression during the holidays too. As I stand on the other side of the icy waters that threatened to drown me, I want to send you a life preserver. Grab it and hold on. But I can’t reel you in. You must do that yourself.
I recognized the pit I had fallen in. Depression was a familiar foe. I couldn’t get to the doctor for anti-depressants until after the Memorial Day weekend. How would I survive? I completely cleared my schedule, which was overloaded. I emersed myself in the Bible and some books written by Christian women, survivors of depression.
Our focal verse comes from the passage about two men walking the seven-mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were grieved, discouraged and confused by the death of their beloved Lord on the cross. Jesus joined them, but their eyes were restrained from recognizing Him. It is the same way I cannot feel Christ when depression holds me captive. The same for you too, sweet friend.
As Jesus walked with the two men, He expounded all the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:27).
Still unaware of the identity of this stranger, they constrained Him to join them in their home for a meal. As Jesus took the bread and broke it, their eyes were opened. Immediately, Jesus vanished (Luke 24:30-31).
Friend, as I lingered in the Word, the living Word made His presence known to me. Depression blocks our view like spiritual cataracts. We can’t see light or the Light of the world. As difficult as it is, and it is difficult, we must remove our blinders.
Depression looks inward. Faith looks to Jesus.
My prayer today is that you will put these broken pieces back together. Emerse yourself in the Bible and prayer. Of course, please seek professional help. But don’t let go of that life preserver. Jesus hasn’t left your side. Fix your eyes on Him and allow Him to rescue you.
Lord, my heart is so heavy with pain. I want this hurt to stop hurting, but I realize I must focus on You and not my disappointments and discouragements. Help me do that Lord. Deliver me from this anxiety and depression in the name of Jesus! I claim victory in Your name. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Luke 24:13-35.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+24%3A13-35&version=NKJV
HIKING THE TRAIL
Don’t try to beat depression without medication. I began medication again in 2016, and I continue them today. Sometimes, God wants us to use the gifts of medication that He has given the medical world. You are a beloved and cherished child of God. Don’t allow the enemy to win by taking your life. Seek help, please!
RELATED RESOURCE
Learn more about my personal experience with depression in my book, Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feelings and Our Faith
Originally posted on November 30, 2023 @ 5:12 pm
It was so nice to read what you shared today. Very encouraging!!
Thanks so much.
Love the life preserver example. It does not matter if it tossed in the water 1 time or 100 times. It is useless unless I grab onto it and allow Jesus to pull me to shore.
Thank you ☺️