Perfect peace in the grip of depression
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3In my thirty-one short years that I’ve walked this earth, I have come across far too many people, friends and family alike, living with the agonizing darkness of depression. Too many. And every single one that finds enough courage to share their pain with me acknowledges the common denominator, the single thing that they all share in their struggle: darkness. Overwhelming, heavy darkness.When I think of the word “darkness”, my mind instantly runs to the spiritual realm. Satan, the enemy of God and the tormentor and deceiver of man, dwells in darkness. He is clothed in darkness. He prowls around like a lion seeking someone to devour…in darkness. I believe with all of my heart that depression is one of his most crafty weapons that he uses against God’s children. If he can only convince us of hopelessness, we will forever reside there. In hopeless darkness.Having never personally walked this road myself, I can only empathize with the pain of those who have. I can only weep with them, pray for them, fight alongside of them. I can intercede for those who can’t seem to lift up their head to gaze out of the pit of darkness that they’re stuck in. And I can believe in and stand upon the promises of God’s Word. He grants PERFECT PEACE to anyone whose mind is fixed and focused on Christ. I can claim this promise for the hurting and broken. Because the mind who is steadfast on the Lord is the mind of one who trusts in the Lord.The truth is that all hell could break loose in our lives…today, tomorrow…yet we could still be found dwelling in perfect peace in the midst of it. I’m not saying that it’s easy. I’m not suggesting that it’s natural. I’m telling you that it’s possible. For those of us who have been called to walk beside someone, anyone, who battles the darkness and overwhelming despair of depression, it is our honor and responsibility to believe that God is who He says He is for not only ourselves, but for the downcast as well.When they can’t utter a word in prayer, cry out to God for them. When they can’t lift up their head, lift up yours and know that your help (their help) comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth. When they can only weep, weep with them. And when they can receive words of truth, SPEAK THEM. Perfect peace is available for those who fix their focus and gaze on the God of Heaven. Light in the midst of darkness. He is always faithful to fulfill His promise. Believe it today.