This Season of Depression Won't Last Forever
- Darcie @ Leighton Lane
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."—Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
It was a miserable, humid August day, and I broke a sweat while walking to the mailbox. I fumbled through the typical junk mail when I noticed a card with no return address or stamp. It simply had my first name written in an elegant script.
It wasn't my birthday or any other celebratory occasion. Instead, it was an agonizing season of relentless depression, insomnia, and anxiety. As the new mom of a baby boy, I had envisioned this season quite differently than it turned out. It all started when I woke up in a mental hospital due to a rapid onset of postpartum psychosis in early July. In the aftermath, I couldn't pull myself together. Instead, I fell apart.
My friend next door took the time to write me a note of comfort and encouragement, and she ended it with the beautiful words of Isaiah 41:10. I placed the card on my nightstand and read the verse repeatedly, hoping it would permeate my heart and heal my mind. Instead, the words sometimes frustrated me, especially in the middle of the night when sleep eluded me, and anxiety welled in my chest. I would question God instead of praising him.
Where were you then? Where are you now? And if you are here, why won't you fix me?
The darkness bared my soul. Although I was ashamed about my attitude and felt far from being a good Christian at times, God revealed that He expected nothing less. It was time for me to break, fall fast, and be weak so God could strengthen, help, and hold me upright. This journey of faith transformed me, and it can do the same for you.
Healing came when I took the opportunity to spend more time with God and let go of the quest for needing all the answers (Proverbs 3:5-6). I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal the lessons He wanted me to learn. He reminded me of the people in the hospital who changed my perspective on many levels and humbled me to the core. I watched some of my new friends go from hurting, hopeless, and lost to healed, faithful, and found.
I became one of those people God restored, but it didn't happen overnight. Healing is a process, and it's okay to take your time.
One sticky, sweltering July day, I opened the mailbox and saw a card with no address or stamp. It was the first anniversary of my hospitalization. My friend wrote a note that said, "Look at how far you've come. Look at how far God has brought you. I am so proud!"
Joyful tears mixed with sweat dripping down my forehead that day. July 2nd became a day of celebration because what was meant to harm me, God meant for good (Genesis 50:20).
I wish I had a quick fix or a verse that instantly heals depression and anxiety. My advice is to draw near to Jesus like you never have before and invite Him into your every moment. Read the Word and ask the Holy Spirit to impart His wisdom and comfort. Believe what the Bible says about God's goodness, even when you don't feel good. He is with you and loves you like no other.
Friend, I promise this season of darkness won't last forever.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Have you ever heard of a dark night of the soul? It is often described as an intense time of introspection and questioning everything you know and believe. Many Bible characters went through these dark nights. God usually uses this intense season to grow our faith and dependence and transform our minds. I know it is difficult to see any good coming from the depression and anxiety you battle, but lean into God and ask Him to reveal what He wants you to learn from this trial.
2. Have you tried exercising to boost your mental health? I know you have probably searched for ways to ease depression and anxiety and have seen the miraculous benefits of exercise. Trust me, I used Dr. Google in an attempt to heal myself, too. While exercise is not an instantaneous healer of the mind, walking outside helped me significantly. I talked with God and listened to music while pushing the stroller during my daily walk. The sunshine and change of scenery gave my mind a break from worry and devastating thoughts.
This articled originally published as part of the Crossmap Devotionals:
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