“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or trouble, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35, 37 NASB)
After the New Year, I read an article about copyrighted works moving into the public domain, and I started crying. Really, it was more like bawling; even my dog came to check on me. Another day, I burned my finger. Not a bad burn but one that just needed cold water and aloe... And I burst into tears. Then a different time, I sat on the couch and sobbed so much I could barely breathe. And I have no idea why.
I was beyond tired of crying. For months, I had felt far from God, but I called out to Him anyway and prayed, “Oh God, I’m not asking You to fix anything in my life. Honestly, I don’t even know what is broken, but I’m asking You to please take my tears away. I’m so tired of crying.” And just like that, my tears dried up. I was shocked at God’s speedy answer. Nothing else changed though, sadness was still my daily companion.
Concerned, my husband convinced me this wasn’t normal sadness. I sought professional help and received treatment. Perhaps the greatest hurdle was admitting I needed help. Unlike heart or lung problems, we tend to think we can fix our own brains through prayer or positive thinking, but, like recovering from an illness, we need outside assistance. Our brains are physical parts of our bodies. If something goes wrong with our hearts, we see a cardiologist, so if something goes wrong with our brains, why do we hesitate to seek help?
Paul says nothing can separate us from the love of God. He was speaking about terrible things that would affect those following Jesus. We might not all face those things, but we have other more subtle issues to overcome. Just because you experience depression that doesn’t mean Jesus isn’t with you. Depression will not separate you from God, and He has provided ways for you to find the help you need because He loves you.
Dear Lord, I pray that anyone experiencing depression be encouraged to accept Your love and provision for healing through medical professionals, therapists, etc. After all, even Paul called the gospel writer Luke “the beloved physician,” so we know You endorse this profession (Col. 4:14 NASB). Thank You for providing for both our spiritual and physical needs.