Freedom from Depression Is Possible ... Even For You - Today Can Be Different

Have years of depression caused you to believe God no longer has a purpose for you? Are you convinced your dreams of accomplishments will never come true? Do you fear you’ll never have healthy relationships again?

I’ve been there.

  • So depressed that I couldn’t possibly envision God using me as a blogger and newspaper columnist.
  • So disappointed in myself that I stopped believing I could accomplish any of the goals I’d set for myself.
  • So needy that most of my friends found it hard to hang out with me.

Life became more and more overwhelming. Despite my years of emotional turmoil and suicide attempts, however, God never gave up on me – hopelessly depressed, loser me.

God will never give up on you, either.

As I write this, I’m asking God to give me words to encourage you—words that will get you past this fearful, uncertain, hopeless moment. I want to assure you, based on Philippians 1:6 (AMPC), that you have a powerfully compassionate Father Who will never stop working in you.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

God knows you. He knows your strengths, and He knows your weaknesses. At this very moment, while you’re wondering if you have a reason to live, God is working in you. He wants you to experience the joy of accomplishments. To enjoy healthy relationships.

To laugh again.

Right now, this may seem more like a faraway dream than a real possibility. It seemed that way to me too. I prayed and prayed for stability, but it didn’t happen overnight. It took years. In time, however, as I got counseling and continued to cling to God’s Word, I experienced small steps of victory. Eventually, I was free from depression and suicidal thoughts. (I’ve written several articles about this on my blog.)

God wants to give you stability by giving you purpose and significance. Spend time with Him. Read His Word as often as you can. And every time your mind begins to race with despairing thoughts, remind yourself that God will never stop until He brings His work to full completion … in you.

(If you’re in a mental health crisis, dial 988 and speak to a trained counselor. This nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.)

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

  • How can we pray for you?

If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be tickled if you would consider sharing this post.


Editor's Picks

  • featureImage

    Making This December 26 Better Than Last Year's - Today Can Be Different

    The more we draw near to and worship Him, the more we’ll become aware of how much He loves us and has intervened in our circumstances. The more we become aware of all He has done for us – and in us – the more we’ll experience healing from our pain and anger. Eventually, we’ll experience a joy we haven’t known for a long time.

    3 min read
  • featureImage

    Did You Know?

    The Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know” asks Mary, the mother of Jesus, a series of questions. “Did you know your baby boy would one day walk on water? Give sight to a blind man? Calm a storm? Rais…

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    What the Angels Said — Carol McLeod Ministries

    Angels are an intrinsic and dynamic part of the Christmas story. Christmas simply would not have occurred without these God-sent messengers from heaven. We don’t know if the angels were clothed in flowing, white robes, if they had a halo that sparkled, or even if they flew with wings into the Christ

    7 min read
  • featureImage

    The Mall or the Manger?

    Much has changed since the God of the universe decorated the night sky with the star of Bethlehem and directed the choir of angels in a chorus announcing the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. But the commercialism doesn’t have to rule in our hearts and homes. This year let’s focus on the Christ Child and remember the true meaning of the holiday season. As we turn our eyes to the Babe in the manger, we will not view Christmas as a dreaded obligation or a major retail event. It will be a time of joyous celebration, honoring the One Who came to give us eternal life and worshipping our Heavenly Father.

    4 min read