• Start Here
    • Privacy Policy
  • The Podcast
  • Spiritual Disciplines
    • Bible Study
      • Building a Bible Reading Habit: A 31 Day Gospel Reading Plan
    • Confession
    • Fasting
    • Prayer
    • Service
  • Liturgical Living
    • Advent
    • Christmas
    • Lent
      • 40 Days to the Cross: A Lenten Workbook
      • The Bible in Lent
    • Easter
    • Pentecost
    • Ordinary Time
  • Catholicism
  • Christian Living
    • Church Life
    • Hospitality
  • Latest Blog Posts

The Thin Place

Keeping The Faith During Depression

Isn’t this a peculiar season? I spent half of last week with the windows open, curled up under a blanket, enjoying the fresh Fall air. This morning, my makeup melted off my face and I’m watching a summer storm come across.

The unpredictability of the weather in Michigan this time of year means that I can count on nothing. I’m daily asking if I need to bundle and prepare for the winter ahead or enjoy little lingering bit of summer on my hammock with a book.

Fall isn’t the only season causes me to fail reevaluate where I stand and what sort of day I’ve been handed. 

I haven’t been quiet about my struggle with depression, I haven’t written about it in awhile. For the most part, it is managed well but some days, some seasons, I still wake up wondering what today will bring.

Will this be a day when I feel alive or where I struggle to fight through the fog?

Battling through depression has taught me many lessons but, perhaps most importantly, it has taught me to confront my existential crises with reality and truth. #depression Click To Tweet

Battling through depression has taught me many lessons but, perhaps most importantly, it has taught me to confront my existential crises with reality and truth.

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

It’s hard to wake up, again and again, feeling like the psalmist whose closest companion is darkness. And it’s hard to wake up wondering who the companion will be today.

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces – Isaiah 53:3, ESV

It is easy to become overwhelmed, but it’s crucial that I used these times of despair to take my mind captive to the truths of Scripture. When when I face my depression against the Word of God, I see the lies it tells me and replant in my heart the truth that withstands the storms of life.

Depression makes me feel alone, but I am not alone. 

Sorrow is an isolating thing to endure. It deceives me into believing I am not alone or that depression means I am less faithful. But the most faithful Man who ever walked the earth was called the Man of Sorrows. If this was one of the names He was given, surely He knows my sorrow intimately.

Depression makes me feel abandoned, but I am not abandoned.

God has promised that all who call upon His Name shall be saved. Although this life may be hard, I can trust that God has not abandoned me and that, in the fullness of time, these trials will become clear as I trade the weight of this sorrow for the weight of glory He has ordained.

Although this life may be hard, I can trust that God has not abandoned me and that, in the fullness of time, these trials will become clear as I trade the weight of this sorrow for the weight of glory He has ordained. #depression Click To Tweet

Depression makes me feel out of control, but I can always trust the One who is in control.

I desperately want control of my life. Depression reminds me again and again that I don’t have the control I desire of my life. I cannot control the death nor can I control how depression will affect me.

Depression sinks into my heart and mind, it pops up at unexpected times. It tries to make me believe that nothing matters, that my life is pointless, and that the state of this world will have the final say.

But none of that is true.

The suffering of depression calls me to Christ’s work on Calvary. While He hung from pierced hands, covered in blood, bearing the weight of a world full of sin, He cried out that He had been forsaken by God.

How I keep my Christian faith in the midst of depression #depression #hope #christianity #christiandepression #christian #christianwoman How I keep my Christian faith in the midst of depression #depression #hope #christianity #christiandepression #christian #christianwoman How I keep my Christian faith in the midst of depression #depression #hope #christianity #christiandepression #christian #christianwoman Christ’s words on the cross, His identity as the Man of Sorrow Isaiah foretold, it gives me hope in the midst of seasons of despair. And when I look at Him, I wonder how my struggles and pain today will look in light of eternity. #depression #christianity #Jesus #christianlife #christianwomen Christ’s words on the cross, His identity as the Man of Sorrow Isaiah foretold, it gives me hope in the midst of seasons of despair. And when I look at Him, I wonder how my struggles and pain today will look in light of eternity. #depression #christianity #Jesus #christianlife #christianwomen Christ’s words on the cross, His identity as the Man of Sorrow Isaiah foretold, it gives me hope in the midst of seasons of despair. And when I look at Him, I wonder how my struggles and pain today will look in light of eternity. #depression #christianity #Jesus #christianlife #christianwomen Depression sinks into my heart and mind, it pops up at unexpected times. It tries to make me believe that nothing matters, that my life is pointless, and that the state of this world will have the final say. But none of that is true. #Christianity #christian #depression #Jesus #christianlife #biblestudy Depression sinks into my heart and mind, it pops up at unexpected times. It tries to make me believe that nothing matters, that my life is pointless, and that the state of this world will have the final say. But none of that is true. #Christianity #christian #depression #Jesus #christianlife #biblestudy Depression sinks into my heart and mind, it pops up at unexpected times. It tries to make me believe that nothing matters, that my life is pointless, and that the state of this world will have the final say. But none of that is true. #Christianity #christian #depression #Jesus #christianlife #biblestudy

Depression sinks into my heart and mind, it pops up at unexpected times. It tries to make me believe that nothing matters, that my life is pointless, and that the state of this world will have the final say. But none of that is true. #Christianity #christian #depression #Jesus #christianlife #biblestudy

But it was in that mournful time, in the act that made Him cry out forsaken, that He was fulfilling the Father’s purpose for Him.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:8-11, ESV

Christ’s words on the cross, His identity as the Man of Sorrow Isaiah foretold, it gives me hope in the midst of seasons of despair.

And when I look at Him, I wonder how my struggles and pain today will look in light of eternity.

I might not know what today, or tomorrow, or that day after that will bring. And living with the day to day burden of depression can be hard.

I might not know what today, or tomorrow, or that day after that will bring. And living with the day to day burden of depression can be hard. So I have to remind myselves of the truth I know. Click To Tweet

Day by day, sometimes moment by moment, I can walk through my day reminding myself of the truths I cannot see. Like the saints Hebrews 11 who greeted the promises of God from afar, I can draw my attention away from myself and turn my eyes upon the Lamb of God.

Depression forces me to confront daily the brokenness of the world and the temporal nature of my life here. While it is a burden, it is one that has drawn me closer to the heart of the Man of Sorrows and reminds me daily that He has worked and is working on my behalf.

Daily, I rely on Him to help me hold those truths close to my heart when I am discouraged and downtrodden. And He does. Because even when I don’t feel it, I trust His promise that He is near to the brokenhearted.

Join 6,878 Believers
Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
Join 6,878 believers who receive weekly updates and spiritual encouragement and receive free access to the resource library and our exclusive Facebook group.
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.
Pin3K
Share147
Tweet
Share
3K Shares
Share
Join the Convo

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

The Comments

  • Married to a Pastor.Com and GodsyGirl.Com
    September 7, 2018

    I thank God for you. Your post is not only transparent, honest, NEEDED, but also practical. Depression is a real thing. We really have to have more conversations like this one so people don’t feel they are alone. God bless you for helping so many.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Married to a Pastor.Com and GodsyGirl.Com
      September 10, 2018

      Thank you. Depression is a real thing and it is such a burden to carry alone.

      Reply
  • mylittlegreenboutique
    September 7, 2018

    Depression wants to steal our hearts and fill our minds with lies. But as believers we are born again and have a new way of thinking. We are changed, fought for and worthy. Thank God we only need a faith of a mustard seed to block the lies out that depression wants to fill our lives with.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      mylittlegreenboutique
      September 10, 2018

      Yes, we need to focus on filling our minds with the truth of God!

      Reply
  • Kristin Cook
    September 7, 2018

    Amen to that, Bailey! This is so true! I struggle with anxiety, and these truths are ones I need reminding of frequently too!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Kristin Cook
      September 10, 2018

      Thank you for sharing, Kristin. This are heavy burdens to carry and it’s so important that we remember God’s truth.

      Reply
  • Jessica
    September 7, 2018

    This is beautifully written.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Jessica
      September 10, 2018

      Thank you, Jessica.

      Reply
  • Jenny Morrison
    September 8, 2018

    What a beautiful post. I have several friends who have faced the challenge of depression in their life. Taking it day by day, and calling upon the Lord has been their greatest strength. Thank You for sharing this post.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Jenny Morrison
      September 10, 2018

      It’s such a challenge but God is still good, even in our dark days.

      Reply
  • DrKLeeBanks
    September 9, 2018

    I will pray for you and for God’s continued strength and comfort as you go through this difficult time. I can relate to the struggles and challenges of our faith when circumstances of life overwhelm us.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      DrKLeeBanks
      September 10, 2018

      Thank you for your prayers.

      Reply
  • Emma
    September 13, 2018

    Thank-you this really helped me

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Emma
      September 15, 2018

      I’m so glad, Emma.

      Reply
  • Kiersten
    September 14, 2018

    Thank you. I really needed this today. I just went through a bad breakup and my depression has really flared up. It’s horrible but I’m trying to remind myself of God’s love for us. It does make things better.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Kiersten
      September 15, 2018

      It really does, Kierston.

      Reply
  • Waynna
    September 16, 2018

    Such a great topic to address for Christians & hopefully for people who are not stew where to turn when facing this.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Waynna
      September 16, 2018

      I hope that it can be an encouragement to many!

      Reply
  • Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles
    September 16, 2018

    Depression is real and sadly often overlooked. Thank you for shedding light on this subject.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles
      September 16, 2018

      It is so unfortunate that we avoid difficult subjects. I hope that by confronting it, I can encourage many.

      Reply
  • Jen Enoch
    September 18, 2018

    I have a few people in my life who deal with depression and reading the words you wrote helps me to understand their struggles a bit better. Your daily reminder to look to the Creator is a beautiful truth I will gently try to remind them of. This also encourages me to reach out to them and remind them they are loved, especially at random moments, not just special occasions. Thank you for sharing with honesty.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Jen Enoch
      September 20, 2018

      Thank you so much, Jen. I’m so glad you can use this information to help love your friends in their struggles.

      Reply
  • Carmen Brown
    September 19, 2018

    Thank you for your honesty and transparency! I battle with depression too. I too wake up not knowing what day it will be. Every morning I rise up, I have to make a conscious decision to be self aware and ready to fight against anything that will try to take my joy that day. This post was encouraging and well needed to be spoken to Christians. Depression is real and speaking about it boldly gives us the upper hand against the enemy and against our own minds. Thank you for this post!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Carmen Brown
      September 20, 2018

      It is such a struggle. I am praying that Christ strengthens your heart in this pain, Carmen.

      Reply
  • DrKLeeBanks
    October 3, 2018

    Bless you for opening up about your experience with battling depression. It is real and can be overwhelming, but constantly returning to scripture and to the Father’s loving arms certainly can help us manage and overcome the battle.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      DrKLeeBanks
      October 4, 2018

      Thank you. It can be such a battle but I think it helps to know we’re not alone.

      Reply
  • tweilbacher714
    October 29, 2018

    Yes, yes, YES!!! “I can draw my attention away from myself and turn my eyes upon the Lamb of God.” If we could all do that each and every day, so many lives would be changed!! No matter what our struggle is, or how painful, we must always turn our eyes to Jesus and focus on Him and His purpose for us, instead of our pain. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but it’s always the answer. Thank you for being so honest, Bailey. So many people need to hear your story, and that may just be the purpose for your pain – to encourage those who don’t have quite the hope of the Lord that you have. ?

    Reply
    • Bailey
      tweilbacher714
      October 29, 2018

      Thank you. God is good and I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my pain to help others.

      Reply
  • Stacy
    October 26, 2021

    Psalm 91:4 He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

    These two verses show us that it is God’s truth that we should use to fight the lies that our flesh & the enemy feeds us. His words reminds me that He is close to the broken hearted and that He has never been unfaithful to His own, so why would He start with me? I can and should trust that He is faithful. I am going through a low point in life right now, but my life is being carried by the Most High. His Spirit constantly reminds me of this truth. Thank you for posting this – we don’t have a High Priest that doesn’t know what we are going through, so we can run boldly to Him. I will pray for your struggle with depression. May God bless you & yours!

    Reply
related posts

You May Also Like

Reminders for When I’m Unsure of What God is Doing

March 11, 2019

Finding Fall

October 24, 2016

Being Romanced By God in Life’s Desert Places

August 21, 2017
Hello, I’m Bailey
about me

Hello, I’m Bailey

The Thin Place was born out of a season of struggle. A season where I felt stretched thin and desperately longed to see the goodness of God in the land of the living. The goodness of God showed up in unexpected ways. During that season, the spiritual disciplines laid out in Scripture, the traditions of the Church, and the reminders of His faithfulness seen in liturgial living and the feasts and seasons of the Church calendar all opened my eyes to the hope we have in Christ.

Popular Posts

6 Habits To Start Your Morning Routine Like The Proverbs 31 Woman6 Habits To Start Your Morning Routine Like The Proverbs 31 Woman87K Total Shares
Pray Like Hannah and Give It to GodPray Like Hannah and Give It to God23K Total Shares
5 Important Ways to Pray for Your Husband5 Important Ways to Pray for Your Husband14K Total Shares
7 Spiritual Goals You Need To Start Setting Today7 Spiritual Goals You Need To Start Setting Today13K Total Shares

Products

  • Building a Bible Reading Habit: A 31 Day Gospel Reading Plan $15.00

Follow on Instagram

…
Unable to communicate with Instagram.

Copyright Bailey Suzio 2022 Site Powered by Pix & Hue.