We’ve all had days when we feel under the weather, or feel ‘down’. Some have had days when everything seems bleak and hopeless, when it seems like there just isn’t any joy in life. When nothing seems to cheer you up, or even if it does, it’s not for long. Some days when you don’t even feel like praying and just don’t have the energy to face the world or live through the day. ‘Depression’ might be a strong word for what most of us go through, but it is true that most of us have crossed paths with such situations in our life. When we battle hopelessness, pessimism, worthlessness, and helplessness and wonder if we can go on. Some manage to shake it off themselves or with help from friends and family, some others overcome it with professional help, while many just plod on, trying to cope whichever way they can.
While these scenarios may have been around since ages, it is definitely true that the pandemic has made them commonplace now. Every person around us is fighting to stay calm and positive. We are in it together, but yet we are all alone, fighting our own battles. But, if there is one support we all have, that we can all hold on to, it is our God. God’s Word reveals His love for us and assures us that even when everything around us and within us is falling apart, He is there with us, an unshakeable force, a strong tower, a rock we can stand on.
If you’ve been struggling with despair and hopelessness or depression, or know someone who is, please do read on. We’ve put together a few resources that can assure you that you are not alone. Your God is with you and so are many of us, unknown to each other but all fighting the same battle. These readings, downloadable booklets and video can give you hope, and encourage you to hold on to God and see the light at the end of the tunnel. We also have a few practical steps that can help you stand up and face life, one day at a time. We pray that these resources are a blessing to everyone who needs them.
It is trying again while knowing that God is working in you to accomplish His purposes. It is persistently pursuing God’s will for your life. God is wonderfully persistent too. He will never, never, never give up on you!
The psalmist reminds us of God’s presence and faithfulness. When he was depressed, he cried out, “Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!” God gave Him healing and comfort. As believers in Jesus, we can rest assured that the Lord will always be near.
All of us need a word of encouragement from time to time to spur us on when we are facing a major new challenge. But we also need words of appreciation and commendation as we carry out our daily responsibilities, whether at home or at work.
Click the “read more” button below to read through a few practical steps that can help you cope with and overcome depression.
In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself!
Anxiety is a burden we are not called to bear. Instead, we are to lay our concerns on Christ because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7; see also Philippians 4:6-7). If your heart is weighed down today, the Lord is ready to bear every burden you give Him.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6.
Giving up on life or feeling that life has given up on you is a battle millions of people face in struggling with depression. In this booklet, counselor Jeff Olson takes a closer look at the nature and various components of depression. Discover how you can avoid being overwhelmed by the darkness of depression and experience the light of God’s hope for your future.
How can you survive the ride through the ups and downs of life? In this excerpt of his book The Upside Of Down, author Joe Stowell shares wisdom from James 1:2 to help you gain understanding and healing in the midst of trials. Find out how you can build your faith with a new perspective on the hope and joy God gives to bring you through when the going gets tough.
