As she opens her eyes, she feels her stomach sink. Another day lies before her, and she’s just not sure if she can take any more. Groaning, she sits up while brushing the hair out of her eyes. Inwardly she wonders, “How did I get here?” Remembering when she looked forward to waking up each day, she thinks about the slow spiral into the pit of despair she is in. Gone is the drive to make a difference in someone else’s life. She doesn’t feel the desire to better herself either. The dashboard of her life blinks in bright letters: SURVIVAL MODE! She’s on auto-pilot. Putting forth no more effort than is absolutely necessary, she goes through the motions. Depression envelopes her every thought and action. Looking through jaded eyes, she finds no pleasure in living any more. Her goal for each day is simply to survive for the next 24 hours.
Survival mode. Have you ever been there? It’s a “gray” place, where flowers don’t bloom and the sun no longer shines. Life has lost its luster. Quite frankly, areas of life that used to seem important no longer matter to you. Maybe the appropriate word for what you feel is…numb. It appears that you no longer have the capacity to feel happiness.
During times such as this, one of two things will happen. You will reach out to God, or you will allow the waves of despondency to capsize your boat. In turn, you will drift farther and farther away from the peaceful shore of God’s presence. Do you find yourself drifting today? The good news is, there is hope for you! Read with me, if you will, Psalms 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” The presence of God is the answer you’re seeking. Notice it says that you can find complete joy in His presence. Staying close to Jesus, whether the way be rough or smooth, will bring a joy that you will find nowhere else.
I have experienced severe depression, requiring several trips to the hospital. What I offer to you today is not a pill, or a quick fix, although some situations do require medical intervention. When all is said and done, when the pill bottle is empty and the doctor is gone, Jesus will still be there. Your problems may still hang over your head like a dark mist that you can’t see through, but God’s peace is not based on outward circumstances. He promised a peace that surpasses human understanding.
God delights in making all things new. In fact, he’d love to make a trade with you.
Isaiah 61:3 “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness….”
Bind yourself to the Lord today. Raise your head, spread your wings and fly. It’s been too long since you’ve felt the wind of God’s spirit lifting you up to where you belong. You weren’t created to merely survive … You were created to be more than a conqueror!
You reached right into the thoughts of many people. It may have been the hardest thing for you to share, but it will minister to many lives. Thanks.
Sis. Amber, its not easy being vulnerable and writing something like this that is so personal.
I also have been there, my SURVIVAL MODE was my children they were the ones that the Lord kept bringing to my mind. God helped me also, it wasnt friends or pills…..and there is nothing wrong with either. But in a person life, God is the true healer.
Thank you again.
Thank you, Sister Kleiman.
That is very beautiful, honest, and true! So nice of you to share, I hope that will touch many lives even in the reminder form so many of us need!
Thanks
Sis. Kleiman, thank you so much! Some things you feel are not to be shared because people expect certain things from you but YOU had the courage to speak for and to us. It also lets me know that I am not alone. I love and appreciate you!
Thanks for your taking not only the time to write these blog messages but for also sharing something so personal and inspiring. God Bless YOU!
Hi Sis. Amber! WOW did I need to hear that today! I had a wild, crazy, holy cow day at work today…and I was totally in survival mode when I got home. To be honest…I even jumped into bed and cried for a few minutes!!! Towards the end of the night…I found myself giving Reed a bottle…and just singing to God that song…”As the deer panteth for the water…so my soul longeth after You…You Oh Lord are my hearts desire and I long to worship You!” The peace of God that entered my room at that moment…was unsurpassable! THANK YOU JESUS for your peace in the storm. Thank you Sis. Amber for you open and humble heart towards God!
Thank you for your very real words. May Jesus bless you and fill you with all joy. I love you so very much. You have the capacity to unlock healing words.
This article describes the day to day life of a lot of people. I have even lived there myself. Thank you for ministering.