Are you sinking into depression?

Are you
sinking into depression or anxiety? Are you feeling guilty or ashamed because
of it?

Christians often
share with me how much they struggle with depression and anxiety, especially because
of COVID and other unsettling current events. It saddens me that they confess
their depression in a whisper because they fear of being judged by “stronger”
Christians.

Satan works
diligently to keep the shame of hopelessness and fear alive. Unfortunately, we,
the church, often fall prey to his tactics. When we feel intimidated about sharing
our struggles, we emotionally isolate ourselves from each other and miss out on
each other’s prayers and support.

Sometimes
when I read the story about Peter sinking while trying to walk on water
(Matthew 14), I see myself. Peter’s experience reminds me of the days
immediately following my discharge from the hospital after another nervous
breakdown.

I was so
scared.

I could
barely get out of bed most mornings. I prayed for confidence to step out of my
comfortable, safe “boat” in order to walk and live in the stable world. Most
days, anxiety overwhelmed me.

When Peter
began to sink, “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him,
saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”’ (Matthew
14:31 ESV).

For a long
time, I skipped over the last part of this verse because I hated the thought of
Jesus reprimanding my lack of faith. Eventually, I was able to hear Him speak
to my heart in an entirely different manner: “Sheryl, why do you doubt? Don’t
you know how much I love you? I will help you walk through this.” Sensing His
tenderness meant everything to me.

Thankfully,
God brought people into my life. Through them, I felt God’s hand reaching out
and taking hold of me. Every time someone encouraged me and prayed with me, I
was able to believe God wasn’t abandoning or giving up on me.

If you’re
sinking into depression or anxiety, I hope you’ll tell someone. Whether you
reach out with a whisper or a loud cry, it’s my hope that you’ll find us, the
church, willing to be the hands, ears and heart of Christ for you.

Sheryl H. Boldt, a Franklin County resident, is the author of the blog,
www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net. Connect with her at SherylHBoldt@gmail.com.