Depression: Be Strong in the Lord

Welcome to Real Life. What does it mean to be strong in the Lord?  I wrote this one year ago while battling depression.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.[1] 

Some days, I feel strong in the Lord. I am confident that his Spirit is guiding and empowering me. I walk in victory. I feel golden. Nothing is impossible with God.

Today is not one of those days. In fact, it’s been awhile since I had one. And I could really use one. Today, the only thing I’m confident of is how weak I am. I am battle-weary. The last few months my elderly mother has endured three surgeries; including the amputation of her only leg. (She had already lost the other leg to diabetes.) Her world has turned upside down. She lost her independence, her strength, her husband’s constant presence, and her home. The air around her is heavy with grief. As I helplessly witness her agony, I ask, “Where are you, God, in all of this?”  Right now, it’s hard to find him.  I know God is good, but it does not feel like it today. 


Today, I need to be strong in the Lord ~ to rely on his strength.  My own strength is long gone. I am small and frail. However, God is almighty. Somehow his strength is made perfect in my weakness. I do not always understand it. Still, I believe it. One day I will see that he has worked out all these hard, sad things for our good. So today, I will be strong in the Lord. 

Be my strength today, dear Lord. I need you. Though I cannot see you in my circumstances, I know you are here. You are always with me. You will never leave me or my mom. By faith, I praise you for the light you will bring from this darkness and the beauty you will raise up out of these ashes. Amen.

Update:  God answered that prayer.  One year later, mom is much better.  She has more good days than bad.  She and my father now live together in a skilled nursing facility.  Still very much in love, my parents were voted the 2012 Valentine's Day King and Queen by the residents and staff at their facility.


Beauty from Ashes

Take it further …
  • Listen to “Beauty from Ashes” by Crystal Lewis and Ron Kenoly. 
  • Are you struggling with depression? See the resources listed after last week’s blog “Depression: Keep Me in My Right Mind.” 
[1] Ephesians 6:10 NIV

Comments

  1. Pat GarciaMarch 23, 2012 at 6:04 PM

    Hi Peggi,
    I read your blog and passed it along on my facebook page. It is wonderful and very well written. It touches the heart and gives courage as well as build up a person's faith.
    Thank you.
    Ciao,
    Patricia

    ReplyDelete
  2. Peggi TustanMarch 23, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    Wow, Patricia. I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog, encourage me with your kind words, and even share it on fb. You have blessed me today - thank you!
    Peggi

    ReplyDelete

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