For my daughter: She truly is my little ray of sunshine.
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Today I was reminded of one of God’s faithful promises. Today is our daughter Rachel’s 7th birthday. Which means approximately 7 years and 9 months ago I was mad at God. Wow, I bet that grabbed your attention. Have you ever been mad at God?
“My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me up!” -Psalms 63:8
After having our first child I sank into a pit of depression. I now know it was Post-Partum Depression, but at the time I was too depressed to realized I was depressed. I thought this was just the normal way new moms felt. This mental funk lasted for about 2 years. During that time, I clung to God’s word. I camped out with David in the book of Psalms. I specifically focused on the verses that spoke of God’s deliverance. I needed to be delivered from depression.
“The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” -Psalms 34:17-18
I will never forget the day I told my husband I didn’t want a second child. Mentally, I couldn’t handle it. I soon realized that God had a sense of humor, because a few days later I found out I was pregnant. I cried, but these were not tears of joy. I was mad at God.
“Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”-Psalms 30:5
I was in a deep dark pit. Every day I prayed and journaled. Slowly, I began to climb out of the pit. One-day-at-a-time, one-prayer-at-a-time. I continued to look up, continued to pray, continued to read God’s promises, continued to hope.
“When you call upon me, come and pray, I will listen to you…” -Jeremiah 29:12
God delivered me from depression! Some people are prescribed anti-depressants and others seek out counseling. As a health care professional, I know the role and the profound benefits each of these therapies provide. But I want to tell you that God and God alone delivered me from depression! Can I get a hallelujah?!
“You will seek me and you will find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you and I will bring you back from captivity.” -Jeremiah 29:13
I call Rachel my Rae Rae. She is my ray of sunshine. Through her God answered his promise in Jeremiah. Through this experience he taught me to completely trust in him. I have been in a pit of despair. I have been crushed in spirit. I have been held captive by depression. But my hope is in the One whose plans for me are to prosper. Friend no matter what you are going through, there is hope! Because after all our Father Knows Best.
~April
“May you and I be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”- Romans 1:12