COPING WITH ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION

When we first come into recovery, we may have feelings of anxiety or depression.  For some time, we have been medicating ourselves with a substance or perhaps have been involved in an unhealthy relationship which temporarily seemed to give relief from the unease we felt inside.  Now in recovery, we have given our will and our life over to the care of God and are coming to believe that there might be hope for a better life.  However, the physical change we were anticipating may not be keeping up with our expectations. We may feel oppressed by something that we cannot explain but know it causes our minds to be darkened by its presence.  If we share with those who have gone through the recovery process, we will find that we are not alone in having experienced this darkness of soul.  We need to seek God’s comfort in this situation and stand strong in the truth that Jesus has all power over heaven and earth and has rescued us from the dominion of darkness.

“Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation.  I will be honored throughout the world.”  The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.  (Psalm 46:10-11 NLT)

Because we are struggling, we may conclude that God is no longer with us or that He does not exist, and we are facing this overpowering darkness alone.  This is what the evil one would have us believe.  The Bible tells us that as children of God we cannot be outside of His presence.  He is in the highest heavens and in the lowest hell. Even though our feelings may go up and down, there is nothing that can hide us from God’s presence.  He is ever with us!

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. (Jude 24 NLT)

God’s Spirit is with us through the darkest valleys of anxiety and depression and when we get to the other side, we will give thanks that He was with us guiding and directing us all the way.

Prayer:  Gracious God, Thank You for being with me when tension and unease cause me anxiety.  I am forever grateful that You are always with me and will give me the strength to stand on the truth of Your Word and be an overcomer. Amen