I have struggled with the darkness of depression nearly all of my life. It's hard to do life when I am depressed and it's hard to feel God's presence. I lean on one truth that I may feel far from God; He is not far from me. Matter of fact He is closer to me when I am struggling than when I'm not struggling.
Scripture:
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Devotional:
Depression is not just sadness. It’s a heavy, lingering weight that dulls even the brightest joys. It can make the morning feel like a mountain and the night feel endless. It can isolate, paralyze, and silence. And worst of all—it can convince you that God is far away.
But He isn’t.
The Bible never pretends life is easy. In fact, Scripture is full of people who battled deep sorrow—David, Elijah, Job, Jeremiah. Even Jesus was described as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Your pain is not foreign to God.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us of this beautiful truth: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Not just watching from a distance. Close. Near. Present.
Even when you feel numb, He feels.
Even when you feel alone, He is there.
Even when you don’t know how to pray, He listens.
Even when you feel like giving up, He is still holding on to you.
Depression may lie to you, but God never will. And His Word says you are loved, chosen, and never forsaken. It says He saves those who are crushed in spirit—that includes you.
You don’t have to fake joy or force a smile for God. Bring Him your pain, your fatigue, your questions, your silence. He is not disappointed in your weakness—He meets you in it.
Reflection Questions:
What lies has depression told you that you need to replace with God’s truth?
How can you invite God into your pain today—even if you don’t feel His presence?
Who could you reach out to for prayer or support this week?
Prayer:
Lord, I feel tired. Sometimes numb. Sometimes overwhelmed. I can’t always find the words, but I know You see me. Thank You for being close, even when I can’t feel You. Thank You for holding on to me when I barely have the strength to hold on to You. Help me walk through this darkness knowing You are my light, my refuge, and my healer. Amen.
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