Tears

This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears. No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit. Lamentations 1:16a (NIV)

I must say I have had many days like this one. I feel alone, like no one can help and the tears won't stop. I know I have shared this before, but I know I am not the only one who feels this way. There are many, many people who suffer from depression, that feeling of helplessness. The feeling of isolation can be profound, even when you have people close to you. I hit on this verse one day, and it was like a light bulb for me. People have suffered from depression for thousands of years! I am not alone, and this is not a "new" ailment. God put this verse in the Bible to show us He understands that we feel like we are alone. He knows we sometimes even question whether He is around. He is never surprised at how we are feeling, with what we are going through. He planned for this. He knew this verse would resonate with people throughout all time. Much is made about depression. I know people who don't think it's even real. But God knows. He is right there. Whenever I feel false guilt, whenever I feel alone, this verse, coupled with Psalm 139 lets me know that even though I feel that way, God is with me, He knows me and He has not abandoned me.

My nephew is also like this. It is hard to see a nine-year-old struggle with anxiety and be inconsolable at times, but I know what the boy is going through. I was like that at his age, too. Sometimes we think overwhelming circumstances and crushing depression targets adults, but these things are not age-discriminatory. They can affect young and old alike. Small encouragements and Bible verses that remind me that God is there whether I think He is or not help me get through those long days and nights when dark depression clouds loom overhead. If you know someone like this, take the time to encourage them. If you are like this yourself, take heart. God is near, and He will never leave you.

God, thank you for Your steadfast love. Remind me of Your unwavering character, and help me to encourage and remind those around me who You are. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher