I can do all things through him who gives me strength – Philippians 4:13

I am like most of you. I struggle with stress. I have an anxiety disorder. There have been times that my body has had no strength to even move. My body may shut down and collapse, but there is a greater strength that picks me up.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

When I get down, I feel as if there is no oxygen to breathe in. When I feel suffocated, I am blinded by the joys of knowing Jesus.

The god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, which is the image of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:4

When we become so consumed with our life and the world around us, we forget that Jesus wore a crown of thorns and his flesh, bone and muscle was broken by nails. He suffered crucifixion so that we could live.

His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground – Luke 22:44

How awful is it that I get so sad some days over minuscule stuff? Sometimes, I get sadder knowing that I am selfishly crying over the dissatisfaction in MY life when I should be praising the Lord for giving his only son for MY benefit. I should not be letting all the things of MY life take control of my attitude towards Jesus.

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him – 1 Thessalonians 5:10

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. – 2 Corinthians 5:15

I know I’m not the only one that gets sad. Often, my tears are never ending waterfalls. I have been through it all. Thankfully, Jesus lifted me out of my pit of brokenness and saved me from death and destruction. Obviously, I would probably go crazy if I did not take my anxiety medication every day. But, that’s not the medication that gets me up in the morning or that gets me smiling through all the pain that life throws at me. Jesus does.

Bless the Lord, O my soul . . . Who heals all your diseases – Psalm 103:2-3

Jesus gave us sunshine to awaken us to the beauty that surrounds us. Through nature, the Lord is able to reveal Himself, teach us, speak to us, and provide for us.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made – John1:3

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hand – Psalm 19:1

I know you are going through a lot. Your future may seem so insignificant. You may be questioning who you are, but God is better than you and better than the person you selfishly want to be. You are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you wherever you go. Trust in Him and follow the path that He has specially for you.

Kristene DiMarco sings,“I am no victim, I live with a vision. I’m covered by the force of love. Covered in my Savior’s blood. I am no orphan, I’m not a poor man. The kingdom’s now become my own. And with the King I’ve found a home.”

There is so much happiness in your journey with God. Let go of your past, present, and future.  Just live for God. You are struggling right now because this is not the place for you. This world is your temporary home. Heaven is waiting for you. The Lord has not left you. You are not abandoned. You are loved. So, smile and turn your depressed soul into a dedicated heart for God.