Depression: A Devotional For The Wounded Spirit Muestra

Have you ever done something you thought was unforgivable? Cheated on a boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse? Lied or cheated your way to get something you wanted? Abused someone? Or maybe you just did something wrong and are now ashamed.

Sometimes our depression or thoughts of ending our lives are because we believe we are unworthy of love and redemption. Nothing could be further from the truth, however.

King David slept with another man’s wife, and then had him murdered, yet is called a “man after God’s own heart.” In Psalms 32, he speaks about how his “bones rotted away” because he kept silent and tried to hide what he had done. You may be feeling the same. You’re in anguish because at your core you believe “I deserve this.” But Christ reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in him (Romans 8:1). The Apostle Paul reminds us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, and nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39).

The weight we feel on our soul can be a reminder that we need to come clean. Sometimes God will let us wander and break our bones until we’re willing to come crawling home, so he can mend what is broken. It’s when we hide, however, that the depression and darkness gain an even stronger hold over our lives. There is a power to what David does in the Psalms. He confesses his transgressions not only to God, but all who read them. We discover later in the book of James that “with confession comes healing.” While Christ may forgive us, healing is found through open confession.

Today’s Practical Step:

Confession is often a monumental and scary step for many of us to perform, but is essential in order to find freedom. Try to sit down with a friend, pastor, or loved one you trust (and who understands God’s grace) and let them know you need to come clean about something that’s been haunting you.

Even for those who may not understand why you’re struggling through depression, you may find it helpful to confide in someone the fact that you are hurting and don’t understand why. We can promise you that, once you confess, it will feel like a burden has been lifted.