Depression: A Devotional For The Wounded Spirit Exemplo

Yesterday we looked at the moment in history when Jesus was forsaken on the cross. We can often look at our circumstances and logically understand Christ was forsaken, but quickly tell ourselves “yeah, but he was God.”

For most of us, we feel as though God is waiting for us to “get it together” and get out of this season of depression. This is because we hear it from other people who are trying to fix us, offering solutions, or oversimplifying the problem (just read your Bible more/pray every day). People are uncomfortable with pain, and instead of sitting with us in this season, they try to take it away or gloss over it.

Sometimes, the truth is that it can’t be taken away by simple measures. Yesterday we saw that even Jesus had to experience the pain of the cross, separation from the Father, and betrayal by his closest friends. The thing we are so often apt to forget is that during this season, Jesus doesn’t offer condemnation or judgment. He offers sympathy.

Because Jesus is comfortable entering into the hurt, whereas others are not, he’s the one who can sit with you in it, sympathize, and help you process. The author of Hebrews reminds us that Christ also took on flesh and feels empathy for our weakness because he experienced it as well.

The Psalms remind us that he’s not waiting for us to get it together, or doling out consequences as a result. His great and steadfast love helps remind us that we are not our hurt, our past, or our sins. We are beloved sons and daughters.

Today, process through the emotions you’re feeling and focus on the fact that Jesus felt many of the same things, and himself was tempted to give up. As you dwell on that thought, ask God what he feels about what you’re feeling.