Is there anything more depressing than a blog post about depression? Well, here goes.
I don't want to drown on and on about how hard my life is and be...well...depressing. However, I do want to share God's goodness, miraculous provision and how he was my "every-present help in my time of need." So today begins a multi-part series about my journey with depression. Using journal entries, emails to close friends, scriptures and a-ha moments, I hope to be transparent in hopes of encouraging others. Maybe you don't struggle with something like this, but chances are you know someone who does.
Psalm 71 is a passage that perfectly describes my journey with depression. It still is a passage that I pray. Whenever I read the word "enemy" or "accuser," I would substiute "depression" or "Satan."
Psalm 71
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
7 I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
9 Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.
11 They say, “God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him.”
12 Do not be far from me, my God;
come quickly, God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
you who have done great things.
Who is like you, God?
20 Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once more.
for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I whom you have delivered.
24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
have been put to shame and confusion.
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{My Psalm 71 Journey} is a blog series that journals my struggle with depression. By honestly sharing my story, I will describe the highs and lows, the encouragement, my treatment decisions and how God has met my needs--bringing His glory to my unglorious situation of depression.
CANT WAIT!
All glory be to God!
Love you.
Posted by: Rachel Reeves | May 15, 2013 at 01:14 PM
I have been wondering and waiting. So happy and thrilled for you to take this journey here on your blog and share with others. God is Good!
Posted by: Tasha | May 15, 2013 at 02:10 PM
I am SO ENCOURAGED by YOUR courage in sharing about these struggles! I, too, have dealt with depression in my adult life, and I am thankful when others talk openly about it. God is gonna do something ROCKIN' AWESOME with these blog posts, girl!!!
Posted by: Wonder Mom | May 16, 2013 at 04:18 PM
((hugs)) from another Mommy blogger that deals with depression. Love and prayers!
Posted by: Amber Dover | May 18, 2013 at 04:17 PM
your articles are so good and waitting your more in the future.
Posted by: allen | September 23, 2013 at 07:46 AM