Your hands are sweating, your heart is racing, and your brain is in overdrive. You are feeling lonely, sad, and not sure anything is going right for you. Stress, anxiety, depression, and fear are all feelings most of us are no strangers to. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and as someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, I want share my heart with you.
I have struggled with anxiety and depression for 15 years and have always tried to manage it on my own. I grew up in a Christian home and in the church, but I never knew how to humbly come before God and ask him for help. I re-dedicated my life to Christ at the age of 21 when I found my home church and a pastor who graciously understood the struggles of anxiety.
I think I finally realized this was an issue many Christians (and non-Christians) battle. I knew I could not face these battles without Christ at the center of my heart and my world. What a relief to know that I could openly talk to my heavenly father about the struggles I was facing. I often think of Paul as he wrote Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Let’s take a step back and think about Paul when he wrote these words. Paul was able to overcome his anxiety even during his own imprisonment. This makes this passage that much more inspiring for me. I don’t believe that Paul or anyone else believes Christians won’t ever face struggles with anxiety, fear or depression, but it is so encouraging that we serve a God who is almighty and in control at all times.
We can humbly and eagerly approach God with anything we are battling with. So, if you or anyone you know is facing an uphill battle today, please remember we serve an amazing, powerful God that is in control at all times – even when it hurts, even when it seems like the world is broken, and even when his plans for your life don’t seem to make much sense. Trust in him always.
Prayer when facing anxiety and depression
Lord, we humbly come before you and surrender the weight of anxiety, fear, depression, and anything else that may be crushing our spirit. When I am weighed down by my fears and worries, remind me of your power and grace. Fill my heart with peace and clarity. I trust in you God and know that I can do all things through you. Amen.
MAGGIE HUBBARD is the Director of Marketing and Donor Engagement at Moody Center. A graduate of Washburn University, Maggie’s career has been invested in helping nonprofit organizations have greater impact. She is proud to call Kansas City home.
Photo credit: Liza Summer