THE VOICE OF DEPRESSION

To Listen: Overflowing Hope Podcast Link Below

https://overflowinghopewithdrjamesdallen.buzzsprout.com/

Over the next few weeks, we will discuss depression, anxiety, and grief—common robbers of our joy and peace.   

If you have not listened to Lauren Daigle—nearly 300 million others have heard it on YouTube. Why? It speaks to emotional pain. It speaks to hurt. It speaks to depression. Listen to some comments about this song—

I’m 11 and have been going through abuse for almost my whole life, which led me to have thoughts of suicide, and listening to this song, reminding me about God, just brings me faith and hope to continue my life.

I’m 15 years old, and before I found God, nothing was going well for me, but after I found God’s power, my life changed!

My life isn’t going well but listening to this song gives me hope. Sometimes your family lets you down; God s always there for us guys.

I lost my big sister in a car accident the other day, and we both loved this song so much.

Listen to this young person

First time I heard this song, I was suicidal in my bathtub, contemplating another attempt. I began praying and just crying out because I just felt so worthless. Then this song came on, and I couldn’t stop crying Took another three years, but I can happily say I am now fully surrendered and a born-again Christian ️ I have never felt more loved in my life. Thank you, king Jesus, for saving me

Depression is Real. Depression hurts. Depression is not easily explained but is deeply felt. Depression is not someone wanting attention. Depression turns goodness upside down. Depression dispels joy and robs of laughter. Depression is more than being blue. Depression is not my fault. How can I pull myself up by my bootstraps when I can’t even reach UP to my bootstraps? When all I see is darkness, how do I turn around and head down the correct path? Your words are arrows in my heart! They are the fiery darts of the enemy. You have taken depression’s quiver, and arrow by arrow, you rip pieces of my heart and drop my soul to the ground. Sometimes these arrows are fired from the pulpit of a well-meaning pastor, but immature. She only wants attention. He needs to be a man and get up. She is weak. God is not the author of confusion. Maybe your daughter would not have died if you had not left the pastorate. You shouldn’t be depressed. Look at all the good around you. I brought this gift to the funeral home pastor, but it is not for you, only for the boys. Depression is not faith. Depression is a sin. 

  Pastor, you are well known in this area of Ohio; you need to get a hold of yourself—you are a poor Christian witness. You are wasting a great opportunity to show the world the hope that is in us. I think you are so depressed because you are too emotional, and your faith is weak.

Pastor, I am in your office today; I tried to take my life last night. I know you know. I didn’t see you, but I heard your voice praying at the hospital.

Depression has a silent language that is often silent to others but is shouting on the inside. Depression speaks hopelessness, and I am no good, my life is over, God can’t forgive me, I blew it for others and you, Pastor. People hate me, and I am ugly. People call me unique, but I know what they mean. I just want to crawl up in the darkness.

Other Christians tell me I just need more faith. I need to read the Bible more. I need to go to church more. At church—I am shunned. I can hear the whispers. She was in lock-up at the psych ward, and I heard an ambulance had to take her.

Pastor allowed me in the choir, but they didn’t think I should be here. I am a stain on their angelic robes. I am less than …I am unloved…I am weak…I am a failure…I am hopeless…. depression is a sin…depression is cowardly–

But God said:

Zacchaeus—I will come to your house and eat.

Woman, I forgive you—go and sin no more.

Lazarus–Come Forth

You touched my robe, and you are healed.

Elijah, rest, eat, listen. I am with you.

Peter, you are restored

Moses—I will go with you, and I will go before you

Daniel—You are not alone

You pour oil over my feet—you are in my plan

Father forgive them for they know not what they do.

Today you will be with me in Paradise

I accepted you before you were born.

I loved you before you were born.

Over the next couple of podcasts, we will talk about depression and anxiety. I will be speaking as one who has experienced depression. As one who stands behind the pulpit and knows—I am weak but mighty in God. I am not guiltless but guilt-free. I have faith, but Lord help my unbelief. 

There is a lot of ignorance spoken and believed in society and the church about depression and other issues. 

We hope to address some of them and offer help in moving toward greater emotional health.

Until next time, may you Overflow with Hope.

Over the next few weeks, we will discuss depression, anxiety, and grief—common robbers of our joy and peace. Make sure you subscribe so as not to miss an episode. Also, you can ask a question for the podcast at jamesdallen.com 

 Until next time,

May you experience Overflowing Hope