Back From A Brief Hiatus…
It’s been a while since I have gotten on to write. While I wish I could blame the holidays, my graduation from college or my move into a new house for my time away… the truth is that I haven’t been writing because I have been dealing with some mental health challenges. Like so many others, my social media only shows my excitement with these big, crazy life changes. But in reality, all the change has taken a toll on me mentally. As exciting as it is to start a new chapter, it’s still a big adjustment and it isn’t always an easy transition.
In Christian circles, I have carried a lot of shame for having depression and anxiety. There’s sometimes a stigma in the church that a poor mental health status equates to a poor spiritual life. While I acknowledge that sometimes it is more difficult to hear God’s voice amidst feelings of depression, it is important for me to remember that the cause of my depression is biochemical. It has to do more with the chemicals in my brain than my distance from the Lord. While depending on Him in seasons of depression is vital, feelings of depression don’t make us ‘bad Christians’.
Something that gives me a lot of hope in times where my mental health challenges me is that God has shown us that He uses people with imperfect mental health to do big things for His kingdom. King David wrote the Psalms which contain some of the most well known verses in the Bible, but he struggles with deep feelings of sorrow and grief. There are times when David cries out to God and wonders where He is. Yet God still calls David ‘a man after His own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14), and has him in a position of leadership.
If you’re like me and you’ve struggled with mental health, remember that it doesn’t make you a bad follower of Christ. But not bringing those challenges to the Lord and asking for His guidance can be detrimental to your relationship with Him, and keep you from the greatness He has called you to.
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:17-18
