As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking more about people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and loneliness. One of the devotionals I love is, “Streams of the Desert”. Yesterday the reflections talked about Matthew 14:13. “..and He withdrew… To a solitary place.” Sometimes God calls us to a solitary place. Psychologists call it depression, anxiety, or loneliness!
The devotional went on to say that certain times in our lives are like music; God creates a space for a PAUSE. Those periods of time are just as important as the musical notes themselves. We have to learn, in the times of depression, anxiety, or loneliness, to embrace the PAUSE; it is essential for the entire masterpiece. So, maybe today it is time to withdraw, and spend some time alone with the Lord, asking yourself these questions: What is HE teaching you? Where is HE taking you? And what is HE asking of you?
We don’t have to be ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid of our moments of depression and anxiety. It is just part of the melody of our lives and an important part of the bigger picture. What’s more important is it’s filling our lives with the presence of the Lord! Let’s enjoy all the blessings HE brings during those periods of PAUSE.
Today, I’m going to embrace the PAUSE!
Have a blessed day!
4 comments
Good Morning Father Craig, thank you for that message . Have a Blessed Day.
Great message! I’m in the process of preparing myself for my next surgery on Feb. 2! Praying all goes well! Amen and GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
Praying for a quick painless recovery
Buon Giorno Monsignor,
Today’s message was exactly what I needed. I’ve shared my physical ailments publicly, I believe our mind is part of our body. I prefer to call our depression and/or anxiety physical illnesses as well, by doing so in my humble opinion, it removes the stigma.
This past week stirred up my depression and my anxiety; our 4 year custody battle is over (we were granted 50/50 custody), my ex-husband ignored my calls and texts, he wouldn’t allow me to speak with our daughter, he removed all her electronics, she too was unable to call me.
Unable to support her and lift her up as she was grounded was painful, I wanted to be there for her and I was unable to do so. Loving our children and knowing they’re hurt, feeling helpless is a horrible feeling. As these past 4-5 years have been a dark painful part of my life, this week immediately took me back to how hopeless I felt. My depression was so severe I tried to leave this Earth, I’m alive by HIS grace. I’m unworthy of HIS forgiveness, but I’m truly grateful for the gift of each day.
Being able to understand the “pause,” as you so eloquently stated, helps me today. As opposed to the feeling of loneliness, despair and sadness, I normally attached myself to, it helps to know the reason. My pause is a time to reflect and seclude myself to be present with our Lord. To find a lesson through this pain, to learn to appreciate His love for me, even though I do feel shattered, unable to glue myself together at times.
Thank you for your loving kind daily inspirational messages. I know you reach thousands just like me who are broken but try to be a better person to honor our Father.
May my pause bring me closer to our Lord.
Possa la mia pausa avvicinarmi a nostro Signore
Broken but trying to use crazy glue to keep me upright
Dr. Marta Chipres