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Listen while you read: "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"1 (Lyrics) |
Psalm 34:17 – The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. (NIV)
1 John 5:14-15 – This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him. (NIV)
Depression and anxiety are mental health disorders, and millions of people throughout the world suffer from them. They do not discriminate or show favouritism, and there is no shame in admitting to having a mental health condition. We need to talk about it openly.
Recently, I was faced with a family crisis and God's divine intervention was required.
My daughter suffers from depression and anxiety. She had been doing well over the past few years, but when she became engaged in a family conflict, she was unable to cope, and her stress and anxiety levels increased. Upon realizing this, I asked if I could drop by so that we could talk, and she agreed. As I drove across town, I asked God to touch my lips so that I would say the right words. I also prayed for a sign, because I needed help.
As I prayed, there appeared in my vision the face of a pastor friend whom I know and trust, and my heart leaped for joy. I asked my daughter if she would be willing to speak to a friend who was a pastor, and she answered, "Yes!" I called, and my heart felt as if it would explode with gratitude when this friend answered. I explained to my friend why I was calling. She said, "Yes, I have a few minutes. I will speak to her." I listened as these two strangers talked. At the end of the conversation, my daughter was calm and relaxed. About fifteen minutes later, she said, "Mom, thank you. My conversation with Pastor Ruth felt like lancing a boil."
We are told, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2 NIV) Pastor Ruth provided spiritual support to my daughter, and I will be forever grateful to her for her kindness!
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)
Who will you call when you need help? When we need medical, mental, physical, or spiritual advice or counselling, it's good to seek help from professionals. But I pray that your first call will be to God!
Prayer: Dear Lord God, we thank You for hearing our cries for help when we call to You. We thank You for sending us the right people to help us through our difficulties. It is in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen!
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A good reminder, Yvonne.
Funny you knew who to call!!
Thank you for that. It was so uplifting.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. To God be the glory! Blessings.
Thank you for sharing your story and prayer does make a difference. God is in the healing business, and He can heal our minds too.
Thank you, Yvonne, for your devotional message. How true!
So many times we fret about something, but our Lord is just “there” for us.
Yvonne, What a touching and powerful testimony of God’s guidance! Your example helps me remember that He’s truly listening to our heart cries, and He answers. We are not at the mercy of the world’s limited resources. May your family be strengthened in faith because of His faithfulness.
Thanks, Yvonne, for your positive words today. It was good to hear your daughter got the help that was needed, and I pray all goes well for her future. Yes, it is good for us to seek help when we are faced with unpleasant circumstances and seeking God’s help and following His word certainly gives us help and solace in our situations. Blessings for your good and encouraging words.
Good morning, Yvonne,
God is always on speed dial. He is faithful and also provides wisdom for contact with professionals.
Thank you for sharing and I am happy that your daughter received what she needed to hear from the pastor. God is good.
God bless.
Yvonne,
Thank God for Pastor Ruth but thank God for a Mom who has the kind of relationship with her daughter that you have. Had you not had that relationship your daughter would most certainly not have listened. You, your daughter, Pastor Ruth, and God obviously make a great team.
Thank you for sharing via your devotional.
(Texas)
Dear Yvonne,
Thanks so very much for sharing that wonderful story of God’s guidance.
And that you obeyed God’s prompting. He is such a wonderful, loving, Heavenly Father if only we would learn to listen to Him.
May God continue to bless and heal your daughter completely from all that she struggles with.
Thanks again for your devotional. Keep writing, and God bless you.
Dear Yvonne,
Thank you so much for your devotional! I have a daughter with anxiety and depression and I often despair in how to talk with her. Your words and the word of God have strengthened and encouraged me.
God bless,
(South Carolina)
Thank you, Yvonne, for sharing your family story to encourage us. My daughter struggles with similar issues and this is very helpful.