Living Amazed

Pressing Through
Depression is a serious state that we can fall into if we are not careful. I fully acknowledge that there are levels of depression that require medical attention. I am in no way discounting the extreme that depression can bring. I have been so close to falling into the pit of depression throughout different periods of my life, and by the grace of God, I have been able to press through.
In discussing depression, I think about the bleeding woman that Jesus healed in Luke 8:42b-48. She had been bleeding for twelve years. When I put myself in her shoes, I can only imagine that I would have felt some level of depression.
In the setting of this scripture, Jesus was welcomed by a crowd of people. Take in the scene....v42b "As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. v43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. v44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. v45 'Who touched me?' Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you' v46 But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me, I know that power has gone out from me.' v47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. v48 Then he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
This scripture reminds us of the importance of pressing through our obstacles to the other side of a healing miracle. This woman was determined to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, and she did not give up despite the crowd. She demonstrated great faith in believing that if she could but touch him, she would be healed.
What I have learned in close calls with depression is that I must actively press through by meditating on the right things, surrounding myself with the simple things I love and praying for the light to fill the darkness that tries to take over my soul.
When depression tries to attack, do not passively wait for the miracle to come, press through and be more determined than ever to take hold of the healing.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I want the extreme level of faith of the bleeding woman. If I am app to get close to falling into the darkness of the pit today, grab me, get my attention and pull me away from the edge. Give me light to see the miracle You have awaiting me. In Jesus' Name ~ Amen.