By Traci Marrs
We tend to come to a place of isolation especially in times of trials and seasonal darkness. Here in Alaska, we realize the darkness is going to bring a level of depression. Some thank the Lord for the Holiday’s because it’s the only light during the darkness. But for others it just makes the dark, darker.
Psalm 27:1 says “The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?”
There’s hope in January when the light begins to lengthen our day. But when our circumstances don’t seem to change, the depression only worsens as we gain daylight. We wonder ‘why, why aren’t things getting better’ and this only deepens our despair, and depression settles deeper.
Some will battle their depression with exercise, some with hobbies, some with recreation, and some with television. Some are satisfied and believe this to be the answer, but there will always be another episode of despair without the relationship of Jesus Christ. At least, this is what I’ve found over my lifetime.
Others strive for what’s better; seeking the way out of this place of despair and isolation. This, my friends, is deep calling unto deep. It’s where Jesus is. He hangs out here with you because otherwise you may not seek Him. Mary knew where to go to find peace, and that was at the feet of Jesus.
‘Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.’ (John 12:3, NASB)
What a lovely place to be!
This devotional is about those who are deep (in despair) calling unto deep (the heart of God). This is where He is knocking- it’s time for you to open the door.
When you have heard the knock of the Father, I want to encourage you to reach out to someone. Someone who will be uplifting and encouraging in the ways of the Lord, to teach you, and exhort you in relationship to the ways of God. This week I challenge you to partner with a strong believer to work through your circumstances.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (GNB) tells us, “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone… there is no one to help him… Two men can resist an attack that would defeat one man alone.”
And be prepared my friends that good advice can hurt but a healthy, godly exhortation is always necessary to bring exposure to the affliction so it can be gotten rid of. It cannot be dealt with if it stays in the darkness, protected by your fear. Be open-minded with their wisdom and knowledge of the Lord and heed their guidance.
It doesn’t feel good to hear the truth sometimes, but His Truth is the light of freedom from hurts if you come into agreement with them and seek reconciliation and healing and especially His comfort.
Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Be encouraged, you will overcome when you are spiritually guided in the ways of the Lord. Yes, it hurts, it’s uncomfortable at first. But once you get over that hump, you’re on your way to peace and joy you’ve never known existed, and you’ll hunger and desire for more!
Ecclesiastes 7:5 (TLB) tells us that “It is better to be criticized by a wise man than to be praised by a fool!”
The wise man in this verse is referring to godly counsel. I’m not talking about a counselor per say, but a person with godly wisdom. One that sees good in the things of the Lord, even when it doesn’t seem to profit you because, in the end, it profits you greatly.
“Though good advice lies deep within a counselor’s heart, the wise man will draw it out” (Proverbs 20:5, TLB).
The wise man is wise in the knowledge of God. Godly wisdom is the answer to overcoming life’s trials. So I want to encourage you to find a spiritual mentor to help you learn the ways of the Lord. Partnering with God by simply surrendering to Him so He can do a good work in you. He longs to bring you to that place, where He created you to be. A place of peace and joy so that you can go and share what He’s done for you with others that are where you’ve been before.
Traci Marrs – Psalm 84 Christians Equipping the Saints for Christian Living. For more thought provoking messages, visit http://tracimarrs.org/thoughts-invocations.
