THE FEELING OF SINKING INTO THE DEEP

The Feeling of Sinking into the Deep

THE FEELING OF SINKING INTO THE DEEP

The feeling that there is something wrong with you. The feeling that something is pressing on your chest and it wants to pull you down into the abyss. The feeling of overwhelming sadness that no matter what you do, you keep failing to bring the light back into your life. The feeling of sheer emptiness causing loss of or more eating, trying to do away with or fill up to feel whole again. The feeling of sadness, even if you try to figure out why and there is no real reason, because you have all you need. The feeling of wanting to curl up in a ball-stay home alone-stay in bed. The feeling no one cares, even though you know that is not true. The feeling you just want to sit and stare into space, not feeling or thinking about anything or anyone. The feeling you are not worthy to live this life, because you don’t think your life has any value or meaning to others. The feeling that you don’t want to participate in activities that you have always enjoyed before and had interest in. The feeling of hopelessness. The feeling that you have become very negative about everything. The feeling you can’t remember things or function or concentrate. The feeling of fatigue that affects you mentally and physically. The feeling you can’t talk to anyone about how you are feeling because it will bring so much judgement. The feeling that this earth would be better if you weren’t in it. The feeling of wanting to sink into the deep and never surface again.

These are some feelings of depression. I have had some before and I am sure you have too.  My husband suffered with depression for ten years, two of those years in bed 24-7. My husband even came to the point of neglecting his hygiene; not showering for days on end. Feeling sad-depressed is a normal reaction to certain events in life such as the death of a loved one, work issues, financial problems, isolation from family, health problems causing you to not be able to function normally, ending of a relationship or any number of other things that we can be incumbered with in this world. These feelings are normal, a part of us, a part of being human. (There is a book in the Bible called Lamentations, after all!)

 The problem comes when we find ourselves feeling these feelings for 6 months or more and they seem to intensify, even causing some to lean towards suicide. When this happens, a medical professional can help. Years ago, people who were depressed were thought to be possessed by the devil. They were put in irons in prison, beaten, starved, subjected to bloodletting, electrical shock or put into deplorable crazy houses, (as they were called.) In the 50’s, there were antidepressant drugs introduced. Depression was starting to be known as a medical condition-a chemical imbalance.

 In the past, these feelings were thought to be something that a person should be able to cure themselves and it was wrong to seek medical help if you were a Christian. But that is NOT true. Depression can be a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetic vulnerability, stressful life events. Seeking medical help and Christian counseling to talk through your feelings and getting medicine to help control them, is a must if you find yourself in depression for a long period of time. NOTHING to be ASHAMED of!

I was in a “funk” recently. It has been a year since I have seen my daughters’ family, my grandkids, my son-in-law. They are growing up without their Nana. I felt deep sadness. Also, my dad moved into my home. My life has changed dramatically. So many responsibilities, needs and doctor visits. But God has helped me through His Word and special friends, to work towards healing. Isn’t that what we are to do when we go through a trial? Isaiah 26:4 tells us “Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Or as some versions say “Rock.” Go to Him first! He is so strong to uplift us if we just reach out to Him. I am guilty of trying to figure things out by myself and THEN turn to God. I could have saved myself so much aggravation and stress if I would have just looked upward to heaven, instead of downward to this earth! Go to God’s Word and search for help. Here are a few verses which I have turned to which have led me to healing and peace.

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps, He has put a new song in my mouth-Praise to our God; many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord.”

Psalm 34:17-18 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near, to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

1Peter 5:6-7 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Matthew 11:28 (Jesus is speaking) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

When you feel the deep pain of depression, turn to these verses and let them sink into your heart deeply to help sooth your heart and soul.

There are so many other verses to lean onto. Great people of the Bible suffered with this illness. Seems like I turn to the book of Psalm and hear David, who shares his honest heartfelt feelings with us and his cries out to God. Elijah in 1Kings 19, is depressed when he was on the run and God’s angels minister to him. There are other examples too. God lets us know through these examples, that being depressed is normal. It is part of living in this broken world. Jesus shared His pain to God in the garden, “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:44) Jesus gives us the example of turning to God in deep heart felt prayer. God has created men and women with the knowledge to help heal the brokenhearted and the scientists who can create the medicine that can help. God also shares with us His healing power, the way to peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God’ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” And verses 8-9 “…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Come to God as you are in your agony. Reach out to others. Start a journal and write out your feelings. Think on positive instead of negative. There are more people out there that suffer with depression than we think, because they are ashamed to let others know their pain. After and during the pandemic, it was predicted that 25% of people were affected with depression, throughout the world. Use the God given resources we now have for this epidemic of deep pain.

When you feel that you are sinking into the deep abyss of depression, reach out to God and He will lead your steps to healing. When you realize those feelings, you have that you are sinking into a deep depression, reach out. You are not and have never been alone!

Till next time!

                                                 Keela

(I want you to know readers, that I am here for you. I don’t always have the answers, but I can listen and not judge. I don’t have medical training, just life and God training and I keep things people tell me close to my heart and do not share. You can contact me at: keelight@sbcglobal.net)