This is something that the Lord has really been impressing on my heart lately in so many ways.
You see, last year, I went through several hard periods of busyness, difficult times with my job, stressful periods where I had put too much on myself. I hesitate to use the word Depression because I know there are some people who struggle with this greatly, but honestly, it felt like there was a black cloud hanging over my head. I would come home at night and cry. All the time.
I knew I had Jesus. I knew there was joy available to me, I just didn’t know what to do other than beg for some of it.
God pulled me out of each of those seasons and I learned a lot through them.
But something happened last week.
I worked 40 hours (which is a LOT for me in a fast-paced, on my feet all day, post-holiday retail crazy environment). I felt like I hadn’t seen home in days. There were difficult relational issues I was going through at work and several negativities popped up.
But when the week was over, I felt like I stood up on Sunday, looked back at my crazy week and my jaw dropped. Going through a week like that six months ago would have had me in tears and wishing with all my heart that I didn’t have to go back to work the next day. I would have felt overwhelmed, oppressed, depressed and crawling into my shell.
But I wasn’t depressed.
I thanked the Lord first and foremost, but as I contemplated what the difference was between now and six months to a year ago, I realized that it was all about my headspace.
I have spent the last two weeks in probably the most dedicated time of seeking the Lord on a daily basis that I ever have in my life. I felt like a cup of tea, being steeped in the Holy Spirit’s special blend. Mornings, if I was home, I would have my quiet time, times of which would be spent with a quiet heart, just listening to what God had to say. I have taken up two-way journaling, where we pour out our hearts to God and listen for what He has to say back. It has been a humbling and beautiful experience. On mornings when I couldn’t sit down before work, I would be listening to worship music while getting ready for the day.
I realized that by spending time in His presence, my mind was steeped in Him, and He gave me the strength and joy to make it through each day.
I realized that what frame of mind I am in and where my mind is fixed is so important to my mental wellbeing. Was I still stressed sometimes last week? Of course! Was I dog-tired and ready for bed? Yes. Did I still shed a tear or two at the very end of the week just from the release of all the tension? You betcha!
But, I felt raring to go the next day. I felt at peace throughout the week. I felt like He walked with me through the difficult times and guided me in how to respond. It wasn’t that he was never there before, the difference was that this time, I was looking for and acknowledging Him there with me.
So, I encourage you. Where is your head at? Are you dwelling on your worries? The things that stress you out? The issues that feel like popcorn jumping at you from every angle?
Or are you fixed on the Creator of the universe? The one who holds all of your cares in His hands and walks with you through your trials? Are you focusing your mind on His promises and dwelling in His presence?
Open your eyes. But more importantly, open your heart. Look for Him. Listen to Him.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Is. 26:3
Where is your head at?
By God’s Grace,
Victoria
Aww, this is such a great testimony!
Thank u, Sis, that was a beautiful and honest accounting of being in the presence of our God, I know that where my head is, is where my heart goes,
Love u,
Thank you for this reminder! I’ve been struggling with the same things lately.
Thank you for this blog post this morning—I get what you are saying! No matter how tough life gets, or how much we have to face, if we are entrenched in Gods word, we simply can’t be depressed because of the joy that His spirit gives us. Thanks for sharing, Victoria.
Thank you for this post! I needed it.
<3 This is lovely, girly. Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you so much for this wonderful post! A good challenge for me to keep me in mind as I can struggle with letting the stress of the days and weeks get to me as well.
Aww, lovely post!
That was so good Victoria! I’m really trying to release my cares and let Him care for me! This was really helpful. I love when other Christians are truly honest about how they feel. It makes us all seem closer as sisters in Christ!
Such a beautiful post. God Bless.
Marilyn
Wow, Victoria! This post was so meaningful to me! Thank you for sharing your heart and being an encouragement to us all. Also, one question: how do you find a quiet place to be with God? I find it very challenging as I have eight siblings and live in a small house. Any suggestions?
That’s a great question and I was there for many years when all of my siblings were younger. Something that might help is letting your parents know that would like to carve out some quiet time every day to spend with God. I am sure they would be more than willing to help you figure out a time that would be the most quiet. Also, I like to put in headphones with worship music, regular or instrumental, it helps cut out some noise as well as focusing my heart. I hope that helps! <3
Hey, Victoria! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question and for the helpful suggestions. I am thankful beyond measure for my wise Mom who I brought this question to. She has given me a ‘huge, helpful dose’ of wisdom which I shall put to good use. Psalm 63:1 is the key! ‘Early will I seek Thee’!
Thank you for sharing this powerful encouragement and testimony, Victoria! I needed to hear it. <3
Excellent post, Victoria, and so true. All our problems are so small in comparison to our poweful and loving God. Fixing our minds on Him is essential to keeping everything in perspective
Ooh, Victoria, I needed this! I’ve been experiencing exactly the same thing, feeling like I forget about God and then am stressed and tired and burned out. This weekend I’ve been trying to connect with Him in a deeper way again and I can already feel the difference, the excitement for the week rather than dread. Every time my worries come up I now have the ability to gently push them away and refocus on Him. Thanks for the reminder!