The Christian Blues

Depression is a state of being that shows itself as persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of worthlessness. Some believe that Christians don’t or can’t get depressed. That is not true. Life can overwhelm even the believer. That is why the Lord says, “Cast all your cares on Me because I care for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Sometimes we decide to keep those cares to ourselves especially when we get sick, overwhelmed, and filled with grief. Carrying our burdens can lead to serious depression –
The Christian Blues.

I sat with the doctor, and he gave me the news;
My body was betraying me and I was confused.

The things I used to do I couldn’t do anymore;
A very small workout and my body was sore.

The blues were all over me I was feeling really low;
And the less I talked to God the lower I’d go.

As I was wallowing deep in despair;
 I heard a voice say, I’m here and I care.

I already knew what I was supposed to do;
I was supposed to seek God to kick these blues.

But I kept my troubles close to my chest;
And I wore my pain like a bullet proof vest.

I carried my burdens like a heavy sack;
 I gave them to God but then I took them right back.

The darkness engulfed me I could barely see;
But a still quiet voice spoke: “Give it to me.”

But I held on tighter to the negative thoughts;
I didn’t trust God and His plan I fought.

Instead, I leaned on my own understanding;
blaming God for my ailments and I kept complaining.

I wanted to know why this was happening to me;
Romans 8:28 maybe I didn’t believe.

I caught the Christian Blues - I just let them all in;
I refused to seek God and let the bad thoughts win.

I caught the Christian Blues and kept all of my cares;
I forgot God didn’t give me a spirit of fear.

I became discouraged as life got hard;
 I ignored His voice and my hope in God.

In my darkest moment God still spoke;
He reached out and removed my sadness cloak.

I caught the Christian Blues and they affected my moods;
 I had forgotten He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

The Lord lifted me up when the Blues had me down;
He didn’t forsake me - He turned me around.

Grace and Mercy still followed me even when I pushed God away;
The Christian Blues came but with God’s love they couldn’t stay.

I caught the Christian Blues when life got hard;
But those Blues went away when I trusted in God.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for never leaving or forsaking us even when we push You away. Forgive us when we wallow in our own despair instead of trusting You. Thank You for allowing us to cast all our cares on You. Where would we be without Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy? Please, Lord.  Continue to remind us that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light so we don’t forget that we can rest in You when our burdens get heavy. Thank You Lord for Your Son, Jesus the Christ, who died and rose so we could be free mentally, emotionally, and physically. Amen.
By Sis. Patricia Towns