Posted by Fern on June 09, 2008 at 19:14:20:
In Reply to: A "From the Wilderness" update posted by Only_The_Lonely on June 09, 2008 at 14:28:43:
Dear OTL,
Thanks so much for filling us in on what has been happening in your life. Various times over the last months God has brought you to mind to pray for you, and now I thank Him for preserving your life and drawing you closer to Him! I have no doubt He has a purpose for you to be here!
The part about you crying and calling out to God to help you really struck me. There are a number of passages in Scripture, especially the Psalms, that talk about God answering us when we call out to Him. There was a specific incident in my life where I did this, and experienced Him coming to my aid and preserving my life, and I thank Him for it. I believe there is something about crying out to Him when we're desperate, and perhaps even at the end of our rope, that is a point where we realize we are helpless and desperately need His help, and He is there to help us.
I want to thank you too for being willing to share your story and for encouraging others to get psychiatric and medical help when they need it. There is indeed no shame in getting help of any kind. God provides in and through so many different means.
I also want to reiterate your point that depression is NOT always because of demon possession or lack of faith. There are so many different things that affect us emotionally and psychologically, including physical imbalances of various kinds, that it's important that we don't accept shame for it, but rather put our energy into getting the help that we need. Our physical, psychological, and spiritual parts are so interrelated, and one affects the others, so it's important we don't judge ourselves or others when there are difficulties in any of these areas. It's important we stand in support of each other rather than pointing our fingers in blame.
I'll continue to pray for you, OTL, and again, I praise God for being with you and bringing you through this difficult "wilderness".
Fern