Have you ever felt, “I’ll never be free of this”? - Jessica G.B.
Doubts can be daunting and fears can keep us stuck and isolated, but all that can change for you like it did for Jessica when “...the possibility of healing gave me my first sliver of hope, and this hope won out over my fears and doubts.” If you long to also say, “For the first time in years, I didn’t feel alone”, this story is for you.
Reflection Questions
What can you relate to?
As you consider your own life, which part of Jessica’s story seems to reach out for your hand and remind you that you’re not alone?
Consider the phrases, “I felt resigned to the fact that I would always be depressed, always be a failure.” or “Deeply hurting, it was here I realized I had a real problem, but I didn’t know what to do about it."
Do you see yourself in these statements?
What promises can you anchor to?
What is one truth or hope that you can grab ahold of from Jessica’s story and take back into your own life as you seek hope and healing this week? Consider this powerful truth that part of Jessica's breakthrough was when her counselor shared with her truths about who God said she was, "that I am valuable, strong, loved, accepted". Or the power that community plays in deep healing “I found myself in a community of people who believed in me, encouraged me, and helped me heal more."
Prayer
God, we ask for breakthrough and peace for the woman on the other side of this screen. You know her heart, her worries, her fears, and the cause of any tears. We ask you to encourage her heart today and lift the cloud of depression. We pray for loving community to come along side her. Give her the courage to ask for help when she needs it. Remind her how deeply she is loved and how valuable she is. As you lavish her in your love, help her to receive it deep in her heart.
Amen.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along."
Psalms 40:1-2
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