This morning, during my devotional, time I was reminded of one thing that made a huge difference in my journey to defeat depression. It was a change of perspective. I chose to focus on the glimmer of light in the deep dark cave-like pit I was trying to climb out of rather than focusing on the darkness. I realized that I was not alone – Jesus was sitting in the pit with me. I made the decision to climb on His lap and let Him hold me. I kept telling myself over and over again that my battle with depression was an opportunity to grow in intimacy with my Lord and Savior. In doing so, I took the enemy’s own weapon and used it on him. Was it easy? No! Did it take time? Yes! Did it take a lot of energy that I felt like I didn’t even have? Yes!

Why am I sharing this with you all this morning? Well, we all have worries, fears, trials, and negative thoughts. Turn them into prayers. Use the enemy’s own weapons against him! Look at them as new opportunities to grow into deeper intimacy with the Lord.

Lord, may each of us look at all of the trials, worries, fears, and negative things in our lives as opportunities to grow in deeper intimacy with you. May we choose to focus on your light rather than the darkness around us. May we meditate on you rather than on our fears, worries, trials, and troubles. May we climb upon your lap, allow you to lift us up in your strong, protective arms, and carry us through the storms of life. May we see our lives through your lenses and from your perspective. In Jesus’ name, amen.