“Why can’t I ‘get over myself’ … shake this gloom and doom … recognize that the things I am dealing with are not earth shattering? In fact, many, many people around me are struggling far more than I am.”
Does the above describe you? Do you find yourself in a funk or depression of sorts and not sure why? Sometimes it is difficult to even pin point the root, isn’t it? To start with, I have found it helpful to ask God to help me distinguish the root from the branches! Unless I deal with root issues, I will become distracted with branch issues and continue to be side-tracked and unable to openly identify what it is that is causing my struggle.
Having identified the root issue, what if it is seemingly a small one … that seems minor comparatively speaking … one that I ought to be able just to shake off? I find these verses from the Book of Proverbs helpful. (Bear with me in reading through Proverbs 30:24-28 …)
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.”
All four of these examples: the ant, the coney, the locust, and the lizard are miniscule, relatively speaking. Yet … the lessons to be learned from each one are significant: little strength, not much power, no identified leader, BUT focused and united and able to accomplish much!
What does all of this have to do with your funk or depression? The issue you are dealing with, though seemingly small in scope, is NOT insignificant. NOR are you! These ‘small’ issues can help you to grow (“Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds – big or small – because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1). Growth happens IN and THROUGH struggles … there is no other way to grow. AND you – and they (your struggles) are significant to God.
I want to remind you of your significance to God – (from Psalms 139…) “O Lord, you have searched me and you KNOW me. You know when I SIT and when I RISE; you perceive my THOUGHTS from afar. You discern my GOING OUT and my LYING DOWN; you are familiar with ALL MY WAYS!”
He really knows you AND He loves you and He understands every struggle. The issues may be small – but NOT insignificant. God KNOWS and HE CARES!