"Joy Comes in the Morning"

For the past two days, I have awoken without that heaviness that makes it so difficult to get up. My joy is back!

God has been at work in my life through this depressive episode, and though it's painful, he's taught me so much. I want to share with you some things that He has taught me this time around.

1. Take your medicine. God provides it for you to make you well.

2. Even when it feels like all hope is gone and there's nothing that brings joy in life, remember that these times don't last forever. One of the amazing things about having Jesus in us is that we can trust the promises of the Father. He is able to deliver us, and even if He doesn't, He's still worthy of all praise. He is our Comforter and Provider and Healer. He knows how to fix the pain in our hearts.

3. Be open about your pain. For so long I wanted to hide it, and when the symptoms started showing over a month ago, I ignored them. I didn't want people to know how I was feeling. But then I realized I couldn't do it on my own, so I began to tell people. Some people didn't understand. It made some people uncomfortable, but I knew that I had people praying me through this, and that has made all the difference.

4. Finally, the words I kept reading: "wait on the Lord." I am an impatient person. I want the problem solved now. But peace comes in the waiting and the healing process takes time. God has been refining me through pain. I don't like it, but I need it. He shall receive the Glory.