I went to see a doctor yesterday because of an ear ache but left with a lot more than a prescription for an infection. I left with the awe that is inspired when someone truly takes the time to listen to you. She listened to all of my concerns without making me feel like I was a hypochondriac, wasting her time or there is no hope. I was so taken aback by this that I walked out in disbelief, afraid it was the only time this would happen. However, I am choosing to believe that God directed me to this doctor and that she was genuine when she assured me she would do her best to get to get me feeling well again.
After I had rambled on for roughly an hour, she asked me, “So what has worked for you, if anything?” It was a valid question. I thought about which foods I avoided because they triggered some symptoms, medication that helped ease others, etc. This morning, I was feeling guilty about my depression struggles but the question the doctor had posed to me came to mind. I looked at it in light of depression and anxiety. We all have varying triggers, and some of yours may be the same as mine, while others differ entirely. So, I by no means claim to be an expert on what works for fighting depression. I draw a lot of strength from my friends and family when they share what has encouraged them or can relate a time they, too, struggled with something (depression, addiction, health issues, questioning their faith – anything) but were able to overcome it.
I have found a lot of solace in painting and writing, but music is also very therapeutic. I have difficulty sleeping sometimes, and it can go on for days, or even weeks. So, I started listening to a Christian radio station each night, until I was no longer wired. During that time, God revealed a lot of wisdom to me through the songs that drifted out of my headphones. Oftentimes, I am drawn to a song more for the melody than the words, which is natural I think. Since I was a captive audience, too tired to really roll over and hit the “skip” button, I ended up listening to a lot of songs I would have otherwise missed out on. It felt as if they were speaking right to where I was at the time, in that moment. So, I am sharing a sampling of the words in recent history that have struck me and in hopes that you will find some encouragement in them as well. (These songs are worth listening to in their entirety but if you don’t like the style, you can just read the lyrics!)
“Somewhere in the silence, I can hear your broken voice./ Like a radio station fading out of range./ Somewhere in the crowd from the corner of my eye, I thought that I could feel you- walking by./ And when I get this feeling like I am not so strong, I still can feel you with me./ Yeah, you’ve been there all along.” When I Fall – Rachael Lampa
“When you’re down and you’re discouraged,/ When the darkness clouds your view,/ You’ve got to gather up your courage./ You know the Lord is gonna see you through.” Keep the Candle Burning – Point of Grace
“From what I see it looks like you don’t like yourself too much/ When I hear you talk it sounds like you just feel like giving up/ I know it’s hard to see through/ What this world will tell you/ Cause misconceptions of false reflections will never be the truth/ Just know you’re not the only one who’s ever cried for help/ Jesus loves you in ways that you cannot love yourself.” Through My Father’s Eyes – Holly Starr
“Hurting heart and broken wings/ Cannot stop Your love from always finding me/ No more days wasting away/ I finally realized the gift inside of me/ My strength alone will never be enough/ But Your arms keep lifting me up.” Free – Dara Maclean
“I could throw my fist in the air demanding answers/ But in spite of all the questions/ I’m still giving You my life/ And if it doesn’t turn out like I think it should/ It doesn’t change the fact You’re always good/ Your ways are higher than mine.” What I Know – Tricia Brock
“Everybody laughed at you/ For doing what you’re supposed to do/ Standing up for what is true/ Got your feelings hurt tonight/ You must be doing something right/ You’re so unusual/ I think you’re beautiful/ You’re so unusual.” Unusual – Francesca Battistelli
“Sometimes this world starts breaking me down/ I get so lost I think I’ll never be found/ And there are moments of fear and doubt/ Even the best fall to the ground/ I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball/ I must confess that I still don’t get it all/ Lord I believe that all Your words are true/ Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You/ I press on, I press on, I press on.” Press On – Building 429 (feat. Blanca Callahan)
I should create a more comprehensive list but these are a handful of the songs that have been of great encouragement to me! What songs encourage you during the hard times?
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