A Month in the Life

I collapsed hard and cried heavily in the middle of my high school hallway because of the intense pain I felt. It was during my junior year, and other students walked by wondering what was wrong. I was wondering, too. There were no broken bones, tumors, or other physical infirmities. The looming pain I felt did not surge through my body but pierced my soul. It created such heaviness that I collapsed beneath its pressure.

Less than two years prior, my family experienced the trauma of a divorce that sent my soul down a spiral of despair. The loss and loneliness I felt brought heavy tears to my eyes as I cried myself to sleep each night, and they sapped me of the strength and motivation to make it through each day. Thoughts of suicide crossed by mind, but I still had sense enough to realize it would be a permanent solution to only a season of crisis.

I needed healing, and I need it soon. I simply could not continue in the state of mind (and soul) I was in. Jesus had said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." But I didn't know he had said that, and I needed the healing only He could give. I needed it soon!

The following summer, I attended a conference in the Northwest where I surrendered my whole life to Jesus Christ. Though I had attended church before, and had "accepted" Christ before, this was different. I cried hot tears. Not the one's that had brought heaviness before, but these tears brought healing. When I got up and dried my tears, I was a new person, and God had healed me of my depression.

If you are suffering from depression or loneliness, I invite you to an experience, not a service. An experience that can heal, restore, renew, and connect you to a God who will be a friend closer than you've ever had. I'd like to introduce you to my friend Jesus - the God who still heals.

Pastor Fillmer would love to hear your feedback and what Thoughts of Encouragement has meant to you. Email him at myupcpastor@gmail.com.

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