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For Real…


Photo Credit: Chloe Alexis Photography

It’s time for me to be vulnerable. Not for my own sake, but for others. Many of you may be surprised to learn that I have battled with depression and anxiety since my early twenties. I don’t share this information lightly or flippantly. The enemy has used my mind and emotions as a battlefield, and he has been relentless lately. I recognize the attack for what it is, and I feel it is necessary to shed light on mental health and how I personally have been able to overcome the struggles I have faced in staying emotionally and mentally well.


My journey into the darkness was not overnight. Step by step, I ventured into a place within myself where I believed the lies of the enemy that I was worthless, a burden to my family, and that the world would be a better place without my existence. Fortunately, God put people into my life, including my amazing husband, to counter-attack before I learned how to fight for myself. But I have experienced the hopelessness that comes with these lies. I have lived through days where I was unable to get out of bed. My body has physically manifested signs of what was happening to me mentally and emotionally. But God never left me.


As I have grown in the grace and knowledge of who God is and who I am to Him, He frequently brings me back to Psalm 61. The first time I heard this beautiful prayer was when I was a teenager listening to one of my favorite Hillsong CD’s. In moments of crisis, when my mind is clouded and my heart is overwhelmed, this prayer floods my mind, and I am reminded to cry out to One where my help comes from.


“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭61:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Hopelessness is a tactic of Satan to make you feel that no one cares. Friend, I’m here to say just the opposite. I care. I see you. Even more, the God who created Heaven and Earth sees you right where you are and has a purpose and plan for your life. There is no heart and mind He can’t heal and no life He can’t save. You are not hopeless when you put your trust in the God who loves you so dearly.


Life is hard. Especially right now. People everywhere are navigating through an ongoing pandemic on top of the “ordinary” struggles of life. But there is hope in Jesus Christ. By casting my fear, depression, and anxiety on Him, I can function and thrive despite what’s happening around me. Take courage, friend! And don’t fight this battle alone. I’d love to talk with you or point you in the direction of some great counselors and pastors who can help you learn, just as I learned, how to get up and fight. You are worthy, and you are loved. For real.


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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