I have been struggling with depression all my life, but I hit a breaking point recently. I was furious at the Lord for still not having taken this illness away.

In an attempt to spite God for leaving me with the burden of depression, I chose to intentionally sin against Him. I went on dates with men I met online and spent a lot of time with them instead of my church mates, friends and family. I also began to indulge in alcohol, which was a great distraction from thinking about God or my actions. I would drink to my heart’s content, filling myself with indifference and “bliss”.

I was seeking temporary relief – anything that could numb the stinging feeling of misery in my heart. But despite my attempts, whenever I woke up each morning, I would find that the pain still had not gone away and my heart was still as empty.

Throughout this season, I still attended church, albeit with a cold heart. I also continued meeting some Christian friends. Looking back now, I know that all these were actually part of His plans to reveal Himself to me in small and clear ways.

GOD’S PERSISTENT PURSUIT OF ME 

What left a huge impact on me during this period was how my Christian friends responded to my actions. Instead of putting on a “holier than thou” front and demanding that I stop sinning, they stood by me and showed me God’s love and grace. They gave me time to think about things and space to wrestle with God.

One friend in particular prayed for me daily. Every single day, she texted me to ask about my progress and how I was feeling. She also took time to understand me and was available whenever I needed her. Above all, she prayed and trusted in the Lord. Till today, she is stil­l praying for me.

Even in my rebellion, I knew that the love, faithfulness and immense patience I experienced through my friends was from God. I could sense that He was pursuing me, even when I tried to distance myself from Him and others around me.

Eventually, I could not deny His presence or ignore His pursuit of me anymore. I had learnt that the life I was running to was unfulfilling. It would never bring me the freedom I longed for. Nothing, apart from Him, could bring me freedom or joy. I decided that even if I still struggled with depression and other sins, even if I’d probably fail Him time and time again, God will never forsake me, and He is worthy of my trust.

THE PROBLEM WITH COMING BACK TO CHRIST 

However, even after I made up my mind to turn back to Him, it still took months before I gained the courage to call upon the name of Jesus again.

The turning point came when I heard a sermon on the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The message got me thinking: Was I actually afraid to turn back to God because I thought that He may not receive me with open arms anymore? I reasoned that God knows my sin against Him on an even deeper level than my friends, family or anyone I could hide things from. How could He really want me?

Turning back to God gave me a sense of peace and hope that both alcohol and men could not provide.

When I considered the depth and weight of my sin, it was so excruciating that I found it difficult to even lift my head in front of our holy God. But this story in Luke reminded me of God’s willingness to receive me. I’m now slowly starting to grasp the truth that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is enough to cover my sin, and I stopped doubting God’s forgiveness and the sacrifice Jesus made for me on the Cross.

WHAT MY JOURNEY MEANS FOR ME NOW 

Today, I know that nothing – not even depression – can take me away from God’s love and forgiveness (Romans 8:38-39). Turning back to God gave me a sense of peace and hope that both alcohol and men could not provide.

Although sometimes I feel like I’m still at the bottom of a dark well, I hold fast to the promises of God. Just as God promised Joshua (Joshua 1:9): “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”, I know that the Lord is with me even in this deep well.

He brings light into my darkness, and this light allows me to see who God truly is — love. I’m also assured that because of Christ, I am no longer a slave to sin, but a slave to righteousness (Romans 6:17-18). Although I may still succumb to the weakness of my flesh, I am no longer turning my back on God, but asking Him for an obedient heart to do what pleases Him.

If you’ve been running from God or struggling like I was (and still am sometimes), I pray that you can find strength to turn to the Maker and Comforter of your soul! If you feel lost or distant from God, remember this: God loves you. God chose you. God died and bled for you so that you could be forgiven. His grace for you is sufficient! 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)

If you have a friend who has left the body of Christ, I want to assure you that what your friend needs is all of the love, grace, support and time he or she can get. Your friend may need months or even years before they come back to the faith. Keep showing them God’s love in the meantime, and be faithful in prayer, remembering that everything will work out.

Not in our timing, not in your friend’s – but in God’s perfect timing.

This article was first published on YMI.today and is republished with permission.