Tidal Wave

​Right now, it can feel like our world is a crashing tidal wave. Dousing us in the uncomfortable waters of uncertainty. We all feel more anxious for the future and are grieving the losses of what our lives were just a few short weeks ago. I pray that you are healthy, that your loved ones are well, and you have the privilege of working from home. But, many of us do not have that right now. Whatever is happening in your world right now, it is clear that feelings of depression and anxiety threatens to take many over the edge.

In many areas of our lives, talking about mental health has remained taboo (especially in the church.) This is wrong. We, as the church, need to know that none of us are perfected beings, but broken. To experience depression is not a reality that you should hide or feel ashamed. When your body is in pain, you go to a doctor. But somehow, we’ve lied to ourselves about our mental health and suffer alone with shame. Before this pandemic, back in normal times, so many were already at the edge. Now, so many are suffering and struggling, more alone than ever. 

You’re not alone. We are seeing on our Road Trips of the Bible sermon series that God journeys with the afflicted, suffering, and struggling. Whether it’s the risen Christ with the dejected disciples along the Road to Emmaus, or with Jacob’s troubled past and conflicted call, or Joseph’s hidden call in the midst of rejection. 

If you feel depression’s hold upon you, get help. My pastor, when I was in seminary, told me once, “We are made of dust and spirit. We are trained to provide spiritual care, but always encourage people to take care for their dust – physical or mental.” If you sense a growing depression in your mood, please know that it is, first of all, understandable and you do not have to suffer or live in fear. God is not punishing you. Please know that help is on the way! Be brave. Be a person of faith, who knows that your current situation will not hold sway over you forever. Faith is the willingness to relinquish your present situation to partake in God's dream for your future. God does not want you to suffer. It is not a sign of faithfulness to suffer in silence, only a misunderstanding of God’s love and hope for your life. The tidal wave of sadness and depression can recede. Talk with me. Talk with a counselor. Share your fears with God. You are not alone as this tidal wave strikes and batters you. Those waters will recede.
 
I came across this song by Adam Young, called Tidal Wave, which shares his struggle with depression and the help he received from God. Check it out! (Lyrics below) Help is on the way!

Owl City (Adam Young) - Tidal Wave 

I wish I could cross my arms 
And cross your mind 'cause I believe 
You'd unfold your paper heart 
And wear it on your sleeve 

All my life I wish I broke mirrors Instead of promises 
'Cause all I see is a shattered conscience 
Staring right back at me 

I wish I had covered all my tracks completely 
'Cause I'm so afraid 
Is that the light at the far end of the tunnel 
Or just the train? 

Lift your arms, only Heaven knows 
Where the danger grows and it's safe to say 
There's a bright light up ahead 
And help is on the way, help is on the way 

I forget the last time I felt brave 
I just recall insecurity 
'Cause it came down like a tidal wave 
And sorrow swept over me 

Depression, please cut to the chase 
And cut a long story short 
Oh, please be done, how much longer 
Can this drama afford to run? 

Fate looks sharp, severs all my ties 
And breaks whatever doesn't bend 
But sadly then, all my heavy hopes 
Just pull me back down again 

I forget the last time I felt brave 
I just recall insecurity 
'Cause it came down like a tidal wave 
And sorrow swept over me 

Then I was given grace and love 
I was blind but now I can see 
'Cause I found a new hope from above 
And courage swept over me 

It hurts just to wake up 
Whenever you're wearing thin 
Alone on the outside 
So tired of looking in 

The end is uncertain 
And I've never been so afraid 
But I don't need a telescope 
To see that there's hope 
And that makes me feel brave