Column Post by Beth Cranford
Does God actually like me? I mean, does he enjoy my presence? Does He smile when He thinks of me or watches me go through my day? Does He love me with an affectionate love? Maybe it’s an obligatory love, one that forgives because of the nature of who He is but not a love that takes delight in me. Regular me.
These thoughts plagued me throughout one of my deeper bouts with depression. Looking back, I see that in the months leading up to my depression the stage was being set for these questions to come.
I’ve always wanted to please God. The people with whom I choose to associate in person, through books, and on social media want to please God as well. Some of the ideas and thoughts that can circulate in a crowd of people who want to please God can be “works” driven, even though we all claim salvation by faith. “We need to do this, we need to do that, a real Christian does that, a good Christian mother does this…” It can leave a woman tired and certain she doesn’t measure up despite her best efforts.
With all the pressure to be everything each individual was “preaching” that we should be, I came to see myself as a failure. I knew I would be forgiven for my sins because that’s just the kind of God He is. But I desperately needed to know that He loved me.
And in the confusion of depression I was powerless to go looking for the answers.
God has freed me from that depression and given me answers to those questions. (And He wasn’t mad at me for asking!) I promised myself that when I found proof God does indeed love me, I would never let it go. So, I’m keeping a list in my purse. If depression ever floods over me again, I will have these truths saved not only in my heart (which isn’t always a safe place) but also on paper. I will depend on these truths to dispel any darkness that tries to find its way into my heart.
I want the same for you. If you are a Christian, you need to get a grip on the truth of who you are in Christ. No matter what else is happening in your life, God loves you, and His power is living in you. You have been made victorious.
My gift for you today is a list of Bible verses and affirmations that will help you to rediscover that the Lord does indeed love you. Use it as a web page on your computer or mobile device, or download and print the PDF. Share it. Read the verses often. Meditate on the truth of what you mean to the One who made you.
I pray that you will know the truth of who you are in Christ, and I’m standing on the promise that the Truth will set you free.
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Beth Cranford believes every Christian has been equipped and empowered to do specific and effective work in the kingdom of God. It is her heart’s desire to see women live in the freedom that is theirs through Christ by helping them break free from depression and other strongholds. She encourages women to experience God’s power in their lives by understanding their identity and position in Christ and their unique design.
Beth has been married to her best friend for 21 years. Together they raise and educate their two children in middle TN. Beth has a passion for helping Christian parents design and implement an education that honors and nurtures their children’s individual design, equipping them for a life of freedom and power. You can find her at http://www.bethcranford.com
Read more encouraging stories from brave-hearted women here. Be sure to grab your free copy of inspirational quotes and writing prompts while you’re there. (Look over on the right hand side!)
Dear Beth, I have really been blessed by your post today (Sunday 11th November). I have suffered with depression/ low mood cycles for years and appreciate your words of wisdom. I have printed the scriptures you posted- one for myself and one for my sister who has suffered badly from depression for years and attempted suicide twice. She became a christian 3 years ago and the depression lifted, but she’s had some very difficult life situations to deal with and is depressed again as well as being in pain with fibromyalgia. I’m sure in sending her the scriptures, it will help her and i’ll give her your website address to look at. Thank you for talking about depression, as it’s often misunderstood in christian circles. God bless you and your work, Louise Hird.
Louise, I’m so glad that the few thoughts I was able to put into words were a blessing to you. Keep leaning on God and His truth. I’ll be praying for you and your sister.
Thank you so much for this post! I needed to hear this today. I will keep these verses handy for the next time I need to remember that God delights in me, rejoices over me. I have fought against the idea of his love being obligatory and have seen and touched little pieces of his delight in me. So special! How easy I forget though. Thank you for this reminder.
You’re welcome Shawna. It’s still hard for me to really grasp sometimes. I’m so glad God went so far to make it clear that I am loved.