Brokenness

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in

God for I will yet praise him my savior my God." Psalm 42:5

If you have ever felt depressed you are not alone. This kind of feeling can be caused by circumstance, biological, environment or a combination. Did you know David and Jeremiah in the Bible struggled with depression. These stories help us to know it is a normal reaction to feel overwhelmed when we are faced with difficulties. As Christians we have a hope. A hope that no matter how bad the world situation seem to be, God always win. When you are down or depressed do what David and Jeremiah did. Pour out your hearts to God, seek a trusted friend, or see a godly counselor.

I'd like to share my experience with feelings of Brokenness.

By the end of another long week, working full time as a Registered Nurse and a single mom of three young boys, I was ready for a weekend getaway. Several of us ladies from our church were heading up to Camp Lawroweld, in Weld, Maine, for Woman's retreat. As I drove with three other ladies the 1 1/2 hours, I remember feeling exhausted and weary. We arrived in time for the first meeting and just before we entered into the meeting hall we were asked to pick up a rock from a wheel barrel and carry it into the meeting. We found our seats and sat holding our rocks. The hall was decorated beautifully with a large cross in the front to the right. There was red rose petals scattered around the cross and room. The speaker gave a message on trust and trusting God enough to leave your "burdens" with him. The speaker continues her message with a call for us to give our burdens to God by bringing our rocks to the foot of the cross.

I leaned over and said, "I just want to hold on to my burdens a little longer."

While the music was playing, several women were up out of their seats, and headed to the cross. As my friend and I sat listening to the music, holding our rocks, I leaned over and said "I just want to hold on to my burdens a little longer" despite of our tears, we had to laugh. Isn't that just like us to want to hang on to our burdens? We hang onto our burdens because it's familiar and sometimes comfortable. For me, holding on to my burdens may symbolize a lack of trust. A lack of trust that God can and will take care of us. So as we got up to take our rocks to the cross, letting go and letting God carry our burdens was the most freeing experience.

After a spiritually filled weekend with powerful Godly messages and Bible passages, prayers with Godly women, plenty of rest, and tears, I realized the true miracle of brokenness. I was willing to give all my burdens to God. I was able to deplete myself of me and allow God to renew my strength. I left that weekend rested, energized, singing praises and loved.

Psalm 23:3

He gave me new strength. He leads me on the paths that are right for the good of his name.

So if you are hanging onto a rock or rocks, feeling down or discouraged I encourage you to let go and let God carry your burdens.