• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Home Sign In
  • Blog
    • Guest Post Submissions
  • Shop
  • Meet Us
    • Meet the Contributors
    • Meet the Staff
    • Our Story
    • Our Heart
  • (in)courage Library
    • Recommended Reads
    • Our Book Studies

(in)courage

a DaySpring community

(in)courage
(in)

Main navigation

  • Blog
    • Guest Post Submissions
  • Shop
  • Meet Us
    • Meet the Contributors
    • Meet the Staff
    • Our Story
    • Our Heart
  • (in)courage Library
    • Recommended Reads
    • Our Book Studies
  • Most Popular
  • Friendship
  • Encouragement
  • Courage
  • Posts By Author

Why We Are Truly Better Together —
and a Giveaway!

by (in)courage

Surrendering to the God Who Sees

by Faith Griffin Sims

The Hard Truth About How God Feels About You

by Michele Cushatt

25 Days of Christmas Promises:
a new Bible reading plan from (in)courage

by (in)courage

Letting Go This Christmas Season

by Anna Rendell

The Four Friends We Need in a Crisis

by Jennifer Dukes Lee

The Need for Seasonal Bookends During Change

by Kristen Strong

A Frustrating Part of the
Vulnerability Conversation

by Kristen Strong

When Rejection Crowds Out the Rest of the Story

by Marnie Hammar

Six Ways to Show up for a Friend

by Jessica Turner

How to Pour Honey on Someone’s Soul Today

by Becky Keife

The Hard Truth About How God Feels About You

by Michele Cushatt

Grace in the Midst of a Marriage Crisis

by Grace P. Cho

God Has Not Forgotten You

by Aliza Latta

When You Hear the Lies
That You’re Insignificant

by Lucretia Berry

It’s Our Tenth Birthday!

by Becky Keife

Let’s Be Dangerous Women

by Holley Gerth

Women of Courage: a Forty-Day Devotional
is Now Available (plus a BOGO & giveaway)!

by (in)courage

Can You See What I See?

by Robin Dance

The Truth Will Set You Free

by Aliza Latta

  • Alia Joy
  • Aliza Latta
  • Anjuli Paschall
  • Anna Rendell
  • Becky Keife
  • Bonnie Gray
  • Dawn Camp
  • Dorina Lazo Gilmore
  • Michelle Reyes
  • Grace P. Cho
  • Holley Gerth
  • (in)courage
  • Jennifer Ueckert
  • Jennifer Dukes Lee
  • Jennifer Schmidt
  • Jessica Turner
  • Kaitlyn Bouchillon
  • Karina Allen
  • Kristen Strong
  • Lucretia Berry
  • Mary Carver
  • Michele Cushatt
  • Patricia Raybon
  • Renee Swope
  • Robin Dance
  • Sarah Mae
  • Stephanie Bryant
  • Tasha Jun

The Truth about the Dark Days

by (in)courage Oct 17, 2017 in:A Moment to Breathe

  • Share175
  • Tweet
  • Pin27
Email This ArticleEMAIL

Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:5

I looked at my iPod. Which playlist should I pick to listen to while I wash my dishes? My eyes went back and forth between my “Cleaning” and my “Rend Collective” playlists. I decided on the latter playlist with praise music because it had been a dark day. I propped my iPod up on my kitchen windowsill, pressed play, and as the words came out, something in me opened up.

I turned around, slid down to the floor on my knees and cried. I think I’m in a bit of a depression, I thought.

Depression is this weird thing that you can’t really explain or give reason for. It just is. I get this way from time to time, it’s just a darkness, and it seems to be a rhythm of my life, and I know it will lift.

I’m kind of a functioning depressive. I can be mostly okay, but in my home, going about the hours, everything is a mountain. I remember a professor once saying in class that when you find yourself in a depressed place, when everything feels hard, just do something small. Maybe you can make the bed. Do that. My small thing, right now, is writing this down, because there is something in the writing that helps.

Something about vulnerability and honesty allows the process to take its course. So while I am sharing that I’m depressed, I’m also hopeful because God is with me, and He knows all of my heart and every bit of my soul, and He will be kind and tender with me through this.

I’ve been here before. You may have been here before too. Today, let’s agree to be gentle with ourselves, slowly doing the dishes, and keep knowing we aren’t alone. Because of Jesus, we are free, and we trust the healing in the heaviness.

Do one small thing today. Maybe it’s the dishes. Maybe it’s making the bed. Making it’s smiling at the clerk behind a counter. Maybe it’s smiling to the person in the mirror. Do this one thing.


This message was written and read by Sarah Mae and appears in A Moment to Breathe, a 365-day devotional now available where books are sold.

by (in)courage
  • Share175
  • Tweet
  • Pin27
Email This ArticleEMAIL

Today, let’s agree to be gentle with ourselves and keep knowing we aren’t alone. @sarahmae at @incourage: https://www.incourage.me/?p=188531

Tweet

(in)courage

(in)courage is a place where authentic, brave women connect deeply with God and others. In the middle of your unfine moments and ordinary days, you are invited to become a woman of courage.
Author Website

Related Resources
PreviousNext

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michele Morin says

    October 17, 2017 at 5:15 am

    So glad that you shared Sarah’s words today. As we begin to lose daylight, this sort of “functional” depression descends upon many of us. “Do the next thing” is a great act of resistance, even if it means setting a timer and working at it for only fifteen minutes.

  2. Jasmine Ruigrok says

    October 17, 2017 at 6:06 am

    Thankyou… this has been my day put into words. I have no one big reason why, perhaps a million little ones, but it’s been such a hard day. Thankyou for this perfect reminder… I really needed it.

  3. Allison says

    October 17, 2017 at 6:12 am

    Thank you for sharing this. This is how I’m feeling right now, except mine overtakes me when I think about having to go to work. I love the Paalms at the beginning of this, but I had forgotten about those verses. Thank you for the reminder.

  4. Jessica says

    October 17, 2017 at 6:31 am

    The darkness is so hard to carry around and letting Jesus pull the yolk takes constant effort and will. Repeating the key verses to pull me thought the dark days….My yolk is easy – my burden is light…. reminds me that I want easy & I want light in this word of little people with undeveloped minds circling my kneecaps until I break and shout and remorse and let the dark take over … again. Then I read a devotional cry like this one and the curtain raises slightly while light breaks forth in a heart-swelling reminder that He IS good and He DOES INTEND GOOD for me… He gives GOOD living to the Little People that vex me so… for my husband that loves me through my countless dark days over the last 18 years … for the nasty Moms in my neighborhood and the amazingly selfless Moms that are kind to everyone … for all of us Jesus-girls (thanks, LT!) that are slingin’ it to get through the day with a smile. Another great heart-fog-lifter is the new Gracelaced by Ruth Chou Simons. Always good to know I’m not in the battle alone! Thank you and hope you get lots of Father’s favor today for sharing this awesome motivation with us today!! xoxoxoxoxox

  5. Rebecca says

    October 17, 2017 at 6:36 am

    I too, have days like this when the darkness envelopes me and I feel myself slipping into the pit. I will remember the “do the next thing” and your words of encouragement. Recently I started to try to imagine that “dark cloud” as me being in the shadow of His wings as a reminder that He is always with me. The picture of me being enveloped by His goodness is way better than the evil image that tries to overtake. Thank you and God’s blessings and peace to all.

    • Deborah says

      October 17, 2017 at 8:11 am

      I will print your reply and apply it to my heart today. Thank you.

  6. Kim B Smith says

    October 17, 2017 at 7:08 am

    I too battle with depression, and when I feel this I am learning to trust in God and give it back to him. I know when this all begins with me, it is evil slipping in and trying to take me in a different direction, an untrusting one, and nasty one towards myself and others. My next step is to become stronger when I release this all to God is to sit down for a moment and turn to a scripture.

  7. Jerry says

    October 17, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Thank you for sharing your writings! This one this morning was much needed. Fall and winter are a sad time for me. I am more of a Spring, Summer personality. I have a hard time getting up and getting going.
    Listening to Praise and Worship music is a Go To definate go to for me! One small thing at a time for me. Making the bed, reading devotional, listening to praise and worship music is a must.
    Moving on the the writing part!! Thank You
    God Bless

  8. Darlene says

    October 17, 2017 at 7:40 am

    Thank you for your beautiful post! I get down times as well, I need to be reminded to give myself grace and know that He is with me all the way. It just again makes me aware of how many people around us are going through hard days of depression, anxiety, physical or emotional pain. There are so many hurting souls around us, it reminds me to be kind to everyone as we do not know what kind of battle they are facing. May we reflect Jesus moment by moment of every day. Thank you, blessings!

  9. Linda Shukri says

    October 17, 2017 at 7:54 am

    Thank you for sharing that. I had that kind of episode last night. My husband and I have been put in a “wilderness” for the past 18 months – without a church family – and we’re waiting on the Lord to be able to move back to the States. I had just come back from visiting family in SC (which included going to church services! 🙂 that was a blessing! ). Little things, like my computer not working right (churning and churning), set me off into a depression like you described – as I was getting ready for bed. I was praying for the Lord to intervene in our lives. And I was also able to go to bed without tears. Psalm 42 is one of my favorites. Thank you!! 🙂

  10. Deborah says

    October 17, 2017 at 8:09 am

    Thank you… It helps to know I’m not the only one. Believing I am alone with this, rendering me all the more inferior, is not living in the truth. Thank you for sharing Sarah’s words and blessing us.

  11. Christie says

    October 17, 2017 at 8:19 am

    I pray for the Peace and Comfort of Jesus to surround you all.

  12. Kim says

    October 17, 2017 at 8:39 am

    You are definitely not alone with your feelings – especially this time of the year. While I think Fall is probably the prettiest time of the year, it’s also the saddest for me because I know Winter is coming and I really don’t like Winter at all. And with the days shortening, creating darkness sooner than we’d like each day, it causes one to feel a little depressed at times. On top of the season change blues, I am also relocating to another state – much bigger city than what I’m used to – due to health issues that my daughter has that need more elite attention than what my state can offer. I’m having to give up my current job (which I love) and leave behind the rest of my family and church (where I help to lead the worship service and play the piano each Sunday) to move 4 hours away, just me and my daughter. Not only is the move causing me panic and some depression, the unknown of what could or may happen to my daughter with regard to the procedures she has to have done, is also haunting me these days. I have no choice but to lean on Him and allow Him to be my Savior, the Healer, our Provider and everything else that we may need. I know that he will take care of us as well as everyone here on this blog. Let’s just trust Him today!

  13. Gail Noe says

    October 17, 2017 at 8:56 am

    I understand where you are. But I have a great word of encourage for you. Colossians 2:10 has an amazing word for us. It says “You are complete in Christ.” Isn’t that an amazing encouragement. Even when our feelings or symptoms tell us otherwise we can rest in the truth that we are complete in Christ. All that we need is in Him. All of the wisdom and healing we need are in Him. Praying that you are able to rest in this truth to bring you to new levels of joy.

  14. Penny says

    October 17, 2017 at 9:13 am

    This was deeply touching, thank-you. I hope this also might help.

    2 Samuel,22:29
    “You Lord, are my lamp: the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
    Blessings to all,
    Penny

  15. Joyce Ford says

    October 17, 2017 at 9:16 am

    Thank you for your encouragement. Blessings on your day today. Choose to rejoice in the midst. The Psalms are my constant companion, therefore I know Father will bring me through. Yes…

  16. Tina Kokoruda says

    October 17, 2017 at 9:33 am

    My depression lifter is: “This is the day the Lord has made, I WILL REJOICE and be glad in it.” (No matter how I’m feeling…
    saying this several x’s a day…trusting…hoping…believing…God, you alone, are my Peace, the lifter of my head…and “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” b/c I offer my thoughts up to You, my God, b/c you are ever at my side. Though the darkness tries to close in, I turn to You, the “Light of the World” and then, the darkness shall not overcome it. I turn my face and whole being to you, as I do, when I sit in the glorious sun, that you may burn away all that is not of You…My God!

  17. EAJ810 says

    October 17, 2017 at 10:54 am

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this and it applies to my world right now. Just for today my small thing is going to exercise and eat healthy.

  18. Vanessa Smith says

    October 17, 2017 at 11:14 am

    Had to help my 17 year old kitty, Lucille, cross over last Friday. I know this is part of life. I have lost people whom I still miss. The ache in my heart will fade into memories that make me smile, but today it hurts. I pray to fall into gratitude, for I am so very blessed. This I know. Jesus has given me the gift of the Presence of the Holy Spirit- my Comforter. Thank you, Father.

  19. Pearl Allard says

    October 17, 2017 at 11:35 am

    I so get this. I call them “be gentle to myself” days. Helps take the pressure off to preserve sanity – a higher priority than whatever the to-do list screams. Thank you for this post.

  20. Suse says

    October 17, 2017 at 11:43 am

    Gosh, this came at the perfect time! Thank you for your honesty, friend, and for that very practical advice to just do something small xxx

  21. hb says

    October 17, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    I beg you, please, please don’t patronize the obvious worldly tattooing of the body God made in His image on this website. I am sure that I open myself up to much criticism by saying this but I beg you nonetheless.

  22. Susan Kennedy says

    October 17, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    What a timely post. Have been fighting the same feelings all day, and it isn’t the first time. Dark days for no apparent reason, or maybe a lot of reasons, but the feeling is almost like fighting to get out of a paper bag….a smothering, almost claustrophobic feeling. This time of year, thought beautiful in so many ways, is especially difficult when the days get shorter and darkness comes earlier. Depression has always been the chink in my armor that the enemy knows so well. So thankful that God knows me better. So nice to know that so many of you understand it as well.

  23. Jenny says

    October 17, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    Thanks Sarah! I’m glad you wrote it down. I’m glad that not one gal is ever alone in their tears and on the dark days.
    ~Jen

  24. Beth Williams says

    October 18, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    In Courage,

    I am reminded of a quote by Admiral Mcraven: If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. He goes on to talk about a miserable day: And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better. I think that speaks for itself. Just make your bed daily & properly. That will encourage you to do one more thing & hopefully lift your spirits.

    I know what it is like to be depressed. This time of year is the worst for people who get depressed. I will pray for everyone that they will feel God with them daily & be encouraged by one small thing they do. God loves you & so do I!

    Blessings 🙂

  25. Erica Player says

    October 23, 2017 at 11:18 am

    Currently feeling this. Thank you for sharing. Put words to my thoughts and feelings and so appreciate that.

  26. Ingrid says

    November 3, 2017 at 9:26 am

    I’m relieved to read this today. I call these small acts a “drop in the bucket,” and they do help. I know I need to move through the valley. I know “this too shall pass.” It helps me to know I am one of many who struggles from time to time.

Blog

  • Subscribe

    Sign up for daily words of courage and hope. By clicking ‘join’ you will receive daily emails and the monthly newsletter from (in)courage. See our privacy policy here.

    THANK YOU.

    Your first email is on the way.

    * PLEASE ENTER A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS
  • Get the (in)courage Devotional Bible today!

  • Send an (in)courage e-card to a friend today

  • Today, 1:47am

    Follow On Twitter
  • Footer

    (in)
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Pinterest
    Instagram
    YouTube

    Subscribe

    THANK YOU.

    Your first email is on the way.

    * PLEASE ENTER A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS

    By clicking ‘join’ you will receive daily emails and the monthly newsletter from (in)courage. See our privacy policy here.

    copyright 2019 DaySpring. all rights reserved.

    Main navigation

    • Blog
      • Guest Post Submissions
    • Shop
    • Meet Us
      • Meet the Contributors
      • Meet the Staff
      • Our Story
      • Our Heart
    • (in)courage Library
      • Recommended Reads
      • Our Book Studies