Promises of God
By Andrea Calvert
We are pleased to introduce Andrea Calvert who was shortlisted in the WJOF 2017 contest. She is the author of Not Alone a book about her struggle with depression after losing her mother to a drawn out illness. The book is now available for order through your local Christian bookstore. We asked Andrea to share a little bit about herself, her book, and her writing process.
There are times in life where we find ourselves wondering how we got there. What happened? When did I lose control? In the quiet recesses of our hearts we begin searching. Trying to fill the void that has been left there by our circumstances. Sometimes we find ourselves along the path that leads to drugs and alcohol. Sometimes we find ourselves sitting in tidy offices with someone who is trained to understand the human mind.
That is where I found myself almost seven years ago, when God called my mother home. Despite some tumultuous times in our 27 year relationship, my mom was my best friend. She knew me better than I knew myself. Losing her meant a huge change in my life. One that I didn’t want God to be a part of at all. I didn’t imagine that I would ever find myself in church, yet that’s where I ended up the day after her funeral. And again, a little over a year after she passed. Only the second time, I never left.
The death of a loved one has a way of turning our world upside down. Once tidy compartmentalized aspects of our lives become disheveled as we try to re-establish ourselves. Even with lots of time to prepare, it’s just something that you’ll never be ready for.
Yet, in that really messy part of my life—the grief and the subsequent diagnoses of depression, PTSD and anxiety—that’s where Jesus met me. He didn’t care about all the other stuff. He loved me for me. When I was feeling like a failure, He was sitting in my corner cheering me on. When I felt worthless, He was proving how worthy I am. Jesus doesn’t want the pretty parts of our lives. Jesus wants all of us. The good, the bad and especially the ugly. He isn’t in the business of beautification. He’s in the business of sanctification.
As I started on this new journey of my life, I found so much hope filling the pages of the Bible. Promises of the love of a Heavenly Father. A Father that will never leave me. When you are in the trenches of life these promises can help you too. Allow me to share some of the ones that lift my spirits when the darkness of depression starts to close in around me.
(Psalm 46:10, NIV)
When I’m struggling with the circumstances in my life this promise of stillness really helps to calm my spirit. The knowledge that God is God and He is in control.
(Exodus 14:14, NIV)
This verse compliments Psalm 46:10 so well. Almost like God planned it. When my cousin was battling cancer, I texted him this verse to lift his spirits. We often don’t know a lot about the spiritual battle going on around us, just ask Daniel. An angel had been sent to aid him, but he was resisted for twenty-one days (see Daniel 10:13). I find when I’m walking through adversity this verse really helps to focus me back on Jesus. He is there, fighting for us.
(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
There have been so many times where I have felt lost. Like I didn’t matter. Maybe you can relate to this feeling. Isn’t it great to know that God has a plan and His plan to prosper us and give us hope? I think part of my story revolves around the idea of having no hope. When Jesus found me in the pit of depression, He gave me hope. He gave me a reason to keep going. Jesus can do that for you too! Can you accept Him? He accepts you, no matter what.
(Matthew 28:20, NIV)
This promise is so amazing. Jesus is with us. Sure, we may feel like God is being quiet in our lives, but He is still there. He is a constant presence for us. Through the good and the bad. Jesus is present every day of our lives.
If you’re feeling down and like life is putting you through the ringer I hope that you can refer to these verses. Maybe you can even add a few to this list that are specific to your circumstances. The Bible is so full of promises from a loving God. Take the time to read it and you’re life will be changed.
Click here to get your copy of Not Alone.
About this Contributor:
Andrea lives in Bloomfield, Ontario and attends Emmanuel Baptist Church with her husband and two children. She was shortlisted in the WJOF 2017 contest.
Connect with Andrea on:
FB: /inspiringlifechats
Instagram: inspiringlifechats
Twitter: @lifechats7
Author Website: andreacalvert.com
Blog: inspiringlifechats.com