Get Into A Community

Day 24 of 31 days of depression.
God made us creatures who need community. We commune with Him and with other humans. It’s a necessity.

Join a bible study, small, group, Sunday school class, something with fellow believers. Even if they are in the middle of a study. Do it.

I know if you are in the pit, you don’t want to. I know that. I get it.

But you need it. You need to be around other believers in Christ. If no one knows you are struggling, how can anyone help you?

Your pastor may not know. They are responsible for hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of folks within the church. They may not be able to give you the time or attention you need. And if you have sat silently listening and told no one you are struggling, they will never know.

We’re not mind readers in the body of Christ. Everyone of us wants to be missed when we don’t show up for church. We want folks to notice us. We want them to SEE that we look down or sad. And, yes. The body has some responsibility to notice and pay attention to those around us. But you have a responsibility too.

To speak up. To be involved enough so that others DO notice you’re gone or down. But if you’re not involved and not honest, you may get lost in the shuffle. I truly believe there are more than enough believers who do care about those who show and don’t show, to overcompensate for the few who don’t really care at church.

If a bible study is already in session, speak to the leader. Tell her/him that you really just need to be with other believers right now and sharing the word of God with them. You will be welcome in. And in the odd case you’re not, it might be time to find another place to worship and fellowship but that’s a post for another day.

Trust me. Relationships don’t just show up on your front porch. You have to put a little effort out and God will do the rest for you if you ask.

 

Do today:

    • Memorize this scripture: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
    • Get involved. Choose where you are going to plug yourself in and do it.
    • Writing Prompt: Where would you love to serve in the body of Christ? What is holding you back? What are the best and worst case scenarios if you put yourself out there and got involved? Don’t forget to write what you are thankful for and act on it.  *If you would like a safe and free place to write, try this online journal at Penzu. It is password protected and you can even encrypt the journal if you need to. You can also use a fake name and junk email address for further protection. This way no one at home finds your personal diary entries.
    • Pray: Lord, I need community. Show me where to plug in and how to go about it. I need courage to put myself out there. Show me where you want me.  In Jesus Name, Amen.


To purchase this song: Come As You Are

 

The next 31 days we will be discussing depression and healthy ways to combat it but we’re going to get real too. Because for those of us who wind up in the pit often, we know platitudes and fluff pieces do nothing for us. My expertise is only based on my own very personal battles with depression and is no way, professional or medical advice. Your participation in this series is voluntary and Melinda Todd is not legally responsible for any choices or actions of participants. Participants release Melinda Todd and Trailing After God from responsibility and liability and continue at their own risk and discretion.

One Comment

  1. Well said.
    And it needs to be said. It is so much easier to hide and wish to be found. Or to decide that it’s better not to be found. To just be confused and unable to think straight. I need someone to talk to just to know what I am thinking.

Comments are closed