Despite the circumstances, the complications in life, depression, Bronlynn shares how she is still standing and God promises the same for each of us.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 5:22).
My husband and I recently visited a nearby tourist attraction called The Blowing Rock.
Legend says that an Indian maiden and warrior fell in love. Torn between her and his duty, he jumped off the rock in desperation. She prayed to the Great Spirit, and one day the wind blew the warrior back to her. Since then a continual wind has blown up onto the rock, causing even the snow to fall upside down.
Of course this is just a story. The wind blows the way it does because of the topography of the land and weather patterns.
Several days after our trip, I was hit with a severe bout of depression. It was a very dark and desperate time, but God brought me through it–yet again.
I thought about the blowing rock.
Many times I stand on the edge of hard times–times of pain or depression or difficulties. Sometimes I jump off in despair. Other times those problems push me over the edge.
I fall for a while, but the power of God and His Spirit keep pushing me back up.
Pain and problems may cause me to fall for a time. But in the words of the Barnes Notes Commentary:
“He (God) will not so appoint, arrange, or permit things to occur, that the righteous shall be “ultimately” and “permanently” removed from their steadfastness and their hope; He will not suffer them to fall away and perish. In all their trials and temptations He will sustain them, and will ultimately bring them off in triumph.”
God’s power is not just a story.
When life pushes me over the edge, His winds keep blowing me back onto His solid rock. I will stand again. And the view from the rock is victorious.
Prayer: Lord God, sometimes Your idea of falling and mine are not the same, and I don’t feel that I can keep standing through my problems. Yet Your Word says that if I cast my cares on You, I will not fall. Thank You that You sustain me through all of my trials, no matter how overwhelming they may seem. Amen.
About the author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in North Carolina and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband, three daughters, and their husbands. God’s grace and strength have brought her through thyroid cancer and continue to sustain her through ongoing back pain, depression, headaches, multiple sensitivities, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
How has God “blown you back” and enabled you to stand through times of pain and suffering?
I heard this song years ago on TV and I stopped what I was doing and listened and then went and bought the CD. I’ve only done this a few times in my life. This is BeBe Winans singing “Stand” and when I read Bronlynn’s devotional this powerful song immediately came to mind. I hope it encourages you today to keep standing spiritually. -Lisa
Bronlynn, such a sweet inspiration today. Thank you for sharing. Many times I feel like just jumping off that rock you speak of. But also am thankful for He who holds me steadfast upon The Rock, the true and stable foundation when all is pulling me downward. Thank you. Great thoughts to hold onto. Love di
Thanks Di. I pray you are doing well and standing firm on that Rock!
Blessings,
Bronlynn
Thanks so much for sharing this Bronlynn and what a beautiful spot you visited 🙂
So thankful for the truth of your words – “I fall for a while, but the power of God and His Spirit keep pushing me back up”, – and “God’s power is not just a story”. Certainly its what I depend on daily!
Blessings,
Fiona
Thanks Fiona. And thanks for being there for me :).
Blessings,
Bronlynn
thanks for sharing – I have just come into my first experience of depression and only yesterday started on a course of medication for it. This in itself has been a struggle for me but I am reassured that God is with me in this after reading your devotional
Praying for you as you work through the challenges of depression and medications :).
Blessings,
Bronlynn
This is so encouraging, Bronlynn. I know how depression can sweep us off the Rock sometimes. But what hope there is in – “When life pushes me over the edge, His winds keep blowing me back onto His solid rock.” I have never heard of the Blowing Rock, but I love the spiritual lesson it teaches. Thank you for sharing this today.
Thanks Trudy. I hope you can continue to stand firm!
Blessings,
Bronlynn
Bronlynn, thank you! Lately I feel I have been in despair so often. I find myself wanting to give up, and wanting to let go. Each and every time, I find myself standing, once again, on my Rock. Often times, I’m not even completely sure how it happens! This devotional brought me to tears as I realize His faithfulness, even when we want to give up. Bless you!
Thanks Deni. I know some of what you have had to deal with, especially over the past few years, and you are a wonderful example to so many of perseverance. I pray you’re feet stay glued to that Rock, even when the winds are strong.
Blessings and prayers,
Bronlynn
Bronlynn, I can identify with everything you say here (except about the Blowing Rock). What a blessing to know the Lord always picks us back up when we’re down.
Debs, I, too, am praying for you as you deal with this unwelcome challenge. Being depressed doesn’t mean that you have somehow failed the Lord although it may cause you to think this and other negative thoughts about yourself.
Beth, I know you can relate to this particular struggle. I pray you are doing well!
Blessings,
Bronlynn
Bronlynn, what a beautiful tying together of your outing, that Indian legend, life circumstances & God’s powerful help for us! LOVED IT! 🙂
“I fall for a while, but the power of God and His Spirit keep pushing me back up.” Sooooooo true! Praying for the Holy Spirit to push each one here back up again. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thank you Bronlynn for your encouraging words. Great simile with the Blowing Rock. I’m so grateful that He always helps us back up.
Deni, you’ve had more than your fair share of troubles, praying about your depression.
Debs, I’m sorry you’ve had depression put on your plate as well, also praying about this.
Blessings and prayers for all here, that even in our darkest moments we can remind ourselves to hold onto Him.
Much Love.
Linda.