Depression

Has Hope Deferred Made Your Heart Sick?

July 4, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 29 Comments

I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. I just wanted to hide.

Nothing was visibly going wrong. Everything seemed okay at work. Everything seemed okay in my friendships. And I wasn’t married yet, so I didn’t have any romantic relationships to worry about.

But I was moping around. Unmotivated, apathetic. I wanted to stay at home and hide all the time. If I had had access to one, I would have loved to have crawled into a cave and not come out.

I wanted to keep the world away. I couldn’t face anybody.

I don’t remember how long this went on. All I remember is how disengaged from life I felt. [Read more…] about Has Hope Deferred Made Your Heart Sick?

Prophetic Word: If Things Feel Dark and Hopeless

May 28, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 37 Comments

The Lord showed me this morning that, for many of you, things feel dark and hopeless. You have been going through a hard time, and you feel like you have had to claw your way through every day.

The thing is, this is not normal for you. It’s very unlike you, and you recognize it and don’t like it. But, things have been so difficult that it seems like even basic things–things like showering, eating, and getting out of bed–are a real accomplishment when they happen …

… and sometimes they don’t happen at all.

If this describes you, then this is the word the Lord gave me for you today:

“You have been going through the hardest time of your life–at least, the hardest time you can remember. The enemy has been telling you that you are depressed, and you’ve been severely tempted to believe it.

The thing is, you are not depressed–and you recognize that too. You are only stressed, but you’ve been confused because the enemy has been telling you that you are hopeless and depressed.

Here’s the key to getting out of it:

You have a sound mind.

Both this truth AND this confession are the key to overcoming what the enemy is trying to do to you in this hour.

Here’s what’s going on:

5 Keys If You’re Overwhelmed and Can’t Handle Life

May 9, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 14 Comments

Are you overwhelmed right now? Do you feel like you can’t handle life?

If so, I have an encouraging word for you today!

I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed right now. I’ve spent plenty of time stressing about it, worrying about it (sin, I know), and even crying about it. Things have been tough.

But you know what? Papa God is teaching me big-time during this season. I have a lot to learn about pretty much everything right now, and He’s showing me how to get through some things that feel impossible–with His grace making them possible.

Basically, He’s teaching me how to live. Again.

I wanted to encourage you today with the things I’m learning myself.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who is feeling overwhelmed. So, I believe the practical things the Lord is showing me will be helpful to you too. More importantly, however, is the fact that God moves seasonally across His Body. So whatever He is doing in my life, He’s likely doing in your life too.

If we really get the fact that we’re all in this together, it will encourage us all because it shows us that the struggle isn’t for naught. Papa has a plan, and He has a purpose, and He’s moving us ALL into that plan and purpose.

So if you’re ready to move on with Papa’s plan like I am, here are the 5 keys He showed me for all of us who are feeling overwhelmed and/or can’t handle life right now: [Read more…] about 5 Keys If You’re Overwhelmed and Can’t Handle Life

Father Says: “Don’t Cry. I’ve Got You.”

April 10, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 19 Comments

My son wouldn’t stop crying this morning. He’s just over three months old, and he’s going through a developmental leap right now. Leaps make babies extra-fussy, and he was sure demonstrating that today.

At first, I wore him in my baby wrap; usually the closeness of being snuggled up to my chest calms him down after a few minutes. But today, it didn’t work. Then I changed his diaper, just in case. Didn’t help. I tried feeding him, but he wouldn’t eat. He still cried and fussed.

So I walked him around the house; that usually helps too, because he can feel the movement and (I’m told) it reminds him of the womb.

No go, though. Still crying and crying and fussing.

So finally, I sat down with him in my rocking chair and just rocked him.

He kept crying, sometimes at the top of his lungs. All the while, I was holding him tight to my chest and nuzzling his head. He was swaddled and warm and all of his needs were met. He was safe as can be.

But he kept crying.

Finally, after a long time of crying, I grabbed my phone and turned on my favorite song: “Good, Good Father” by Housefires. This song means the world to me, and I played it a lot while I carried Elijah in the womb. So he heard it a lot.

The guitar intro came on, and he didn’t stop crying. The vocals began, and I sang along, and at first he still cried.

But gradually, as the words “You’re a good, good Father … It’s who You are … It’s who You are … It’s who You are … and I’m loved by You … It’s who I am … It’s who I am … It’s who I am … You’re a good, good Father …” sounded in the room, a miracle happened.

Suddenly the strength of his crying began to ease.

Within a few moments, it stopped together.

Within a minute or two after that, Elijah was sound asleep.

And I got a revelation.

The whole time my son was crying, he was in my arms. all his needs were met in spades. I love him with all my heart and was making sure he wasn’t cold, hungry, wet, or anything else.

But he didn’t receive my comfort at first. Not until I played him the song about his good, good Father–a song about how Daddy’s got him, and how He’s perfect in all of His ways, and he’s loved by his Father–was he comforted.

And I think you and I are exactly like that.

At least, I know I am, so often.

When I get sad or upset about something, I’m fussy. Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I won’t stop crying. And all the while, Father’s got me. He has already made sure I’m warm, fed, dry, and in need of nothing.

But still I fuss. I fuss even while my good, good Father holds me tight to His chest with both arms, face nuzzling mine, taking care of me with His big, strong love.

But not until I get a revelation that He’s a good, good Father, and that’s who He is; and I’m loved by Him, and that’s who I am, am I comforted.

Not until I truly understand, yet again, that He’s got me and He’s perfect in all of His ways–so He’s got this, and it will be okay–do I stop fussing.

Not until I receive His love for me do I stop crying.

I’m just like my son in that respect.

Aren’t you?

We’re all our Father’s babies. And just like He’s holding me, He’s holding you right up against His chest right now too.

He’s got both of His big, strong arms wrapped around you. He’s already wrapped you in a blanket and keeping you so you can’t get out. He knows that the safety and security of His arms is what you need. He’s fed you; even though you’ll be hungry again in the future–at which time He’ll provide again–RIGHT NOW you have everything you need.

And your good, good Father is holding you in His arms, rocking you back and forth, and saying: “Don’t cry. I’ve got you.”

He’s got you.

You’re safe.

And you’re loved.

You have nothing to fear. Nothing to worry about. Just like I could see my son’s needs and I made sure they were all met, Father sees all of YOUR needs–even more than we mothers ever could–and He’s got them all taken care of.

All that’s left for you is to receive His love, trust Him, and rest on His chest.

He’s a good, good Father. He’s perfect in all of His ways. Anything He has allowed, He’s working out for your good. Anything you need, He has already provided. All of your cries are heard–

–but not heard from far away.

Your cries are heard in His ears that are right above yours, because you’re nestled right under His chin and He’s kissing your head right now.

“Don’t cry. I’ve got you,” Father says.

“Don’t cry. Shhhhhhh. Shh shh shh shh shh. I’ve got you. Muah muah muah muah (insert Father’s kisses on your soft, downy hair here). Shhh. Everything is all right.”

“I’ve got you.”

And He does!

Will you rest in Him today? Will you receive His love?

Your good, good Father loves you with an everlasting love. With great mercies He has borne you. He has carried you all the days of your life. He’s carrying you in His arms right now, and He’ll continue to do so. He’s never going to set you down, not ever.

Father’s got you. His big, strong arms are wrapped around you and He’s holding you tight to His chest …

… And you are loved.

Listen to Housefires sing “Good, Good Father” today (video below), and meditate on your Papa’s love. He’s got you. Don’t cry. You’re safe, and you’re going to be all right.

Does this word minister to your heart today? If so, please leave a comment below. I love to hear from you!

God Cares About You When You’re Just Surviving

April 3, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 9 Comments

Have you ever felt like you’re just surviving? Just barely making it through?

I’ve felt that way many times. And, I have wondered: When I’m just surviving, is God still paying attention to me? If I don’t feel much excitement, and I’m tired, discouraged, or depressed, does God get angry at me for feeling that way?

After all, I have had my share of those times. I’m much more stable now than I used to be, but I still have moments where I just want to throw in the towel. On everything.

Do you ever feel like that?

And if so, do you feel like God must shake His head, roll His eyes, and look elsewhere until you pull yourself together again?

That’s the treatment I used to feel like I deserved from God. And every time I have struggled with discouragement or depression, I have known that those feelings weren’t God’s plan for me. But there have been times when I haven’t had the courage to fight anymore. [Read more…] about God Cares About You When You’re Just Surviving

How To Plead The Suffering Of Jesus Over Your Sorrow

March 25, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 10 Comments

Are you sad, grieving, or discouraged today?

If so, I have such beautiful, precious good news for you: the day of your comfort and healing is here.

We’re remembering the suffering of Jesus in this blog series. Jesus Christ, very God of very God, the Word of God Who became flesh and dwelt among us.

And this Jesus–this God Who is equal with the Father and the Son–humbled Himself and became the Man of Sorrows, so that you and I could be comforted in our distress.

How do we know this?

Look at Isaiah 53:

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:3-4).

Check out these interesting points about the original meanings of the words in this passage:

The word “sorrows” means literally “anguish, grief, pain, to be sad, to be sorrowful.”
The word “grief” here means “malady, anxiety, calamity, disease, grief.”
“Grief” here is related to the concept of being worn down with something bad.
It also refers to physical pain, malady, sickness, and infirmity.

Now, I talked more about how Jesus paid the price for your healing from physical sickness and pain here, in To Hell With Redemptive Suffering. Today, I specifically want to focus on how Jesus paid the price for your healing from sadness, discouragement, sorrow, and anxiety. [Read more…] about How To Plead The Suffering Of Jesus Over Your Sorrow

Prayer for Help If You’re Sad and Crying

February 21, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 35 Comments

Beloved Presence seeker, are you sad and crying today?

If so, the Lord gave me an encouraging word and a prayer for you.

Here’s the encouraging word:

As I was reading this morning, the Lord took me to Psalm 71 and highlighted verses 20 and 21. These verses say:

You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side” (Psalm 71:20-21).

Here’s what I heard the Lord say:

“I have walked with you through great and severe troubles–troubles so severe that you have not known such troubles before. But all the while, I have been with you.

Now I am sitting on you to revive you.

You have long felt dead, but I am waking you up. Each day, if you will look for it, you will notice yourself coming a little more alive. You will not cry quite as often; and eventually, you will not need to cry at all. Each day, I will fill you with more hope. I will give you as much hope as you have the capacity to receive.

So ask Me to increase your capacity for hope and joy.

Confess your worry to Me. Lay it all at My feet, and ask Me to help you believe. Ask Me to help you hope again. Ask Me to fill you with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”

If you have been sad and crying today, pray this prayer for help:

“Father God, in Jesus’ name, thank You for seeing my tears and hearing my cries. Lord Jesus, thank You that Your Word says I have hope in You. You are in me, and You are the hope of glory.

Father, I confess that I have struggled with doubt, unbelief, discouragement, and hopelessness. But these have been my feelings, Lord, and my feelings are not permanent but Your Word is.

So Father, I speak to my soul right now, and I say: “Soul, line up with my spirit, which is filled with the Holy Spirit! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me; bless His holy name!”

Father, please help me to dwell in the secret place of Your Presence and abide under Your shadow.

Help me to confess Your Word out loud, for You are my refuge and fortress–my God, in whom I shall trust. Father, as I abide under Your shadow, please keep my emotions stable and fixed.

Father, You are the God of all hope. So Abba Father, in Jesus’ name, fill me with Your hope again. Fill me with peace and joy. Help me to be anxious for nothing; but in everything, with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, help me make my requests known to you … and Your peace, which passes all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Father, I thank You for waking me up a little more each day.

Accelerate Your work and help me to cooperate with it. Thank You that You are bringing me up from the depths of the earth. Thank You that You are actually bringing greatness into my life and increasing the greatness that was already there.

Father, You are the God of all comfort, so please comfort me today. Let me sense Your presence and affection. Help me to sense Your love. Fill me with Your Spirit of adoption, and draw me close to You. Dry my tears and hold me tight to Your chest, Lord.

You always heal my heart and bring out the best in me, Father … and I thank You for doing it.

Continue to make me like Jesus. Conform me to the image of Christ. Take away my old heart, and give me Your heart. Take away my old spirit, and give me a new spirit–Your Spirit.

Abba Father, let Your peace overflow the banks of my life like a flooding river. Fill me with Your joy, and help me to set my mind and keep it set on things above, where Christ is, seated at Your right hand. Glorify Your own name in my life, Father, and I’ll give You all the praise.

Thank You, Father God. Thank You, Lord Jesus. In Your holy name I pray, amen.”

If you’ve been sad and crying today, and this word encouraged you, please leave a comment below. And, I am praying for you today!

But Leaders Aren’t Supposed To Have Problems

February 4, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 5 Comments

If you’re a Christian leader, you’re not allowed to have problems. At least, that’s what some people will tell you.

Have you ever noticed that? We Christians seem to have certain expectations of leaders. Whether you’re a leader of:

a volunteer group…
a Sunday School class…
a church ministry…
or even an entire church…

… there is a stigma that people who are in leadership, or have reached any level of spiritual maturity at all, are not supposed to have problems. Or, if they do, we seem to believe that their battles should be against big things of organizational, community, or nationwide importance.

This stigma says leaders shouldn’t struggle with personal battles like doubt, or discouragement, or fear. It says that that leaders shouldn’t feel disheartened or want to walk away.

And if you’re a leader who’s struggling, it can feel like there’s no help for you.

You might feel like there’s no way out.
You might feel like you have no one to talk to.
The enemy may even be plaguing you with a fear mindset that says: “If I admit I’m struggling, people will think I’m unspiritual.”

You might feel you will lose favor or influence. You might even be concerned you will be removed from leadership. And if you’re in full-time vocational ministry, you might even be concerned you could lose your job–your livelihood, your ability to provide for your family–if you admit you are anything less than perfect. [Read more…] about But Leaders Aren’t Supposed To Have Problems

How To Regain the Will To Live

January 29, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 64 Comments

There have been times when I have lost my will to live.

That doesn’t mean I was suicidal, although I have dealt with that too. I’m talking about something different here. I’m talking about losing my will to live–my will to go on–my will to carry out God’s purpose for my life. You can lose your will to live without actually wanting to die, but both things are equally destructive.

Have you lost your will to live also? If you have, I want to share with you today how you can get it back, based on my own personal experience.

How to regain the will to live:

… based on my own personal story.

1. Tell God where you are.

He already knows, so this is not going to be a shocker for Him. God’s not sitting in Heaven gasping in disbelief when you confess your deepest struggles to Him. He knows all about it before you do, so you can be open and honest with Him. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

In my situation, I felt pretty battered and beat up because of some things I’d been through. I felt so bruised, and I couldn’t just snap out of it. I didn’t even realize I had lost my will to live. But I started talking to Papa about it, and my prayer went something like this:

“Papa, I just feel like I can’t go on. I’m hurting. I’ve been through the wringer. I know You’ve called me so I can’t walk away, and I want to be right with You… but I don’t have it in me to keep taking this.”

I was open and transparent with God. Honestly, even by confessing that much, I felt some sense of relief. It was like I wasn’t alone anymore; God was on my team and He was listening to me. It really helped.

In the same way, you can and should be open and transparent with God. Transparency is the only way to find freedom. When we are transparent, God can reveal the truth to us about ourselves, our situations, and His solutions. John 8:32 gives us God’s promise about this:

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

2. Ask God to give you the will to live.

In my situation, the prayer above just naturally led to my asking the Father: “Papa, I need the will to live.”

When I was praying, that thing about “the will to live” seemed to come out of nowhere. I had not been able to put a label on my feelings before, but that was it exactly. I am convinced that that particular prayer/phrase came up because the Holy Spirit was helping me pray. [Romans 8:26 states: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (NIV).]

After I asked the Lord to give me the will to live again, I felt a change immediately. I felt a fresh impetus–a drive–a spark come alive in my spirit that hadn’t been there for a few days.

3. Take whatever is bothering you to the Father and ask Him to fix it all, and give you favor.

We generally lose our will to live because of outward circumstances:

things we’ve hoped for that haven’t happened yet;
the way people treat us;
feeling lonely, etc.

Only Father can truly fix these issues. But He wants to do more than fix them. He wants to turn all of your situations around IN YOUR FAVOR.

When I was going through my situation, I took the things that were bothering me to the Father and asked Him to defend me, protect me, guide me.

However, I didn’t stop there. I also asked Him to work things out to bless me hugely. I asked Him to surprise me with good things and to give me favor. I also asked Him to develop my character and help me to walk righteously, no matter what.

I want to be right with God, and I want everything He has for me. Since the Holy Spirit is our Advocate (John 14:16 AMP), advocating for me is His job. It’s also His job to do great and mighty things that I don’t even know to ask for when I call upon Him (Jeremiah 33:3). He’s better at His job than anybody else, so I’m asking Him to do it–and I know He will.

Have you lost your will to live?

Papa sees and knows. Whatever you’ve been through that has left you battered and bloody, He can and will help you.

So tell Him where you are.
Ask Him to give you the will to live again.
Then pour out your heart to Him and ask Him to do great, HUGE things on your behalf in every area. Ask for all the specific things you can think of, and also ask Him to do the things you don’t even know to ask for.

If you will, then not only will He give you your will to live back, but He will also astound you at the way He turns your circumstances around.

Does this message minister to your heart today? If so, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Encouraging Word: You’re Going To Bloom, Not Drown

January 21, 2018 By Jamie Rohrbaugh 40 Comments

I lay on the carpet sobbing like a baby. I truly thought I was going to die.

My heart was broken. I had nothing left. Nothing. I was convinced it was finished, over, finit … and I was ready to walk away from nearly everything that mattered to me.

It was the darkest time I had experienced in many years, and I felt little hope.

Words fail me when I try to tell you how bad it was. I literally thought I was going to die. I thought my heart was going to physically explode in my chest from the pain.

I was done, and God knew it. He listened as I poured out my heart … and then He gently, lovingly, ever-so-patiently, told me it was okay to be done for that moment; that I could go rest; that I could allow myself some space from the pain and from the people who hurt me.

I needed the break. I left, and honestly I was glad to get away. I saw no hope except in the supernatural, miracle-working faithfulness and promises of Abba Father.

But God.

Within only a few days, after this dark night of the soul had been going on for months, He began to turn it–and I began to bloom, not drown.

He had been working all along, but I believe (like in Daniel 10), help had been delayed. But somehow, help from the heavenlies broke through, and things began to change. [Read more…] about Encouraging Word: You’re Going To Bloom, Not Drown