Ephesians 6:12 - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Today was one of those days. A day when the weight of depression felt insurmountable, anchoring me to the confines of my home and rendering even the simplest tasks impossible. As the morning light filtered through the curtains, I was engulfed in a suffocating fog of despair, unable to muster the strength to face the world outside.

For those unfamiliar with the clutches of depression, it may be challenging to comprehend the sheer force of its grip. It's not just a matter of feeling sad or blue—it's a relentless onslaught of darkness that infiltrates every corner of your being, distorting reality and draining life from even the most mundane activities.

Today, the physical and mental manifestations of depression collided in a perfect storm, leaving me paralyzed and defeated. The thought of venturing beyond the safety of my home felt like an impossible task, a journey into the unknown depths of despair.

But the impact of my struggle extends far beyond the confines of my own mind. With my wife currently out of work, the financial strain weighs heavily on our shoulders, casting a shadow of uncertainty over our future. Every missed day of work only deepens the cycle of stress and despair, creating a vicious spiral that threatens to engulf us entirely.

In such moments, it's hard not to feel like a pawn in a cosmic chess game, with the enemy lurking in the shadows, waiting to capitalize on our vulnerability. But even as I acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare, I refuse to surrender to despair. Today may have been a battle lost, but the war is far from over.

Amid the darkness of depression, a subtle yet profound realization dawns upon the soul: this is not merely a battle of flesh and blood but a skirmish in the cosmic arena of spiritual warfare. The enemy, our adversary, prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. And in the depths of despair, he finds fertile ground to sow seeds of doubt, fear, and hopelessness.

Depression, in its insidious grip, becomes a weapon in the enemy's arsenal—a tool to distract, discourage, and ultimately derail us from the path that God has called us to walk. For me, this path is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, the proclamation of hope and redemption in a world desperately in need of light.

But here's the cruel irony: in the throes of depression, the very act of preaching—the very essence of my calling—becomes an Everest-like obstacle, seemingly insurmountable in its magnitude. The weight of depression bears down on my shoulders, suffocating the words before they can even leave my lips, drowning out the voice of truth with the cacophony of despair.

It's in these moments that I'm reminded of the words of the apostle Paul, who spoke of the spiritual battles we face: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).

But even as I confront the reality of spiritual warfare, I refuse to succumb to defeat. For I am not alone in this battle. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within me, empowering me to stand firm in the face of adversity, to wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and to proclaim the truth of the gospel with boldness and courage.

So today, as I grapple with the darkness of depression, I cling to the promise of victory that is mine in Christ Jesus. I may stumble and falter, but I will not be overcome. The battle belongs to the Lord, who has called me and is faithful to see me through.

During the darkness, there is a glimmer of light—a flicker of hope that refuses to be extinguished. Today may have been a battle lost, but it is not the war's end. For I am determined to continue fighting against depression, to press on in the pursuit of healing and wholeness, even in the face of setbacks and struggles.

I refuse to let the darkness define me and dictate the course of my life. Instead, I choose to cling to God's promises, to anchor my soul in the unshakable truth of His Word. For He is the God who brings beauty from ashes, turns mourning into dancing, binds up the brokenhearted, and sets the captives free.

So, I will continue to take each day as it comes, knowing that I am not alone in this journey. I have the love and support of my family, the prayers of my friends, and the unwavering presence of my Savior, who walks beside me through the darkest valleys.

Though the road ahead may be long and filled with challenges, I am filled with hope—a hope that transcends circumstances, a hope that anchors my soul in God's unchanging character. For He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

So, let us press on, knowing that our struggles are not in vain and that our pain will one day be transformed into purpose. Ultimately, darkness will not have the final word, but the light of God's love will shine brightly in the midst of it all.

With hope and determination,
Garey


Got questions or thoughts you'd like to share? I'd love to hear from you! Whether you're wrestling with your own struggles, seeking advice, or simply want to connect, your voice matters.

Feel free to reach out to me using email at hopeinthejourney@tlw.church, or connect with me on social media (Facebook or Twitter). I'm here to listen, support, and journey alongside you.

Let's walk this road together.