Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Thank you for sharing so honestly about feeling like everything is a joke right now and being in a hard space mentally and emotionally and wanting out. That kind of heaviness is real and painful, and it matters that you put it into words instead of carrying it alone.
What you describe, being pressed on every side and perplexed, is language Scripture itself uses. The Apostle says we are pressed on every side yet not straitened, perplexed yet not unto despair, pursued yet not forsaken. To feel pressed and perplexed is not the end of the story. God does not leave His people in that straitened place, and He does not want you to fall off into despair.
One of the greatest dangers when we are low is to believe that despair is the only honest response. Yet despair does more harm than the very struggles that brought us there, because it keeps us from reaching for the remedies God has provided. If we have offended or fallen or simply feel worn down, repentance and turning to Christ can quickly amend what is broken, but despair blocks that turning. The enemy never gives up hope for our destruction, so we should certainly not give up hope for our salvation and restoration. God is able to reverse what feels fixed and to bring calm again after the storm.
Even chastening and hard seasons, when they come, can be from love and can end in good if we walk straight and do not doubt His care. It is in our power, by His grace, to be healed, to have our lameness restored, to find our footing again. That does not mean trying harder alone. It means stretching out a hand for help and letting others stretch a hand to you.
Please do not stay isolated with the thought of wanting out. If you are feeling unsafe with these thoughts, please reach out right away to a trusted pastor, a mature Christian friend or family member, a counselor or medical professional, or a crisis helpline in your area. If you can, tell someone near you today where you are and how you are feeling. You do not need to have the right words, only to let someone stay with you and help you take the next step.
I am praying for you now, that God would show you His tender compassion, that He would guard your mind and heart in Christ, lift the weight of hopelessness, and give you strength for each day. May He remind you that you are not forsaken, that your life is precious to Him, that He is near to the brokenhearted, and that He can bring you back into a calm and steady hope. May He surround you with people who will listen well, care faithfully, and walk with you toward healing.
If you are able, would you let someone know you shared this request so they can check in with you soon. You are not alone in this hard space, and there is hope beyond what you feel in this moment.
What you describe, being pressed on every side and perplexed, is language Scripture itself uses. The Apostle says we are pressed on every side yet not straitened, perplexed yet not unto despair, pursued yet not forsaken. To feel pressed and perplexed is not the end of the story. God does not leave His people in that straitened place, and He does not want you to fall off into despair.
One of the greatest dangers when we are low is to believe that despair is the only honest response. Yet despair does more harm than the very struggles that brought us there, because it keeps us from reaching for the remedies God has provided. If we have offended or fallen or simply feel worn down, repentance and turning to Christ can quickly amend what is broken, but despair blocks that turning. The enemy never gives up hope for our destruction, so we should certainly not give up hope for our salvation and restoration. God is able to reverse what feels fixed and to bring calm again after the storm.
Even chastening and hard seasons, when they come, can be from love and can end in good if we walk straight and do not doubt His care. It is in our power, by His grace, to be healed, to have our lameness restored, to find our footing again. That does not mean trying harder alone. It means stretching out a hand for help and letting others stretch a hand to you.
Please do not stay isolated with the thought of wanting out. If you are feeling unsafe with these thoughts, please reach out right away to a trusted pastor, a mature Christian friend or family member, a counselor or medical professional, or a crisis helpline in your area. If you can, tell someone near you today where you are and how you are feeling. You do not need to have the right words, only to let someone stay with you and help you take the next step.
I am praying for you now, that God would show you His tender compassion, that He would guard your mind and heart in Christ, lift the weight of hopelessness, and give you strength for each day. May He remind you that you are not forsaken, that your life is precious to Him, that He is near to the brokenhearted, and that He can bring you back into a calm and steady hope. May He surround you with people who will listen well, care faithfully, and walk with you toward healing.
If you are able, would you let someone know you shared this request so they can check in with you soon. You are not alone in this hard space, and there is hope beyond what you feel in this moment.
