BRING YOUR STUFF

This short film is dedicated to the memory of Brittney & her family, a bright and beautiful young woman who left us too soon. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend to many, and her loss has left a deep void in our hearts. We hope that this production, which explores the struggles and hopes of those who have been touched by the struggle of bringing our “stuff” to the Lord, will honor her legacy and inspire others to seek help and support when they “feel stuck.” We are grateful to her family for sharing their story with us, and we hope that they will find indwelling comfort and healing in this short film.

Britt, you are not forgotten. You are loved.

Brittney was a friend and contributor to the Lion of Judah Films, “Through the Veil.”

HIDING FEELINGS OF DEFEAT

Depression is a common and serious psychological mindset that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness, as well as physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Depression can interfere with one’s daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.

Depression is a mixture of spiritual oppression, unbelief, and a paralyzing sense of a lack of hope and experiential answers to their formable condition. When depression becomes habitual, it diverts the mind from any victory - leaving its victim isolated and alone.

For indwelt Christians, depression can also pose a spiritual dilemma. Many Christians may feel ashamed or guilty for being hopeless, believing that they are failing to trust God, rejoice in His goodness, or obey His commands. They may fear that their isolation is a sign of God’s displeasure, punishment, or abandonment. They may also face stigma, judgment, or misunderstanding from friends and loved ones who may view their condition as a sin, a weakness, or a lack of faith. While these perceptions are organically true, and used by God, most habitual “depressed” types slip into the dark pit of despair. The oppressive reality is this “dark pit” denies all visitors.

As a result, many real-deal Christians may try to hide their oppression from Jesus Christ and the Body of Christ, the community of believers. They may pretend that everything is fine, avoid seeking help, or isolate themselves from others. They may also suppress their emotions, doubts, and questions, or try to cope with their hopelessness through unhealthy or sinful means - as in alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, and sexual expressions. Addictions are often formed, which induce more feelings of being alone, hopeless, and unworthy of God’s love and grace.

Jesus is in the ‘dark pit’ with us!

However, hiding in the “dark pit” from Jesus Christ and the Body of Christ is not only harmful, but also unnecessary. Jesus Christ knows and understands our struggles, as He Himself experienced sorrow, grief, and anguish in His earthly life (Isaiah 53:3; Mark 14:32-34). He does not condemn or reject us for “feeling” hopeless but rather invites us to come to Him for rest, comfort, and healing (Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). He loves us unconditionally and promises to be with us always, even in the darkest valleys (Romans 8:35-39; Psalm 23:4).

BRING YOUR STUFF TO JESUS & THE BODY OF CHRIST

The Body of Christ is also meant to be a source of support, encouragement, and care for those who are trapped in the deadly offense of isolation. The Bible instructs us to bear one another’s burdens, to weep with those who weep, and to speak the truth in love (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15; Ephesians 4:15). The Body of Christ can offer practical help, emotional empathy, and spiritual guidance to those who are stuck in the vicious cycle of despair, as well as pray for them and point them to Christ - either for salvation or healing. The Body of Christ can also help those who are “depressed” to seek help from a trained leader within the Church, such as counseling, spiritual deliverance, or support groups, when needed, without shame or stigma.

However, the greatest challenge is many stuck in this cycle want to be left alone. Family, friends, and trained counselors reach out, but their trap denies visitors and their advice. The addictions, or their love affair with the self-life, classically take over and drive the individual to suicidal ideations. If and when this becomes cyclical, frequently the inevitable happens.

Therefore, instead of hiding early signs of depression from Jesus Christ and the Body of Christ, bring your “stuff” to the Lord and fight the oppression brought on by this Satanic deception. Seek to open up to qualified Christ-as-Life diciplers for help and hope. By doing so, you can experience God’s grace, peace, and joy and grow in your faith in and through Jesus Christ. In due time, you can also be a testimony and a blessing to others who may be struggling with “depression” or other challenges. You will forever remember that God is able to use all things, even depression, for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).

Review the top six books I recommend on this topic:

For personal help, contact Dr. John Woodward or Dr. Stephen Phinney