Today’s Post Written By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Recently, I had been struggling with feelings of depression and loneliness. The kids are grown, my husband travels a lot for his job, and although there is a lot of ministry work to keep me busy, I spend much time alone. To make matters worse menopause is fast approaching, so hot flashes, mood swings, and lack of sleep magnify my emotions to the tenth degree.
My attitude was growing more and more negative, and I started feeling sorry for myself. I’m usually a positive person, so this downward spiral was out of character. I hated how I was feeling and cried out… Lord, please help me!
“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” (Psalm 18:6)
Shortly after my cry for help, God showed me the way out of my depression and loneliness. I wanted to share with you what God has taught me. Perhaps you are in a similar season of life and could use some encouragement.
The women’s ministry of my church has a wonderful Bible study program that takes place on Thursday mornings. The women who attend these studies experience a wonderful time of fellowship, worship, Bible study, and small group discussion. After our time of worship, and before we break into smaller discussion groups, an uplifting message is given to enhance our study focus for the week.
One particular week’s lesson was entitled “Standing in the Gap”. It was about prayer.
A lovely woman from our church gave an inspiring talk about the importance of prayer in our daily lives. Early in her message, she spoke about the fact that many women are in a season of life where their time is not their own. Therefore, time spent in prayer can be a challenge. Because they have young children and homes to keep up, or maybe even jobs outside the home, their prayer lives might consist of short little prayers being lifted up to God throughout the day.
I remember those days!
But in that moment, God spoke to my heart and reminded me that I am in a different season of life – a season that has fewer distractions. I am able to devote much more time and focus to prayer. I felt the Lord saying to my heart… Rae Lynn, every time you feel lonely, stand in the gap for some of these women who don’t have as much time for prayer.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (John 5:16)
Wow! It was such a revelation. God has really changed my perspective on being alone. It is so encouraging for me to think that God can use me to stand in the gap for others who don’t have as much time to pray.
“May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2)
The spirit of depression has lifted, and I now have peace to face this season of life… even when I am alone. God is good!
“With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18b)
