Luke 12:6,7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
When I walk out of my back door, I can hear the songs of the different birds that live in the surrounding trees. I don’t always see them, but I know they are there. The evidence of their presence is clearly made known when they take flight, or when I see them eating from the bird feeders. Like many of the creatures God created, they often hide in plain sight.
I know there are times when I, myself, hide in plain sight. I look fine on the surface, but inside I’m numb. I am gifted with the ability to deflect personal questions when asked, and I know how to make myself unavailable for personal interaction by meaningless busyness; but as a Christian with depression, I know how important it is for me to embrace God’s presence even in hiding my chaos and doubt. I recognize that His love surrounds me no matter how bad my days are. I look to see His presence in a rainbow, in someone’s kindness towards me, and in the laughter of family members. He, Himself, is hiding in plain sight. He hides not to keep Himself from me, but rather so I will take time to see Him all around me. I see Him in the sunshine and feel His presence in its warmth. His Word assures me that He sees the birds soar among the trees and knows when they fall. When I take the time to see Him, my journey through depression becomes one of trust and faith instead of fear and hopelessness. The little steps I take daily to see and hide myself in Him allow me to be able to live and to understand my purpose. (Colossians 3 says, “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”) I’ve learned through it all that taking small steps has led me to significant change. Change did not come overnight; depression has not been removed from me, but I am learning how to keep it from controlling me. I take my life one day at a time, and so must you.
- Transformation will come from small, consistent actions over time.
- Breaking big goals into small tasks makes them easier to start and finish, which reduces stress and feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Set a timer with a 10‑minute agenda. Examples: reading or praying, doing housework or walking for 10 minutes.
- Small actions help form routines that become automatic and keep you from burnout and exhaustion.
- Small wins create momentum and motivation, making it easier to keep going.
- Writing one or two lines in your journal a day can result in a completed book of seeing God’s faithfulness.
- Limit your time on social media (unlimited social media time can lead you into depressive thoughts, can keep you from reality, and prevent you from accomplishing daily goals.)
Remember to focus on what you can do today, even if it’s small; don’t beat yourself up, don’t make your goals unreachable; and adjust whenever and however needed. Not only will small steps make lasting and meaningful changes in dealing with depression in your life, but also in all areas of life, whether it’s your personal growth, health, career, or relationships.
Even in the depths of depression, you haven’t fallen outside of why you were made. Colossians 1:16 “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
Gram