Raised in a pastor’s home, I was taught to always give thanks, trust God for everything, and pray about everything. Here is my personal story.

While in my thirties, I suffered terrible depression. I didn’t realize at the time what it was or how bad it was. I didn’t want to go to church, not because I didn’t love God, but because I just didn’t want to face people. And I sure didn’t want to talk to anyone. That seems strange for someone who always loved people and loved any church activity I could attend. But something inside me just wouldn’t allow me to stay home. I went to every service anyway, I worshiped and I sang in the choir. Almost every morning at 6:00 AM I went to pray, although many times I would just lay on the altar and weep. Those times were preparing me for the years to come and things I could not face without prayer.

Many things were stripped away from me, and I felt like I was being punished, I was broken. In 2014 I lost my precious father (my Pops) and within the following two weeks my husband lost his job due to having several mini strokes. We had to move from our beautiful farmhouse into a very small, unattractive house. During this difficult time, God began to deal with my heart about listening to Him, about resting, reading His Word, and praying like I’d never prayed before.

“For I will restore health to you, and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 30:17).

He began to slowly restore where I had lost strength. My vessel was cracked, and I was fading, I was broken and hurt. God took my brokenness and refreshed me. He turned my mourning into dancing.

Psalm 121:1-2 says,

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.”

There are several synonyms for restore: freshen, recharge, recreate, refresh, regenerate, rejuvenate, renew, repair, resuscitate, revitalize, revive. When I began to read these words, I immediately applied them to what Jesus does for us in our need. Oh, isn’t it a beautiful thing what He does for His daughters?

I encourage you today, if you feel depleted let Him restore you. Speak life into your situation. Refresh your relationship with Him. And pray, pray, pray. Talk to Jesus and let Him refresh you, restore you. He will put the sunshine back in your life. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalms 30:5).

The Lord enjoys taking our broken vessel and restoring it to its original condition.

 

Mary Wilson attends River of Life Church, Muncie, Indiana. She is mom to two adult children and grandmother of three. Mary served as choir/drama director then music minister for thirty-five years and has also directed many youth camp choirs. She is now retired and enjoys having more family time. She loves working for the Lord.
Reprinted with permission from Ladies Prayer International.  Subscribe today!

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