Choosing joy while facing depression or anxiety

Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot...I am running as fast as my feet will carry me. Seeing another runner ahead I push harder and despite the pain in my lungs I run faster. A thought hits my mind while running "This is so painful, why keep going?" For a split second I considered why I was willing to keep running this race and I concluded that the joy of finishing was worth the pain.

I caught up with the other runner and saw the finish line ahead. I began to sprint, my lungs burning and my legs numb. The last one hundred meters I give all I have until I cross the finish line and feel a surge of relief and joy.

There are moments in life when the darkness seems to mount around us and the fear is debilitating. Those that have swam in the deep waters of depression or climbed the mountains of anxiety know that it is hard to feel joy and the spirit at those times. It is almost impossible to feel peace or hope and muster up enough strength to keep going. But when you are asked "This is so painful, why keep going?" I pray you look to Christ.

When the Israelites were bitten by the serpents in the wilderness, Moses told them to look at a snake upon a staff and they would live. So many didn't think that doing this would heal them so they refused and died. As our Prophet points our way to Christ, we have the blessed opportunity to simply look and live. Though darkness seems to surround us, especially in the middle of a battle with anxiety or depression, we can look to

Christ with hope that He will heal our brokenness.

During my mission, I experienced a lot of anxiety and depression. It took a long time to build up hope, faith, and to feel the spirit again. All while I felt hopeless, I moved forward looking to Christ and believing that things would get better as long as He was in my sights. Christ will take us as we are, even when we feel broken, and will lift us up if we will but have a little faith in Him.

It is my hope that all those reading this may continue to press forward in Christ with a hope that He will light the way, dry all tears, and fill you with the light of the Holy Ghost again. Until then, it is vital to hold on and keep living the gospel truths. I testify that light always wins and that Christ is our Savior. He loves you and me. Hold onto Him and He will hold onto you.

Challenge: Write down your testimony of Jesus Christ and share it with someone you know that is struggling.