Sometimes they are literal storms – hurricanes, blizzards, thunderstorms, tornados
Sometimes they are storms of loss – job loss, marital loss, dream loss, child loss
Sometimes they are storms of disease – COVID, cancer, diabetes, dementia
We expect these kinds of storms. We would never ask God to send them, but we know He will allow them at some time. And time spent now in prayer, study, and praise will help us to cope when those storms do come.
Today I want to talk about a different kind of storm. I call this a storm of gray.
Pervasive Grey
Gray so oppressive we can hardly take a full breath.
Gray so pervasive that the world is colorless.
Gray so all-encompassing that the things that usually make us praise are met with silence.
Gray that seems to take over gravity and weighs down our very soul.
This is the gray of depression. You know there’s nothing wrong, but there’s also nothing right. This pit is so deep it seems even God can’t reach down and pull you out.
I know. I’ve spent much of my life in this “grey zone.” It feels like no one understands and so you put on the happy face to pretend you don’t feel empty inside. You smile through the pain, denying that you feel like you are dying inside. I understand, sweet friend.
Predictable vs Unpredictable Storms
We know how to handle those big storms. We see them coming, even if we don’t know when they will arrive. The storms of gray just blindside us. People don’t understand – everything looks fine. But we know things aren’t fine. Things are anything but fine. We can hardly move, hardly speak, hardly breathe. Even crying takes too much energy. We dream of pulling the covers over our heads and just fading away until the gray lifts.
Truths About Grey Seasons
However, I’m not here to tell you I have a magic bean to sweep out the storm of gray. (Sorry.) My message today is two-fold.
First, just because people can’t see this storm, can’t give it a name, doesn’t diminish the fact that it IS a storm. It will sweep us off our feet just as quickly as any hurricane will.
Second, just as God will get you through the storms of weather, loss, and sickness, He will also get you through this storm of gray. He will be right there with you in the gray. He will be holding you, even when you feel (or want to be) invisible. He knows what you are going through.
Psalm 121 tells us that we can praise God in the storm – HE is where our help comes from. He will help us. And sometimes these storms serve to draw us closer to Him. I know they do for me. All I can do is cling to Jesus and hold on until the storm passes.
Blessings
I hope you are in a sunny season right now. ☀️ But if you aren’t, I’ll be praying for you.
I know first-hand how difficult it is to live through. But you can. While you’re there, I’ll be praying…and God will be holding you.
In the meantime, enjoy this song from Casting Crowns:
RESOURCES: I hope these resources are helpful for you. 💕
Get Out of Your Head – I read this book twice last year. The second time I also did the companion Bible Study. It’s a great book that really helps you to focus your thoughts where they should be. In my opinion, anything by Jennie Allen is a good buy!
* I am not a medical doctor or psychiatrist. These claims are not intended as medical or psychological advice. See a doctor or licensed mental health provider for clinical depression. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact your doctor or call 988 from your cell phone right away. There is help. 💕
With love,
🌸 Andrea
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I am an author, speaker, and communication professor. My specialty is teaching people how to have successful, faith-based relationships. My passion is to teach people how to live out Scripture in healthy relationships, especially at home. I've been married for 29 years and have two boys - ages 19 and 15. I love to bake to show my love, so you'll sometimes see favorite recipes!
