Depression

"Depression tends to turn us away from the everyday things of God’s creation. But whenever God steps in, His inspiration is to do the most natural, simple things--things we would never have imagined God was in, but as we do them we find Him there. The inspiration that comes to us in this way is an initiative against depression. But we must take the first step and do it in the inspiration of God. If, however, we do something simply to overcome our depression, we will only deepen it. But when the Spirit of God leads us instinctively to do something, the moment we do it the depression is gone. As soon as we arise and obey, we enter a higher plane of life."
(My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers)

This quote reminds me to seek divine inspiration instead of human solutions. Sacred nudges can be simple but life changing. Human solutions, on the other hand, can sometimes make things worse. However, applying these principles to depression seems like over-simplification because when someone is depressed, it's hard to see anything.

I recently realized that when driving in foggy conditions, one should use low beam headlights instead of high beams. This seems counterintuitive. We think that high beams should pierce through the fog, but instead it just reflects right back and decreases visibility further. So if you have to travel in foggy conditions, it's best to use normal headlights and drive slowly.

When we are surrounded in a fog of despair, it's hard to see or hear God. So we try to get around in ways that make sense to us. We get involved in diversions, anything that helps us forget our troubles. However, these human solutions dissipate our focus and put us in an even thicker fog.

We must seek divine guidance. Slow down. Breathe in God's Spirit. Trust Him. Let Him control every move. Keep looking forward.