I truly believe God speaks to each of us in different ways at different seasons. In my life, for a while it was through scripture. For a while it was through prayer. For a while it was through worship. Or some combination of the three. He’s even made Himself incredibly loud and clear through my dog. And I’m not kidding.

This particular season has been a hard one though. The problem with depression is all of the lies that enter one’s mind. The darkness is overwhelming and when our defenses are down, the lies are more difficult to fight. This makes God’s voice harder and harder to hear.

At least that has been true of me.

The other night I was reminded (or prompted rather) of the scripture in 2 Corinthians 4. The whole chapter is pretty phenomenal, but I wanted to share with you the parts that were of particular encouragement to me.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you…

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-12, 16-18

This scripture reminded me that regardless of my present season or where I feel I am or going through, I am still being renewed day by day. God is still doing work in me because He is in me–always at work. I do feel pressed in this present season of my life, but I am definitely not crushed… and He’s with me. And I am continuing to trust that He’s up to something. Something I can’t see… but something that is eternal… something that is bigger than anything in this life.

Maybe you too, are going through something you don’t understand… and that looks hopeless. Some of you I know are going through a battle. One of depression, martial strife, addiction, death of a loved one or even a loss of a job–times are hard all around for you right now.

And whatever it is, I pray you find as much encouragement in the promise of this scripture, as I do. And look not at what is seen but what is unseen. He’s still at work, friend.