Depression is often experienced when living with fibromyalgia and many other illnesses. Depressive episodes can hit unexpectedly and leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. Having a coping tactic to use during dark times can make recovery more quickly. One of the ways to cope is by using spirituality. Spirituality can include religion, prayer, mediation, art, or being in nature. For me, I relay heavily on faith.
Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post, but these are products I recommend and have verified and/or used.
Can spirituality help with healing?
There is research that shows prayer and/or meditation can improve our well-being. This explains why spirituality can help a person recover from depressive episodes more quickly. In his article, A Spiritual Path to Health and Helping, Karl Shallowhorn explains how his faith has helped him mentally and emotionally:
“The practice of prayer has helped me to remain motivated. Of course, it wasn’t like I would just pray and magical things would happen; I put in a considerable amount of hard work and patience. I also practice meditation regularly to help me deal with the day-to-day stressors of life. I find that by taking a brief amount of time to begin my day in silence, and being still, I feel better mentally and emotionally. It can take time to be able to become accustomed to this discipline, but it has produced great results for me, especially in times when I experience anxiety.”
My experience with faith and healing
When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, anxiety, and depression in December 2012, my life was a mess. Unknowingly, I had pushed my husband, kids, mom, and others away from me. Even though I was constantly surrounded by my loved ones, I always felt lonely. Depressive episodes would strike and I had no idea it was depression. I just knew I struggled to find ways to cope with life, reasons to continue living, and how lost I felt. It was a terrible, unhealthy way to live.
Once I got diagnosed and started on my path to healing, I realized I needed something bigger, better to help me heal. Physically I was getting better, but mentally and emotionally I was lacking. Turning to my faith and relaying on daily prayers helped tremendously. I finally found a purpose for my condition and I was going all in. Read more in my article, Seeking the Purpose of My Chronic Illness.
Scriptures for healing
Each time I read the bible, it becomes more clear of the scriptures’ meaning and how it applies to healing. Those dark days before I started relying heavily on faith, I was lost. A scripture I found fitting for that dark hole I was in is from Psalm 40:1-3:
I waited patiently for the Lord; And he inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction…And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord. -Psalm 40:1-3
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. -Psalm 27:14
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
For those that do not understand our condition and suffering, pray for them:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. – John 13:34
Scriptures for various ailments
Words with quotation marks are words spoken by Jesus.
Anxiety and worry
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the boy more than clothing?” -Matthew 6:25
“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” -Matthew 6:27
“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?'” -Matthew 6:31
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” -Matthew 6:33-34
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6
Difficult times
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” -John 14:27
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
Changeless of Christ
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will Man do to me?” -Hebrews 13:5-6
Give thanks to the Lord
It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare your loving kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night…For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. -Psalm 92:1-5
Do not fear
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ -Isaiah 41:10
What you can do
There are various ways you can get the support you may need. Here are a few suggestions I recommend:
A support group
You can find a support group either in person or online. When finding a community online, be cautious about the source. Unfortunately, there are people out there looking to take advantage of people suffering such as we are. Always proceed with caution and use common sense when participating in online groups. GeneFo is an online health community for various ailments, and you are able to choose which communities to partake.
Attend services
You can attend services either in-person, on the television, on the radio or online. Personally, I watch Turning Point’s Pastor Dr. David Jeremiah on TV, but I use to listen to him on the radio, too. Dr. Jeremiah’s sermons are focused on biblical teachings and does series often. I highly recommend his series on Revelation. This part of the bible use to worry me, but after his series, I embrace that book of the bible. It’s now my favorite book.
Dr. Charles Stanley from InTouch Ministries is another pastor I like to listen to. He also has television programming and a radio show. His sermons are more focused on individuals and families. His messages do include the bible, but are more directed towards everyday living in a biblical way.
Do what works for you
Jesus encourages us to attend services in person because of fellowship. He wants us to surround ourselves with other individuals that have a love for Christ and thirsty for His teachings. However, there are times when being around others isn’t something we can do. For whatever reasons (for me it’s anxiety and being in a large crowd), it can be more healthy to stay away from those triggers. This doesn’t mean you can’t ever go to services. Just do it in baby steps. Do what works best for you with what you can do at the present time.
Take your time
Do not rush into whichever avenue you choose. Take your time and make the choice you think is best.
Resources I use
These are resources I use and recommend in the video (video below).
Spiritual articles I’ve written
- How to have a positive outlook with a chronic illness
- One solution for all problems
- How to worry less and live more
- Seeking the purpose of my chronic illness
Fibro Live: Spirituality with Healing
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