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Karen Ruth Shock

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A Prayer for World Mental Health Day

A Prayer for World Mental Health Day

Last updated on: October 10, 2021 at 9:06 pm by Karen Ruth Shock

A Prayer for World Mental Health Day 2021-10-10T21:06:39-04:00 Karen Ruth Shock

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Oh God,

You know me.

You formed me.

I am your creation.

Made in your image.

And sometimes I just can’t deal.

You know this.

There are days when I don’t like anything or anyone.

Times when I just want to crawl back in bed.

Or under a table.

Under a table is nice.

A place where I feel covered somehow.

Sheltered from anything coming my way.

Anxiety can seem to get the best of me.

When it does?

I spiral downward.

Spinning into the darkness of my mind.

Asking all the wrong questions…

What if?

What’s wrong with me?

What should I do about it?

The thoughts overwhelm.

They quickly turn to guilt and shame.

One after the other.

I’m a loser.

What must others think?

Why can’t I get it together?

Why does everyone else have it so together?

And then they can get darker.

Everyone is staring.

Everyone knows.

I am such a bother.

I am so annoying.

Rid me of this Jesus.

Take this brain away from me.

I want a new one.

One that isn’t broken.

One that isn’t overwhelmed.

One that would make you and everyone else proud of me.

Ok.

I will stop talking and listen…

Oh, you say you love me?

You say you will never leave me?

You say you are right here?

I am loved?

Held?

A Saint?

I have everything I need for life and godliness?

You are telling me that in my weakness, I am strong.

I was made for such a time as this.

I can bring joy and hope and healing to others.

I will be ok.

Wait… did I just hear you say you are proud of me?

You sing over me?

Even when I’m under the table?

All of this, in spite of my anxiety and depression.

I can trust you.

I can trust your love for me.

I can trust what you have in store for my life.

No need to know what’s coming down the track.

No need to worry about tomorrow.

I can actually cast my cares on you?

Because you care for me.

You will give me rest.

In you, Jesus, I find my rest.

Not in what others say or think or do.

Not in what the pastor says about my anxiety.

Nope.

Just in you.

Whatever that means, I believe it.

Even when it’s dark and I can’t see.

I still believe you are here.

Even when I don’t believe, you help my unbelief.

You are good.

My eyes are on you Jesus.

You and you alone.

Hold me while I sleep.

Karen R Shock resides in Fort Wayne, IN with her husband and their youngest son. She had three more children who are married and four beautiful grandchildren. Oh, and a dog name JT Barrett (Go Bucks). She is a retired homeschool mom and is now a high school teacher and cheer coach. Life is hard, but fun.

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