WHY

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;"

Psalms 107:1, 2
King James Version

Someone emailed me and asked me if it embarrassed me to give my testimony and tell about the long, crippling and devastating depression I went though many years ago. It used to bother me. However, the frist time I gave my testimony in one of my devotions, a person emailed me and said "I am very depressed. I don't have anything to live for and I was going to commit suicide tonight but I read your devotion and decided to call a pastor and see if I could get help."

I give my testimony because the Bible tells us to do so but also hearing people's testimonies have helped me many times. Years ago, one of my Sunday school teachers gave her testimony and said "I went through a deep depression and my husband didn't know what to do with me. I would go in the closet and stay there for a long time and cry".

A young man got up during testimony time many years ago and said "I'm a Christian today because of my mother. I would see her kneeling beside her bed and hear her praying for me". These two testimonies brought tears to my eyes knowing they had the courage to share from their heart.

What about you? When is the last time you gave your testimony? God may want to use what you say to encourage someone. May God help us to share what He has done for us so others can be helped and know how much our Heavenly Father loves them.

Heavenly Father, I love You so much and I appreciate all You have done for me. Thank You for adopting me into Your family and for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus. I pray for all who are discouraged, those who aren't feeling good both physically and emotionally and those who feel like going to bed and staying there. Please encourage and comfort them as You have done for me so many times. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen .

Joanne Lowe
July 17, 2020