Remain
Remain FAITHFUL; Remain ALIVE.
I understand your struggle. The constant internal turmoil can be exhausting—wanting to do what’s right while being met daily with intense spiritual opposition. You’re tired. Maybe not physically, but mentally you’re starting to feel the impact of spiritual warfare. I’ve been there, and I’d be lying if I said that every now and then, I don’t feel myself drifting back toward that space.
We all have our battles, and to be transparent, this has been one of mine. When life gets rough, I sometimes have to talk myself out of mentally retreating into old depressive patterns. I have to remember not only who I’ve become, but Who I belong to. It isn’t always easy, but I’m not fighting alone. Everything God has been instilling in me over the past few years rises up against every negative thought that tries to take over my mind. In other words, in my most desperate moments, God is my ally.
When you’re struggling with mental or emotional health, it can feel like a never-ending internal battle—one that no one else sees. It can feel as if you are enslaved to negative thoughts or physical habits that seem to run your life. You don’t want to feel depressed, you don’t want to feel anxious, but you can’t help slipping into those familiar emotional spaces.
Let me start by saying this: there is true freedom in Christ Jesus. I know you may feel like this is just who you are and who you will always be. I used to think that too. But I now know that is a lie from the pits of hell. There is light—real inner freedom—and it is lasting.
It won’t happen overnight. It’s a process. I’m three years into my journey with Christ, and I still have moments where I have to come back to myself because life will absolutely challenge the work God has done within you.
In the past, I made the mistake of believing God could not heal me simply because I found myself back in the same dark pit He had already rescued me from before. Don’t make the same mistake. Healing is a journey, not a destination. If you ever find yourself sinking again, fight to get back up. That setback is not your ending. It is not your identity. Victory is your identity.
Along this journey, it’s important to recognize your triggers and build self-awareness, so you can interrupt patterns before they form—whether mental states, emotional spirals, or cycles of self-sabotage.
You’re going to have to push through. Always. When God has called you to something, lean into that call when you feel yourself sinking. Your calling is a constant reminder of your significance on this earth, a reminder that you are seen and deeply loved by the Most High.
Side Note:
Although this message is directed toward those navigating mental health battles, the truth is—we can find ourselves in bondage to almost anything.
“Remain faithful in chains.”
The Holy Spirit placed this phrase on my heart while I was reading tonight. Your ability to remain faithful in the midst of personal struggle will free not only you, but those God connects to you. Push through.
You are not alone. God is right beside you, cheering you on. And there are others—like myself—pushing through opposition every day for the sake of God’s greater will.
Every day will not be filled with sunshine and delight. Not every situation will unfold the way you expect. People will disappoint you. That’s life. However, with Christ, even when you are disappointed or wounded within, you will not be destroyed within. That is a clear sign that God’s healing power has already begun a good work in you.
I’m a living testimony: what could have broken me before, cannot and will not break me today. Even in pain, there is a nagging hope in the Lord, an unshakable belief that all things—good or bad—are working together for my good.
Choose life, and life more abundantly through Christ Jesus ✞
I love you guys! And God loves you more!
Philippians 1:12-14
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
12) Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13)As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14) And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Philippians 1:18-21
18) But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19) for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20) I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:23-26
23) I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24) but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26) so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
