From Darkness to Light: How God’s Word Brings Peace in Mental Struggles
Often, we fall into anxiety, depression, or stress because of worry. Whether it’s about health, finances, relationships, or family, when we dwell on our concerns too much, they begin to consume us. Anxiety, depression, and stress can take root in our lives, making it difficult to see beyond our struggles. But we must learn to truly give it to God and let it go—it is not ours to carry.
As a former control freak, I thought I was managing life just fine. I didn’t appear depressed, stressed, or anxious—at least not outwardly. I had mastered how to function with my depression, as many Black women do. When traumatic events happened, I processed them differently, pushing through without acknowledging the weight they carried.
It wasn’t until many later years, when I truly began reading and meditating on the Bible, that I learned how to feel and process my emotions in a healthy way. But with that came the realization that I was dealing with all three struggles—depression, stress, and anxiety.
Then one day, I came across one of my favorite scriptures:
📖 Matthew 6:34 – So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Reading this scripture shifted my mindset. My faith in God allowed me to release so much. I realized that there is absolutely nothing I can do about tomorrow. If my Heavenly Father cares enough to make sure that even the birds and worms eat, then He will most certainly take care of me. But I had to stop depending on myself and start leaning on Him, giving my burdens to Him.
That was the first step in my healing process. And let me tell you—it wasn’t always easy to redirect my thinking. Even now, I catch myself worrying and have to remind myself:
🗣️ “Hey Kish, this is not yours—give it to Papa.”
One of the biggest areas of worry for me? My adult children. If you’re a mother, you know the weight of worrying about your kids—about their safety, well-being, and the people they encounter. As a mother of four Black sons, every time one of them called to say, “Mom, I got pulled over,” I felt a pit in my stomach. My immediate response? “Put the phone on speaker.” The ultimate goal was always for them to drive away unharmed—thank God that was always the case.
But through God’s Word and His divine guidance, we can come out of darkness.
Let me tell you what God has recently shown me. As I dug deeper into scripture, searching for His guidance like a starving person searching for food, I came across another powerful verse:
📖 Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
📖 Isaiah 41:10 – 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.
Years ago, God was already connecting me with other women who truly have a relationship with Him. This was His way of creating a network for me—a support system I didn’t even realize I needed. Looking back now, I see His divine hand in every connection, every relationship, every moment of encouragement.
So here I am, years later, learning to be soft as I was created to be, trusting His work, leaning on the network He provided, and allowing myself to be vulnerable enough to open up. His design is so intentional. This was planned by Him, designed for my good, and it was always there—I just had to make the choice to embrace it.
We all have that choice: To either step into His light and healing or to hold on to the darkness simply because it feels familiar. Which will you choose?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being our refuge, our strength, and our peace in times of trouble. Thank You for Your Word, which reminds us that we are not alone, that You are with us, upholding us with Your righteous hand. Lord, help us to release our burdens to You. Teach us to trust You fully and to embrace the healing You have for us. Surround us with the people You have placed in our lives for encouragement and support. May we step boldly into Your light, leaving behind the darkness that once held us captive. We surrender it all to You, knowing that Your plans for us are good and that You will carry us through.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.