When Your Heart Is Heavy: Clinging To Jesus In The Fog

Olivia Rebboah   -   October 29, 2025

Some days the weight in your chest feels like wet wool. You love God. You pray. You serve. And still—anxiety hums, sadness lingers, motivation slips through your fingers. If that’s you today, friend, you’re not failing at faith. You’re human, and you’re deeply loved.

You’re not broken—you’re beloved

God’s nearness isn’t measured by your mood. Scripture promises, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). Jesus doesn’t wait for your smile to return before He draws near; He sits with you in the ache, holds your hand through the questions, and keeps watch when you’re too tired to try.

Faith and feelings can coexist

Christians can experience depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and burnout. It doesn’t disqualify you from ministry or joy. Elijah loved God and still felt done (1 Kings 19). David worshiped and still wept (many Psalms). Paul despaired of life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8–9). Your feelings are not your forever, and they are not the full truth about you.

Gentle practices for hard days

  • One-sentence prayer: “Jesus, have mercy.” (Luke 18:13) Pray it on repeat like breathing.
  • 5–5–5 grounding: Name 5 things you see, 5 you hear, 5 you feel. Invite the Spirit into this moment (John 14:16–18).
  • Small light, small step: Open a curtain. Drink water. Step outside for two minutes (Psalm 19:1; Genesis 2:7).
  • Truth card: Write one verse on a card and carry it. When thoughts spiral, read it out loud.
  • Tell one person: Suffering shrinks when shared (Galatians 6:2).

If you’re in crisis

If you’re thinking about harming yourself, or you’re scared you might, please reach out now:

A short “Rule of Life” for tender seasons

Try these four daily anchors. Keep them tiny and doable.

  1. Scripture: Read or listen to 4–8 verses (start with Psalm 23; John 14; Philippians 4:4–9).
  2. Prayer: 2 minutes of honest words + 1 minute of silence.
  3. Body: Move for 5–10 minutes. Eat something with protein. Sleep when you can.
  4. People: Send one text: “Having a hard day. Please pray.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12)

Scriptures to carry in your pocket

  • Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
  • Psalm 61:2 – “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
  • Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…”
  • Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus: “Come to me… and I will give you rest.”
  • John 14:27 – “My peace I give to you.”
  • Romans 8:26–28 – The Spirit helps us in our weakness.
  • Philippians 4:6–7 – Prayer, thanksgiving, and the peace that guards our hearts.
  • 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on Him.
  • Psalm 23 – The Shepherd with you in every valley.
  • Lamentations 3:22–23 – New mercies every morning.

When help needs to be professional

Seeing a counselor isn’t a lack of faith, it’s wise stewardship. God often heals through skilled people (James 1:5). Look for licensed clinicians who integrate your Christian convictions and evidence-based care.

 

Denver-Area + National Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 (24/7). 988 Lifeline+1
  • Colorado Crisis Services — 1-844-493-8255, text TALK to 38255, and 24/7 walk-in centers statewide (now integrated with 988; same services). coloradocrisisservices.org+1
  • WellPower Walk-In Crisis Center (Denver) 4353 E Colfax Ave, Denver; part of the 988 network, open 24/7. WellPower Counseling Services
  • AllHealth Network Walk-In Center (South Metro) 24/7 in-person support; partner of Colorado Crisis Services. allhealthnetwork.org
  • NAMI Colorado — education & peer support; state helpline and local affiliates. NAMI Colorado+1
  • FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA) confidential search for mental-health/substance-use treatment. FindTreatment.gov+1
  • If anyone is in crisis, remember the statewide line: Call or text 988, or for Colorado you can also call 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Colorado Crisis Services+1

A prayer for today

Jesus, You see me—body, mind, and soul.
Be my steady ground.
Quiet the lies, lift the fog, and lead me beside still waters.
Give me courage to ask for help and wisdom to receive it.
Hold me close until hope rises again. Amen.