Hold on I’m Comin’

I was listening to the song “Hold On I’m Comin” by Sam and Dave while on my treadmill. I listen to music and pray while working out. This song has always been a favorite. But, recently I realised it’s a great song to depict the way Jesus is there for us in times of need.

The Lyrics are:

Don’t you ever feel sad
Lean on me when times are bad
When the day comes and you’re down
In a river of trouble and about to drown

Just hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’

I’m goin’ my way, your lover
If you get cold, I will be your cover
Don’t have to worry ’cause I’m here
No need to suffer baby, ’cause I’m here

‘Cause hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’

Reach out to me for satisfaction
Call my name now for quick reaction

Now don’t you ever feel sad
Lean on me when the times are bad
When the day comes and you’re down, baby
In a river of trouble and about to drown

Just hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’

Hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’

Songwriters: David Porter / Isaac Hayes Hold On I’m Comin’ lyrics © Warner

I have had a rather up/down year, but mostly kind of a down year. I especially have been waiting for a direction/answer as to what I should be doing next since I can’t work as a Nurse in a typical role. I have done art and posted it to Redbubble, but not many sales lately. I also am posting Cards for sale on Etsy, but that’s brand new so no sales. I still am not helping pay bills. This is especially challenging as the issues I am battling are Depression and Anxiety. Both started as severe cases, and can return to that without diligent work to keep them managed. Yep, managed, not cured. I am keenly aware that these are issues that can easily creep up on you. I have had quite the battle with anxiety recently. I am still unemployed and the bills are coming in without pause. As they come and I am not making any money, my anxiety keeps rising. It was when I was praying about this and listening to the song above that I realised he is coming, and I need to reach out to him. This song now is a sort of anthem for me. But I also started thinking about how sad and alone people must feel when they don’t have God. Who do you turn to when everyone else is gone? Or when others don’t understand?

I also started thinking about what support I’ve gotten from friends (Christian and Non-Christian) as the year has progressed. Interestingly, it was the Non-Christians that accepted and supported me during this time without challenge. The Christians I know had a great difficulty accepting and supporting me through these times. Some even feel you must be possessed if you are depressed. I also should say that mental health issues can be related to previous generation’s sin not a result of something the person did/didn’t do now.

As the bible states that “The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’ Numbers 14:18.

Not all mental health is possession or due to what that person experienced. It can be a result of previous sin in the family lines.

The non-Christians viewed it as understandable that I have anxiety and depression. They felt due to the things I’ve dealt with in my life and the challenges over the year, that it would be amazing if I wasn’t anxious. On the other hand the Christians had more of an attitude that if I am walking with the Lord I shouldn’t be depressed or anxious.

Well, my answer to that is “Was Job possessed? or just depressed that he lost EVERYTHING!” I haven’t found where it says he was possessed, just tired, grief stricken, and depressed that he was enduring such hard times. He got so down he actually challenged God on how God allowed these things to happen. I also don’t see where God said “You shouldn’t be depressed if you are my servant, you should be happy and just let things go.”

I am being cheeky, but really?! Is that all Christians have for other Christians in struggle? … A contrite response? I can tell you that I didn’t feel much Christian support when I was told “Just pray” or “God is with you”.

Yep, I know. I know he’s there, in charge, and I can pray. But it doesn’t always take the feeling away, and sometimes you just want to hear “ I get it, that does suck. I would be anxious if I didn’t have enough money to pay bills too. How has he met your needs the other months?”

That, by the way, is what my Non-Christian friend said to me. I was taken aback that she was the one who had presence of mind to subtly point out that God keeps meeting needs.

My point of this blog is to point out that as a Christian I need to be accepting and supportive of others that are dealing with mental health challenges (I acknowledge depression and anxiety are mental health issues, some don’t). I also need to take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually. I need to accept that these are challenges that the Lord has not fully delivered me from. Do I know why? No, but I need to hold on, because he is comin’ to help me.

God Bless