July 24, 2021: All I Need and Want

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You” (Ps. 73:25, NKJV).

It was 25 years ago, and I’ve never experienced anything like it before or since; not that anyone else hasn’t had the same issue. In my mid-30s, I experienced depression for the first time in my life. Being a very positive person who is known for my laugh and optimistic demeanor, it was such a stark contrast from my usual state of mind.

It was close to nine months before I felt like myself again. About
halfway into my depression, I experienced a dark night of the soul that overwhelmed me. I went to church one evening, walked down the aisle to the front and poured my soul out to God. At the time, God not only seemed distant but wholly non-existent. I craved Him more than air in my lungs and thought, If only I could sense God again I would be able to face anything that might happen to me for the rest of my life. It was then that a sweet relief came over me, and I knew once more that God was real and loved me.

No, the depression did not immediately go away, but I never forgot what I experienced that evening. I still truly believe that no matter what happens to me, if I have God, then I have what matters most. “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.”

God, thank You that I have You. There is absolutely nothing else I need and want as much as You. Amen.

Rick Labate is the associate director of Pastoral Ministries for the Potomac Conference.