Pictures of Depression, Spiritual Warfare and Hope

I have a journal/sketchbook that I draw in when I have trouble putting my feelings into words . . . sometimes it's easier to put them into pictures. The drawings aren't normally very artistic; they're more symbolic. I have another sketchbook where I attempt to draw pictures that look nice . . . but they don't always turn out so well! ;) These pictures are from those two journals/sketchbooks. I never intended to share most of these pictures, but I decided to share them because I thought it might help someone.

I am often frustrated because I feel the need to put my pain into words or pictures. And sometimes I'm not able to. But it is a blessing when I can. Sometimes I am also encouraged by other people's art or writing because it gives a voice to what I feel but can't express.

I drew this when I felt overwhelmed with spiritual attacks . . . like I was cornered, trying to hide myself from Satan's flaming arrows.

Arrows flying at my head (I know, it's a lame stick figure!)

I drew this one this past fall when I was dealing with a combination of depression and spiritual warfare. The feeling of drowning . . . desperately trying to keep your head above the water but being pulled under.

Drowning

Another spiritual warfare one . . . the feeling that Satan was tearing my heart apart.

BUT, even in the pain, there is beauty.

There is hope.

There is healing.