So I’ve ‘finished’ my song for March. Its not actually finished, the lyrics still need work, but time is running out so here it is
I’ve suffered from depression on and off since I was a teenager and the song details my experience of depression as a Christian. There are lots of lovely people who have gone the extra mile to help me, but there are some, alas, who think that mental illness either isnt real or demonstrates a lack of faith
As with Elijah, when he fled to Horeb, sometimes we get overwhelmed and our brain doesn’t work properly. We are called to love one another, and sometimes that is very hard to do, especially if you are trying to love someone like me.
Wilderness (I’ll be fine)
Verse 1
Here, in the wilderness of my mind
Where happy thoughts are hard to find
And sun won’t come out to shine
except when you ask me how I am
I’m doing fine
But go ahead and tell me that
Its down to lack of faith
If I just believed and prayed enough
Things would all be great
If you wanna cross the road and ignore me as I weep
I’ll be fine
I’ll be fine.
Verse 2
Here, where people come to give God praise
Where voices sing and hands are raised
Has fellowship become a game?
With all the broken minded left behind
“Their fault, not mine”.
But if you want to come along with me
The journey won’t be fun
I will lie and cheat and rage at you
And wait for you to run
But if you’ll stand your ground and stick with me
And hold me as I weep
I’ll be fine
I’ll be fine
Bridge
In the wilderness
Where I live my life
Where are you Lord?
When the darkness comes
And and my brain goes numb
Where are you Lord?
I need you,
I need you!
Verse 3
Here, in the sunlit lands of answered prayer
You held my hand and brought me here
I really thought you didn’t care
but you reached out and brought me to your side
I’m doing fine.
For praying hands that held me
when I thought I would fall
My wife , my kids, my friends, your flock who loved me through it all
They didn’t judge, they didn’t flee but wept and laughed with me
Thank you Lord
I thank you Lord
Richard Stringer
CCLI: 7148333