Alissa Johnson

Starting around 15, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety. I’ve walked through many seasons of joy and sadness, and in those I felt hopeless and lost. Even with so many people around me, it felt like no one really understood what I was feeling. I found that I was often running to substances rather than Scripture. I wasn’t consistent about getting into my Bible, studying it, or praying. In November, one of my closest friends from High School passed. It felt like the world was crashing down. Broken and lost, I dropped down to my knees in tears, begging God to help me. I poured everything out to Him and the next morning I woke up feeling an immense amount of peace. I immediately got into my Bible and started reading, where I found the verses in Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Then, I decided that God’s way is the best way, and that trying to handle everything on my own will not get me to where I’m supposed to be. God has a plan for each and every one of us, and He provides us with a shoulder to lean on and wisdom to get us through this life. As I started living for the Lord, I noticed my sadness eased drastically, faith was growing more day by day, and my anxiety was no longer an issue. God saved me and showed me that there is so much more to life through Him. He gave His Son, so now I give my life to Him.