Grief, seasonal depression, and hearing God’s voice—When God woke me at 2 A.M., I didn’t realize He was preparing me for what I couldn’t yet see and giving me a gift I didn’t know I’d need. One week later, a simple voicemail became a lifeline through loss—and a reminder that God is close to the brokenhearted.
Guest host Heather O’Brien (Heal With God Podcast) joins me, Christina Smith, as I share my personal story. We talk about recognizing God’s voice and gentle nudges, walking through seasonal depression, and choosing community over isolation. If you’re grieving or dealing with depression this holiday season, this conversation offers Scripture, practical tools, and the comfort of God’s presence.
📖 Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
🌿 What We Cover
How God prepares us and speaks through quiet “nudges”
Processing grief and seasonal depression with faith and scripture
Taking thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5) and refocusing our thoughts (Phil 4:8)
Choosing community when depression says “withdraw”
Why God feels closest in our hardest seasons
📖 Scriptures Mentioned
2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8; Psalm 34:18; Romans 8:37; James 1:17
Chapters
00:00 Ministry, honesty, and depression
00:46 Birch Gold message
01:09 Welcome + why this episode is different
02:02 Handing the mic to Heather (guest host)
02:08 Setting the scene
02:19 God woke me at 2 A.M.
03:08 Calling my brother in the night
04:45 “I’ll call you back—don’t answer.”
05:32 The voicemail I’ll treasure forever
06:04 One week later: sudden loss
07:00 Seeing God’s fingerprints
08:37 “My sheep hear my voice.”
09:10 Learning to notice the gentle tap
09:43 The last-minute dinner with Grandma
11:13 A final family gift
12:48 Learning God’s voice personally
14:14 Birch Gold message
14:27 Holidays, seasonal depression, and grief
15:23 Learning to actually grieve
18:01 Everyday triggers and letting tears come
20:41 One takeaway for the heavy-hearted
21:22 Taking thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5)
21:27 Training your focus (Phil 4:8)
21:56 Doing the opposite of isolation
22:52 Catching thoughts before they drop to the heart
23:19 Identity truths that fight the lies
24:57 Simple dopamine wins when you feel stuck
25:21 God is near the brokenhearted (Ps 34:18)
26:44 Every good and perfect gift (James 1:17)
27:41 Birch Gold + closing
Partnership Birch Gold
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🌐Website: https://www.christinasmithofficial.com
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