Episode 63: Hope Darst Opens Up About Overcoming Anxiety and Depression, and Offers Hope for Those Struggling With the Same.

The stats are in, and the message is clear. We're struggling with anxiety and depression. Be it because of social media that gives a compromised sense of "community", or the difficulties brought on by global pandemics, it's a pandemic in its own right.Thankfully we have the Lord in our corner, and a Word to satisfy longings within that Facebook simply can't touch. Our guest today, worship leader and recording artist Hope Darst, shares her own struggles with anxiety and depression, and how she relied on the Scriptures and God's Spirit to find real joy. Make sure you tune in to the very end to hear her talent in song. You will be blessed and if you're out walking while listening to this podcast today, it will cause an extra skip in your step today. Guaranteed. Here's a bit of what you'll hear in today's episode:-Ubiquitous social media has an unhealthy net effect on society...08:12-We don't know how to "see" people anymore when we're glued to our smartphone...13:21-Hope's journey thru anxiety, depression, etc...15:44-Coping mechanisms "save" you for a short time, but the enemy uses them to his advantage...18:49-Adopting healthy coping mechanisms founded in Scripture...23:14-Awareness of hormones, emotional cravings, etc and how to cope with them in a healthy manner...31:35-The best piece of advice Hope has ever received...41:50-One thing about Hope most people wouldn't know...45:22Connect with today's guest!InstagramFacebookYouTubeHope Darst is a worship leader who desires to see people encounter the love of Jesus and be restored and set free in His presence. Whether it's crafting songs for artful expression or corporate praise, Hope's goal is the same - to worship God in everything. Her latest single, "If the Lord Builds the House", is just another example of Hope's desire to write songs that capture real life experiences while remaining anchored in God's word. This newest release is a bold declaration with lyrics from Joshua 24:15, "As for me and my house we're gonna serve you Lord / So here's the keys / Come on in / Everything we have is yours". Hope tackles the reality that when we try to build a name for ourselves it usually ends up falling apart, but when we chose to allow God to build our lives, nothing can tear it down. Even if we face hardship or storms, the houses of our hearts and minds will stand firm on Him.While Hope's journey to become a songwriter and recording artist started later than most, Hope feels like she is just getting started and hopes to have the honor of releasing music for a long time. Her newest single, If the Lord Builds the House, was released June 10, 2022. She is currently working on more new music to be released in late 2022 and early 2023._______________To learn more and for free resources go to www.wendiepett.com. If you haven't listened to the Introduction and the first 5 episodes of the Visibly Fit Podcast make sure you do. You will be encouraged that becoming Visibly Fit is actually within REACH. You can download the worksheets at www.wendiepett.com/visiblyfitpodcast