The stats are in, and the message is clear: we’re struggling with anxiety and depression. Whether it’s due to social media providing a compromised sense of “community” or the difficulties brought on by global pandemics, it’s a pandemic in its own right.

Fortunately, we have the Lord in our corner and a Word to satisfy longings within that Facebook simply can’t touch. Our guest today is worship leader and recording artist Hope Darst, who shares her own struggles with anxiety and depression and how she relied on the Scriptures and God’s Spirit to find real joy.

Be sure to tune in to the very end to hear her talent in song. It will bless you, and if you’re out walking while listening to this podcast today, it will add an extra skip to your step. We guarantee it.

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 smartphones…13:21

-Hope’s journey through 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…45:22

Connect with today’s guest!

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Hope Darst, a worship leader, desires to see people encounter the love of Jesus and be restored and set free in His presence. Whether she is crafting songs for artful expression or corporate praise, Hope’s goal remains the same: to worship God in everything.

Moving on to her latest single, “If the Lord Builds the House,” is just another example of her desire to write songs that capture real-life experiences while remaining anchored in God’s word. In this newest release, she boldly declares with lyrics from Joshua 24:15, stating, “As for me and my house, we’re gonna serve you, Lord.” Hope confronts the reality that when we try to build a name for ourselves, it usually ends up falling apart. However, when we choose 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.

Shifting focus to Hope’s journey as a songwriter and recording artist, it started later than most. Nevertheless, she 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 on June 10, 2022. Currently, she’s actively working on new music slated for release in late 2022 and early 2023.

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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