Welcome to Set Free 24-7! Today I have a special guest who has battled depression, anxiety, and addiction to painkillers and has a beautiful story that shows how God kept pursuing him, even as he came to the end of himself.
If you don't know David, he has eyes that smile, is always ready to share a laugh with you, and a genuine heart for serving others and the Lord. I met him a year ago and getting to know him and Elizabeth has been a highlight in my life.
This podcast contains topics that can be sensitive to some listeners. David speaks about depression and coming to a place where he was contemplating taking his own life. If you are struggling with these same thoughts, please know that there is help and support available. The Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 988 on any phone and my wife and I are always willing to sit and talk with you.
I pray that David's Story blesses you and gives you a measure of hope today. Thanks for listening!
"Davids Story: The Knock That Saved His Life"
David is a guest on the Set Free 24-7 podcast, and he has a story to tell. He grew up in a rural area where he was brought up on his grandfather's farm and was an outgoing, but shy kid who loved to talk to people. He enjoyed playing, riding motorcycles, and swimming. His family consisted of his parents, and his father worked a lot so he didn't get to spend much time with him. However, he remembers fondly the family vacations where his father did some fishing and he spent time with his grandparents. He has experienced depression, anxiety, and addiction and has a story to tell of how God kept pursuing him even as he came to the end of himself. The speaker talks about his childhood growing up with two older brothers. They didn't go to church often and when they did, it was a long and boring experience. One of his older brothers joined the Marines at 17 and the other joined the Army and got married at a young age. The speaker was the only kid left at home, so he was very active and played a lot. Dave was the youngest of three brothers and had to fend for himself when his brothers left home. He didn't like school and was not particularly good at academics, but he did enjoy running and wrestling. In high school, he had difficulty fitting in and was beaten up a few times. He tried to stay away from people he didn't like and returned the favor when necessary. During his senior year, he went for a ride with a friend in his new 1971 Chevelle. The speaker was in an accident with a friend in which his friend's brakes went out. The accident was one of the speaker's first experiences with the Lord and he saw white lights and heard the word clear. His friend ended up in a wheelchair due to arthritis. The speaker had a lack of relationship with God before high school. After his brother died in a car accident in 1997, the speaker started to talk to a pastor and started going to church. His parents got divorced shortly after his brother's death and the speaker was very angry at the world. He was almost taken to jail after getting into a confrontation with a truck driver, but he was allowed to go to church instead. He started going to church, but wasn't really invested. Finally, in 2006, he started to invest in his faith and his relationship with God grew from there.
00:00:00
Interview with David: A Story of Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction
00:02:32
Heading: Growing Up as a Kid in a Non-Church Going Family
00:04:30
Conversation with Dave about Growing Up as the Baby of the Family
00:06:29
Heading: Reflection on Life-Changing Experiences with God
00:10:20
Recounting a Life-Changing Moment: A Conversation with Coach Chris
00:12:59
Conversation Summary: Group Formation at a Retreat
00:14:46
Subject: Addiction Recovery Support Group Conversation
00:18:45
Conversation on the Benefits of Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey
00:20:53
Heading: Reflection on Baptism and Divorce
00:22:38
Conversation Summary: Life After Divorce and Finding Love Again
00:25:00
Summary of Conversation with Husband Regarding Divorce
00:27:00
Heading: Reflection on Failed Marriage and Turning to the Church for Support
00:29:00
Heading: Reflections on Blended Families and Starting Over
00:33:29
Conversation Summary: Dealing with the Pain of a Breakup
00:35:43
Heading: Conversation about Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts
00:37:18
Heading: Conversation between Pastor Joe and David about Finding Love Again
00:40:40
Conversation Summary: How a Friendship Led to a Relationship
00:42:41
Conversation Summary: Reflection on Baptism and Relationship with Elizabeth
00:46:23
Conversation Summary: Proposing to Partner's Daughter's Mother
00:50:00
Recounting a New Year's Eve Proposal
00:51:52
Conversation Summary: Building Trust and Strengthening Bonds in Marriage
00:53:49
Conversation with Pastor John and Elizabeth: Working as a Team and Finding Hope in Difficult Times
00:56:33
Conversation on the Power of Forgiveness and Starting Fresh
00:58:28
Conversation on Patience, Divorce, and Accountability
01:02:46
Conversation on Gratitude and the Power of Prayer
01:04:32
Interview with David: Exploring the Power of Dressing Up
