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

Looking for a way to protect your savings in uncertain times? Birch Gold makes it simple to diversify with gold and silver. To get your free info kit, visit: https://www.ChristinaSmithOfficial.com

Connect with Christina Smith, Host of Witness the Wonder:

📺YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@WitnesstheWonder

📱TikTok, Instagram & Facebook: @witnessthewonder

🌐Website: ⁠https://www.christinasmithofficial.com⁠

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If these conversations have blessed you, would you consider partnering with us? You can give your time (by listening, sharing, and writing a review), your talent (by using your creative gifts to spread the message), or your treasure (by giving financially). Together, we’ll keep telling stories that remind the world: God is always at work in your story.

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