For Without You, I Am Nothing.

"Jesus, enlighten my mind, strengthen my will, inflame my heart, and be with me as You have promised, for without You I am nothing.

You know, Jesus, how weak I am. It is in You that all my strength lies." 

St. Faustina, Diary #495

In today’s world—especially when wrestling with grief, trauma, or mental health struggles—we often feel like we’re carrying more than we can bear. It’s during these moments, when everything seems heavy and the heart feels cracked open, that the words of St. Faustina Kowalska speak directly to the soul.

This prayer from Diary #495 is more than just a pious reflection.

It is a lifeline, a spiritual balm for minds burdened by anxiety, hearts aching from loss, and souls searching for peace.

So many whom we have come in contact through our minisitry of Marc with Hope are navigating the painful road of losing a loved one to suicide or struggling with mental health themselves. There is often a temptation to rely solely on our own strength, but the truth is—we weren’t made to carry this alone.

In her humility, Faustina admits, “You know, Jesus, how weak I am.” That same honesty invites us to surrender the illusion of self-sufficiency and lean fully into the Divine Mercy of Jesus. When we pray this way, we give Christ permission to enter the storm within us.

We ask Him to:

Enlighten our mind when anxiety clouds our thoughts.
Strengthen our will when depression drains our motivation.
Inflame our heart when numbness takes hold and hope feels distant.
Stay with us, because without His presence, despair can feel overwhelming.

Why This Matters for Mental Health
So often, mental health challenges are met with shame or silence, especially in Christian circles. But Jesus is not afraid of our darkness. He isn’t surprised by our struggles. He meets us right there—in the grief, the confusion, the pain—and gently whispers, “Come to Me.”

Prayers like this one from St. Faustina are tools we can return to daily. They’re not magic words, but they re-orient our hearts to the truth: our value isn’t based on how well we’re holding it together. It’s based on His unshakeable love.

A Simple Practice
If you're struggling right now—mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—try this:

Sit quietly, even if just for one minute.
Take a deep breath and slowly pray Faustina’s words:

“Jesus, enlighten my mind, strengthen my will, inflame my heart, and be with me as You have promised, for without You I am nothing…”

Imagine Jesus sitting beside you. Say it again, but this time as a conversation. Let it be your cry and your comfort.

You Are Not Alone
At Marc with Hope, we believe that mental health and spiritual healing go hand in hand. Whether you are grieving, coping, or supporting someone who is, remember: you are not alone, and Jesus has not forgotten you.

We invite you to join our mission by sponsoring a care package through our Miles 4 Mercy fundraiser, which brings tangible comfort and spiritual resources to families who are hurting. You can be the light in someone else’s darkness.

Let us keep praying, walking, and hoping together—one step, one breath, and one whispered prayer at a time.

----------------

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. Resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 in the U.S.) are available 24/7. You are not alone, and there is hope.