As I write this, the Christmas holiday is fast approaching. One popular holiday song calls this holiday, “the most wonderful time of the year.” For many people this is true. It is time for family, giving and great food. However, there are some who will not be having a wonderful time. For these souls, the holidays are tough. They are dealing with loneliness and hopelessness.
Depression is a real problem in our society. There are a few well-meaning people who say that depression is caused by a lack of faith. Perhaps this is true of some, but most are dealing with issues that are far deeper than superficial advise will solve.
I do not offer this message as a cure-all for those who are depressed. I know better than that. I am not an expert on this subject, so don't treat my advise as being medical or professional advise. But I know that depressed people need the Lord to help them through their dreary fog of hopelessness.
The Psalmist must have known a little about such depression when he wrote, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” There are many who are cast down. Perhaps you are one of them.
The Psalmist advised the depressed to hope in God. I think this is vital for all who are depressed. I believe the Lord has placed modern medicine and great Christian counselors at our disposal to help in such situations. If you are depressed, seek the help you desperately need. Furthermore, get out of the house. The worst thing you can do is to live in isolation. You need to be around others. Open up to a close family member or Christian friend. Talk to your family doctor or pastor. Privately share with someone about your struggles. Let me encourage you today. There is hope for those suffering from depression. Your life may seem to be full of darkness, but be aware that there is light ahead.
For those of us who are not suffering from depression, we need to pay attention to those around us. Watch for warning signs. Check on those you are concerned about. Give them a call. Visit them. Send them a card or letter. Invite them to dinner. Show love and compassion to them. While it may be a wonderful time of the year for you, it may be nightmare for them.
Depression is real. It appears like Elijah may have suffered from it after the encounter on Mount Carmel. After a great spiritual event, Elijah was praying for God to end his life. Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher, also suffered from, “the dark night of the soul.” If you are suffering from depression, you're not alone.
There is help available. When Elijah was depressed, God led him to enlist Elisha as a friend. Elijah mentored Elisha. This fellowship seemed to help Elijah. Spurgeon found levels of help as he shared his struggles publicly from the pulpit and his writings.
You can't defeat depression alone. You need God and others. Fortunately, this help is available to you right now.
There is hope for depression.
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