Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 43:5 [ESV]
Yes, you can hear the distant triumph song now. This refrain appears three times through Psalms 42 and 43. It is used as a chorus and an encouragement. More than that, it is a truth. Things may be bad; depression may be hell and our world may be very black indeed. The truth to be hung on to throughout though is that God is our refuge and we shall praise him again. The night will end. Dawn will come, and ultimately God’s kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. Every tear will be wiped from our face (Revelation 21:4) and as I have quoted before: “all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well”. (Julian of Norwich).
We have seen this week that depression is not an alien illness to God’s people. The Psalmist suffered with it, as have many great saints of the church (which would be a set of devotionals in itself) and many saints today have known depression in lesser and greater extents. So, here is my challenge to you if you have never suffered with the ‘illness of the strong’ (as some have called it). How do you see people who have battled with depression? Do you, even subconsciously, see us as ‘damaged goods’ and people who ‘struggle with things’? Would you have a question mark in your mind about accepting teaching or advice from a person who suffers with depression?
I know that I took a risk by admitting my illness on Monday, but I can’t encourage other Christians to be open about their suffering unless I am too. We people with depression can’t be open about our pain in the church unless you accept us, and I mean really accept us, as equal members of the body of Christ with our own gifts and insights to bring. If you are a fellow sufferer then I hope I have encouraged and affirmed you. If you are not a sufferer then I hope I have taught and perhaps challenged you. Either way, have a lovely Friday and weekend! Make sure you do something nice as that is a part of getting and staying well. As it is Friday, I have pasted a link below to a great Christian rock track. Enjoy!
Psalmist with a blues harp, knew about the deeper blues….
John Martin-Jones
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