Down, Down
Down, Down
I am bent over and brought low; all day long I go around in mourning. (Ps. 38:6)
The Darkest Hours
Nighttime is the worst. In the quiet darkness, there’s nothing to distract you from the weight of the world that’s crashing down around you. You try to go back to sleep, and when you don’t, it leaves you that much more frustrated. You turn on the television, and there’s nothing on but infomercials and reruns of SportsCenter.
Doubt and fear take over. Sometimes, in the worst times, you can’t even put a finger on exactly what’s wrong. The only thing you know for sure is that there’s no way you’re going to be able to pull yourself out of this one. You feel like a failure, plain and simple. Depression has taken over your life.
Light at the End?
Many of us are all too familiar with depression. We recognize the signs in our own lives and in the lives of people we know. Despondency, hopelessness, and despair seem to take over. The world seems permanently gray with no chance of the sun ever coming out again. It’s far more than just having a case of “the blues.” Depression is an insidious enemy that can sap every ounce of joy from your life. Know this, however. You are not alone! Help can be had in the form of trusted friends and professional counselors. And help can be found in our good God who “is near the brokenhearted” and who “saves those crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18).
Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with depression, fight it with every ounce of your strength! And get all the help you can—from others and from God. There is hope.