Depression Hurts

Depression is an oft ignored subject of Christians. Or worse, we get the "good news" that if we just had more faith, we wouldn't be depressed. That as Christians we should only feel joy. That isn't what Jesus said. No, in fact He says "In this world you WILL have trouble." (John 16:33, emphasis mine).

The prophet Elijah had every reason to be joyful. He had overcome all the false prophets of Bael, (450 of them!) and God had proved through a ball of fire that Elijah was the true prophet of God. (1 Kings 18). Yet, Elijah felt very much alone. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. Depressed? Perhaps so.

The pressure of life can lead to depression. We respond in many ways. In Elijah's case he ran away and wanted to die. He just lay and slept. Yet God sent an angel with food and drink for Elijah. God wants us to take care of our basic needs.

Elijah tells God how alone he feels. He says "I am the only one left." twice, in verses 10 and 14. Don't we feel all alone when depressed? Yet God tells Elijah of the 7,000 on His side in verse 18. God knows we need a system of support.

If you are facing depression, I urge you to get help. Talk to a trusted friend, pastor or counselor. Pray. Take care of your basic needs. Find your support system.

If you suffer from depression or know someone that does, listen to this sermon by my pastor Rick Raines, along with the testimony of my friend Tracy Thomas who overcame depression. (If you are short of time, Tracy's testimony begins at minute 2:45 of the recording.) This post is derived from Rick Raine's sermon with permission, but he & Tracy are so much more eloquent that I am.

Who does depression hurt? Everyone. If you don't suffer from depression, praise the Lord. Then be an "ACE" (Ask/Care/Escort) to someone who does:

Ask your buddy if they are depressed.
Care for your buddy and their basic needs.
Escort your buddy to the appropriate help.



John 16:33 -- In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

1 Peter 5:7 -- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Rhyme Time

This video is only 1 minutes and 42 seconds, but it is amazing and funny, and best of all it rhymes. Give it a peak. You are sure to enjoy.

Sing a Song!

"Sing, sing a song. Make it simple to last your whole life long. Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear. Just sing, sing a song."
The Carpenters, 1973

I love music! I am blessed with an uncanny ability to remember lyrics as well. Unfortunately, I am not blessed with the ability to carry a tune, which makes my lyric memory a bit of a moot point. Except I'm not shy, so I don't "worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear."

Lyrics speak to me in a way nothing else does. It evokes a feeling I can't explain.

Every song is a memory; some good, some not so good, all meaningful. So today I start a new series on the blog. Every Monday will be "Musical Monday" where I will take a song (secular)and write a devotional around it. So if you love music, and love God, come back every Monday. I'll be starting with hit songs from the 70's.

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise," says Psalm 98:4 (KJV) I guess my singing could be labeled as a loud and joyful noise. So, even if you can't carry a tune, join me on Musical Mondays for a new song.

Psalm 33:3 -- Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

1 Corinthians 14:15 -- So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

Colossians 3:16 -- Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.