In Lent, Trust (2)
Trust & depression:
Ps 88:
v.14: Why, LORD, do you reject me
& hide your face from me?
v.18: You have taken from me friend & neighbour -
darkness is my closest friend.
Ps 43 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
In depression, as Christians
- holding ourselves to a higher standard?
Knowing objectively that there is hope
but feeling so overwhelmed, unable to feel it.
Insidious & intrusive thoughts
- not worth other people's time nor effort
- Where is God when we are suffering?
Face hidden? No. 2 Tim 2:13 -
if we are faithless, He remains faithful.
Even so, no desire (not worthy) to go into His presence
. . . It is okay to go away, to be angry
to keep the conversation going, to say something
is better than nothing; so long as you return again
_________
Why?
Sometimes, in some cases:
Growth; faith fortified.
Through our sufferings, we are reminded
to hold loosely to the things of the world
Gaining in capacity to minister to others
_________
What earthly actions can we take to rectify this?
Practical assistance
beyond just "I'll pray for you"
Matt 25: 35 - 40 reality:
- Counselling
- CBT
- Anti-depressants
_________
* Jesus died for me - not for people, for "everyone" as a generic
but for me, specifically & (Luke 15: lost sheep; Gen 18 ...)
"for the sake of one" - such is our value & self-worth to Him.