12/22/2019
Christmas Day is just three mornings away, and for most people, the thought of its coming is joyous, and exhilarating, but for others a dark mystery is unfolding. For some a sense of depression sets in during the Christmas season, and for a few of these, it will be so intense that they will be inclined to take their own lives. Depression is a disease, but like all illnesses God can heal it... His strength can bring us through this dirge, and restore our joy. Do you need God’s healing strength this year?
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Do you, or someone you know, suffer from this mysterious illness? Are you trapped in an inescapable downward spiral of sadness this year while those around you are celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace? Well, our God who created the universe, gave life to mankind, and reconciled sin through His Son Jesus Christ is strong enough to cast this sadness and hopelessness from you, and return your joy.
“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.”
Malachi 4:2 ESV
Have you ever watched as calves ran through a pasture leaping and bucking? Seeing them so full of life, and nearly exploding with their intense happiness is a joy indeed, but why is it that they feel this way? The exuberance of those calves seems to stem from nothing more than life itself... nothing has changed about their pasture, their mother’s milk is the same as it was yesterday, and the sun shines just as it always does. So why is it that they suddenly become overjoyed with a life of fenced containment, and leap about? It is simply the joy of life itself, and taking the next breath... it is the gift God has given them, and it is the same gift He desires to give each of us... life.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalms 118:24 ESV
The depression that comes upon men today is no different than it was in the time of Jesus, and it can be a mild form that we call sadness, or a more severe form that is physical in nature. Clinical depression is a physical condition, and is the same as leprosy, blindness, bloody discharges, or any of the other physical illnesses that Jesus healed. It is similar to illnesses like asthma in that there are certain triggers that can make it worse. Exerting oneself, smoke, or pollen, can bring on an asthma attack, and similarly, the joy which surrounds Christmas can be a trigger for depression. So take heart and seek healing. If you are on medicine then continue to take it, but always seek the healing touch of God in prayer, just as you would with cancer, heart disease, or any other physical malady.
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”
Psalms 40:1-3 ESV
Mild depression is common to all men, and can be confronted, and overcome by certain methods suggested in God’s Word like this verse...
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
But Clinical Depression is different, and requires more than self help... it requires healing. This form of illness causes one to ask themselves why they feel this way, and they do so every moment of every day, and long for God’s salvation...
“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.”
Psalms 42:11 ESV
So it is Christmas, and joy has spread around the world, and across all of creation, but you, or someone you know, can’t seem to feel it, or worse... you want to escape the sadness that has imprisoned you by taking your life. Well my friend I ask that you seek help right now. Ask God in prayer to give you His strength to take the next breath while you reach out for help, and ask Him to heal you. There are so many Christians who have been called to heal and to help you, and they are just a phone call away. So contact your Pastor, or for a list of 24/7 resources go to this site…
https://www.google.com/amp/s/brokenbelievers.com/2011/01/23/247-crisis-lines/amp/
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your healing touch, and your Word that insures us that you not only love us, but that it isn’t your desire that we be ill. Thank you Lord for your strength that helps us through each day, and sometimes our very next breath. Thank you Holy Father for your Son Jesus who heals, and for calling missionaries of faith to help those in need. The depression felt during this season of great joy and peace is a mystery Father, but we trust in you, and your goodness to heal those who suffer. Give all those who need release from their sadness a touch from you Merciful Father, and guide them through this time of mental, and emotional, anguish. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who heals us body, mind, and soul. Great are you who makes clean the leper, cools the feverish, brings calm to the anxious, joy to the depressed, and heals every form of ailment and heartbreak. Praised be your name Lord for loving us so much that there is no pain for which you don’t have a salve. All glory is yours Mighty Lord for the mercy, and grace, you reach out to us with through your Son Jesus, and your Holy Spirit... your love, grace, and goodness, know no end. We ask now that as you help the helpless you reach out to the depressed, and restore their joy in this time when all creation rejoices and celebrates the wonder of Christ’s birth.
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”
Psalms 126:1-3 ESV
Rich Forbes