When there is no future

A friend told me about his depression this past Lord’s Day. I’m concerned for him, because I know what it feels like to be trying to outrace the darkness! My melancholy disposition tends to depression. Fifteen years ago, I went through a terrible year of real and persistent depression that was worse than any physical ailment or pain I have ever experienced. At the time, there were days when I questioned if I wanted to struggle on. God assembled a team of friends who walked with me, loved me, prayed for me, and kept me safe until I could see tomorrow again. So, when I hear about someone who takes his own life, questions fill my mind. What went wrong? How did he come to the place where there was no future? Did someone fail to see his need?

Despair has many sources.

• Exhaustion- emotional, spiritual, and/or physical-- can push us to the edge. We all have those months when demands converge and whichever way we look, life looks like one BIG problem waiting to be solved. If we to manage that heavy load by ourselves, we risk being crushed by it.
• Sometimes it is born of real guilt that alienates us from the Presence of God. If so, genuine repentance and confession, is where we begin the healing process.
• Our brain chemistry can get scrambled, too. These complex bodies produce too much of this, not enough of that, and our thoughts can become confused. Yes, Christian, it happens to people of faith, too! Thank the Lord, we are blessed with physicians who can work with us to restore the balance.
• Rage over situations that seem to defy change or people who continue to resist our will can feed self-destructive thoughts, too. Suicide is sometimes the ultimate irrational 'get even' choice. That's why the Word tells us to settle our issues so the Devil cannot find a foothold in our life!
• Then, too -- there is the spiritual dimension. "The Devil prowls looking for prey," Peter tells us. The enemy's goal is our destruction. He takes great joy from the choice for self-destruction and in the chaos that suicide leaves behind.

There is JOY in serving Jesus, but that joy is sometimes delayed! Yes, there will be suffering in the lives of the best of Christians. Peter wrote those who are being chased by the darkness of despair. He says, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

In this broken world, suffering is all too common. We cannot escape it, but we can stand up in the times of trial. "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (1 Peter 4:19 NIV) That's so hard to do- alone; so don't! IF you're in God's waiting room, ask a friend to wait with you, to pray with you - until the joy returns. IF recurrent thoughts about ending your life fill your mind, REACH OUT and tell somebody how much you're hurting! Don't try to wrestle the demons of despair alone. Gather prayer partners who will gently embrace you with their love and point you in the direction of someone who can help you choose life.

Most of us will never experience the depth of despair or rage that makes suicide a considerable option. BUT, we will have friends, even people of deep faith in the Lord, who do. We must be our brother's keeper. Be proactive in listening when you are with your friends. Care enough to ask the hard questions, but gentle and loving so that you will invite those who are suffering from despair to share their heart.

Today, I am thankful for that era of depression. It made me realize even more the importance of loving one another. It taught me something about the folly of trying to be my own god and controlling my life. It brought me a deeper love of the Scripture. The truth of the Word fights the lies of the prince of despair!

Psalm 73 is about a man who lost hope. Life turned upside down, nothing made sense. He despaired of life until he turned to the sanctuary of God’s Presence.
I encourage you to meditate on this passage. It’s a beauty!

"When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. …
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
(Psalm 73:16-17, 21-26, NIV)
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Where do I go
When there's no one else to turn to?
Who do I talk to
When no one wants to listen?
Who do I lean on
When there's no foundation stable?
I go to the Rock I know that's able,
I go to the Rock!

Where do I hide
'Til the storms have all passed over?
Where do I run to
When the winds of sorrow threaten?
Is there a refuge
In the time of tribulation?
When my soul needs consolation,
I go to the Rock!

I go to the Rock of my salvation,
Go to the Stone
That the builder rejected,
Run to the Mountain and
The Mountain stands by me;
When the earth all around me
Is sinking sand:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
When I need a shelter,
When I need a friend,
I go to the Rock.

I Go To The Rock

Rambo, Dottie© 1977 John T. Benson Publishing Company (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
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