Relief From Darkness

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and 

transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love 

(Colossians 1:13)

A few years ago our family doctor mentioned that 41% of his patients suffer from some form of depression.  Surprised at so large a percentage, I canvassed several of the doctors I worked with at the time.  Without exception, they confirmed that figure or rated it even higher.

There are many types of depression ranging from mild to severe, with a variety of causes, characteristics, and prescribed treatments.  But while continuing medical breakthroughs offer hope to sufferers, many cases go undetected and untreated, primarily due to the stigma attached to the condition. For while stress has become a household word, many remain ignorant of the facts about depression.

Depressed individuals often go to great lengths to hide their dark side from even close friends and family.  Nowhere is this truer than in the Christian setting.  Fear of ridicule, gossip and rejection drives more than one sufferer to withdraw rather than be found out by brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ.  Unfortunately, their fears are not always without grounds.  They may be shunned or labeled by some as  second-class Christians.

They may even feel that God disapproves of them.  But many passages in the Bible offer a far different picture of the Heavenly Father. We find that while He knows all about our weaknesses, He understands human frailties:

He understands our constitution; He remembers that we are dust 

(Psalm 103:14);

His stamp of approval is placed on every believer at the moment of salvation:

There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus 

(Romans 8:1)

He is always available as a ready source of comfort and strength:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest

(Matthew 11:28)

He desires to help us grow to our full potential but does not reject us when we fall short of that goal:

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; 

for the Lord upholds him with His hand 

(Psalm 37:24)

He assures us that, no matter how weak we feel, He will continue to help us grow:

He Who has begun a good work in you will 

complete it until the day of Jesus Christ 

(Philippians 1:6)

He reminds us that better things are ahead:

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you 

great and mighty things, which you do not know 

(Jeremiah 33:3)

Total freedom from depression may not always be possible, but medical help, proper dietary and sleep habits, the loving support of others, and faith in God’s help, go a long way toward a healthier mental and emotional life.

Lord, just as shades of night retreat from the day,
so may Your love chase my darkness away.
Shine in my heart and fill me anew
with the joy that comes from trusting in You.