HOW TO COPE WHEN YOU GET THE BLUES - Psalm 42 & 43
At times in our lives circumstances seem to press us into a closet of aloneness
and depression - a place where hope seems dead and heavy shadows blanket
our spirits and envelop us in dark despair. We seek relief and healing, but do
not know how or where to find a way to move forward.
Depression is like a raging sea. The water does not rage by itself Strong currents sweep around jagged rocks, and storms and wind and gravity all influence a river's rage. Similarly, there are many influences that have the potential to create the rage of depression.
Most of us know at least to some degree what causes depression. Failure, a feeling of inadequacy, burnout, feeling overwhelmed, family difficulties, personal illness, unjust criticism, financial need, loss of a job, and rejection by others all can be forces that drive us into depression. Things can get so bad that even our sanity can be threatened.
In such dire situations, where can we turn for help? The Psalmist, David, asked, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why are you disquieted within me?" Then he focuses on a way out of his dilemma. He tells himself to hope in God and reminds himself that in the night time the song of the Lord will be with him and he will make his prayer to the God of his life." In Psalm 43 David pleads, "Bring me to the tabernacle of God and I will go to the altar of God." He knew that there he would see anew God's light and truth.
Persons suffering with depression need the body of Christ to be the body of Christ for them. They need understanding and support that is free from accusation, criticism, conflict and betrayal. The church should never leave them isolated and alone.
There is a common, but cruel assumption that persons who suffer from depression are weakened Christians who either have sin in their lives or they need the demon of depression beat out of them. Some even think that depression is satanic. This certainly is not what persons struggling with depression need to hear and feel. They need to feel the love and compassion of Christ. They need to feel words of understanding and sympathy. Above all, they need our prayers. This is the atmosphere that allows persons suffering with depression to feel free to disclose their true feelings without thinking they will be put down and their friends will desert them.
SERMONS
Pastor Frank H. Leaman
6921 Wertzville Rd.
Enola, PA 17025
(717) 795.8573
Frank H. Leaman,
Pastor