Faithful Yet Depressed

Several years ago, Diana Gruver wrote a book titled “Companions in the Darkness" that looked back at church history and found depression in some of our greatest leaders.  Charles Spurgeon was one of them.  One of the greatest evangelists and preachers in modern history, Spurgeon constantly struggled with depression throughout his life and ministry.  In her book, Gruver noted that Spurgeon understood that depression isn’t always logical and its cause is not always clear.  There are times, Spurgeon said, "when our spirits betray us, and we sink into darkness.  We slip into the ‘bottomless pits’ where our souls ‘can bleed in ten thousand ways, and die over and over again each hour.’”  Spurgeon knew it was possible to be faithful to God, and yet depressed all at the same time. 

Many statistics indicate a significant portion of the population today experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.  This includes children, adolescents, and adults.  Sadly, Christians are not immune to this.  While it's not something we talk a lot about in the church, many characters in the Bible and great figures throughout church history have wrestled with depression.  Reading and memorizing God's Word (something Spurgeon would have been familiar with) is helpful to turn our hearts and minds to God, but that doesn't automatically mean the feelings of sadness and depression will go away. 

However, the Psalms describe God as being near to the brokenhearted; that he helps those who struggle psychologically and emotionally.  He is a God of compassion who seeks to comfort those dealing with sorrow and depression.  Psalm 34:15, 17-18 says, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry . . . the righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  

If you've ever felt that darkness, that pit that Charles Spurgeon speaks of; perhaps you're going through it now, know that God's eyes are on you and his ears are attentive to you.  You're not alone.  Continue to call out to him.  The Lord is near! 

God Bless,
Pastor Darren