There is a history of depression on both sides of my family. It has been so severe that it led to suicide with my grandfather, two of my uncles, and my only sibling my brother Jim. I have been depressed and dangerously so, and have come close to taking that dark path myself.
Depression leaves one sad, melancholy, unhappy, miserable, and despondent. It just seems as though there is no hope no matter what direction one might venture. An interesting fact about depression is that women experience it at twice the rate of men. This 2:1 ratio exists regardless of racial or ethnic background or economic status. Interestingly it is most prevalent late in life beginning at age 45 and beyond.
Statistics tell us that 1 in 10 people are depressed and one alarming fact reveals that it is increasing 20% per year. I have read where 80% of those depressed never seek medical help and yet 60-80% can be successfully treated. Personally I’ve never sought help during those bouts, but I know I should have.
I’ve relied on the Bible to help pull me out of it and there is one book in particular that I enjoy reading. Many people avoid the book of Revelation like the Bubonic Plague; however, it has the best anti-depressant message of any book that I have found anywhere in the Bible. It tells us that regardless of what might happen in life, no matter how dark the situation, depressing the world news might seem, or difficult a season that we might be entering, that life in Christ has a happy ending.
This book tells us unequivocally that God wins and Christ triumphs. He defeats sickness, death, sin, and sorrow, and they will disappear forever. God will personally wipe away every tear from every eye.
I have been told more than once that I’m an “eternity thinker”. That would be correct. I think beyond this life every day of my existence. We have all of eternity to enjoy a blissful existence with our Creator, but only 80 years (give or take a few years) on this planet. The Bible describes it as being akin to a vapor, here for a moment and then gone.
If you believe the Bible and love the Lord you should understand this concept and realize that while we struggle in life, it is merely a blink of the eye comparatively speaking. With this in mind, ask yourself: Is that problem you face today really all that important? Is it worth getting depressed over?
Remember we do not battle with flesh and blood but with spiritual wickedness in high places. Our battle is fought primarily in our minds. Don’t allow Satan to take the joy from your life by flooding your mind with discouragement and lies. Instead focus on the truth of Jesus Christ.
Life is short; enjoy it while you can, and keep your eyes on Jesus. Soon enough our battle will be over and He will call us home where eye has not seen, nor has ear ever heard the wonderful things in store for those who love Jesus.
Romans 8:18
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later
July 20 2016 – Click here to listen