Bright Spot: Lean into faith when you're struggling
Some of history’s brightest lights had the darkest days.
I’m describing Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, 19th century mega-church pastor Charles Spurgeon, and Elijah, God’s powerful prophet.
Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes” and comedian Robin Williams all “came out” about their mental illness. Back in the day, mental health struggles were stigmatized much more than now.
Some classic signs of depression are:
Weight gain or loss due to increased or decreased eating.
Loss of interest in things that used to give pleasure.
More than usual fatigue or sleeplessness.
* Low self-esteem.
Nagging fears.
Suicidal thoughts.
Loss of purpose.
These don’t just come down on us like softly falling snow. More like an avalanche during the long wintry darkness of post-holiday blues.
By conservative estimates, one in four Americans has firsthand experience with depression, bipolar illness or other mood disorders to the degree they aren’t able to function normally for more than two weeks. This is the definition a clinical diagnosis that needs some kind of outside help.
But there’s hope and help. But often we must ASK for it.
Up to 80% of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms, usually within four to six weeks of beginning medication, counseling or support groups. A combination works best.
Elijah’s biography reads: “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba … he went a day’s journey into the desert. When he came to a broom tree, he sat down under it and prayed that he might die, ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said, ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.” (I Kings 19:3-5)
Isaiah, another of God’s mighty men, lamented: “But I said, ‘I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing…’“ (Isaiah 49:4)
St. John of the Cross, a renowned early church leader, wrote famously on his “Dark Night Of The Soul.”
Jesus told one reason he came: “I came not for the healthy, but for the sick.” (Mark 2:17) “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving; present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Paul in Philippians 4:6-7)
Thank God for modern medical and psychological professionals who have shone a light on a dark subject and brightened the lives of many miserable people. Thank you, Jesus, for being, not only our Great Physician, but also our “Wonderful Counselor” and “Prince of [inner] Peace” who brightens the darkest day or night.
Rick Sams is pastor emeritus of Alliance Friends Church.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Bright Spot: Lean into faith when you're struggling
