Sinking Sorrow
I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears.
Psalm 6:6
Depression is no longer a symptom of the few. Almost everyone has struggled with, or knows someone who has struggled with, depression. While the causes vary, the pain of those affected is real and overwhelming. Thankfully, in the Bible, we discover we are not alone. Rachel and Hannah, inconsolable, cried out to God for a child. Jonah ran from God and then sat in a depressed stupor when God decided to save the city through his preaching. Peter wept bitterly when he denied Christ. Both Moses and Elijah stood on the Mount of Transfiguration with the Lord and later, in a deep depression, prayed that they might die. Even Jesus was sorrowful and wept.
When depressed, the turbulent winds and waves of our emotions threaten to pull us under. Our eyes see the storm and forget about the One who is with us. Like Peter when he began to sink, we can cry out to God. He is with us. If your heart is heavy or discouraged, remember that God is “close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NIV). You are not alone. God understands you and will remain with you through the storm. “God settles the solitary in a home; He leads out the prisoners to prosperity…” (Psalm 68:6) He is always ready to bless our lives if we but look to Him.
We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide… All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out.
Elisabeth Elliot
Anchor Community Church 