The darkness that surrounds grief or depression can be so deep that it seems no light will ever penetrate it, and that no end is in sight.
Depression is not something that has only just been recognised, it existed in the times when the bible was written. Job was one of those who suffered deep depression and pain:
Job 3:20-23 (NIV)
"Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?."
There was a point to Job's suffering, he learned various lessons during his depression which he couldn't have learned any other way. He learned lessons which are still relevant to each of us today:
- We have an intercessor in heaven who counts our tears and can lift us out of depression
- We have a living Redeemer who will stand on earth at last
- God is the the power behind all nature and the one who cares for all He has made
Job came out of his dark time with a new insight:
My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Job 42:5 (NIV)
When we're in our darkest times, that's often when we see God in a way we would never have seen when life is running smoothly for us. What we find out about God during our darkest times is what can make those painful and depressing times worthwhile - maybe not right at that time, but certainly later when we truly appreciate what God has done for us.
God's presence is as important to us as God's protection, and God's presence is all we need.
Checkout Jeremy Camp's website: http://www.jeremycamp.com/
