The most wonderful time of year can also be the darkest time of the year.
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God," Psalms 42:5 NIV.
There’s nothing like New England when the clocks are turned back to create “daylight savings.” Ironically, we wake up to darkness when going to work and drive home in the dark by 4:30 PM. It doesn’t make sense, does it?
You may consistently have mood disorders, a loss of interest in work, social activities, family, etc. For some, loneliness and isolationism surround you more than you realize like deep waters. The pressures of life and stress add more burdens to your spiraling dark valley.
There are times everything is going very well and you’re still experiencing dark clouds of depression. Perhaps it’s biological or physiological. Our brains are wired so sensitively and our minds and thought patterns affect us more than we realize. Guilt and shame, perfectionism, can make us depressed too. Suicide is on the rise drastically among teens and young adults to age 24. Senility, old age set in, and some people feel they have nothing to live for. Although mental illness is real, suicide is a lie and not a way of escape. There is hope. Put your hope in God as the psalmist penned.
“Even though you walk through the valley you shall fear no evil,” Psalm 23:4.
When your spirit is overwhelmed God knows the way of your path. He is your Rock, your Refuge, your Fortress, your Deliverer.
If you are battling depression (you may not even be aware of it), I urge you and want to encourage you to get help. It’s okay to get help and to talk things through with somebody such as a professional. Some need more than prayer or church; they need the right medication for a season to help as well. Find wise counsel and a good support group if you can’t afford private counseling.
Pride, fear, and selfishness can keep you from overcoming this dark cloud. You are valuable to the Lord, others, family, etc. God loves you unconditionally and will help you. There are no formulas here, just sense a concern.
May your day be bright with God’s love today. Remember, people care, especially your loved ones.
Pastor Andy Provitola