In the recent weeks, I have come across a lot of folks who are struggling with depression. A quick survey of the stats will tell you that Western Washington is full of depressed people. Since moving here almost 10 years ago, I have heard lots of reasons for this depression; the rain, the clouds, or the short winter days. Personally, I think the weather men, and women, are some of the most depression-inducing people on the planet, but that is another post for another time.
While no one should dismiss the reality of a truly clinical illness, I think for many there is a deeper issue that cannot be solved with drugs. The reason so many struggle with depression is that they have failed to recognize the existence of two worlds. Too many people expect this physical world to fulfill every desire. Yet this world is not perfect and it does fall short. When pleasures elude and pains intrude, it is easy to withdraw and let depression take control. The hope for all those lost in a battle against depression, sorrow, grief and despair lies in discovering another world; the world of God, which exists both in and outside of our own reality. James, the brother of Jesus, puts it this way:
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways. The brother of humble circumstances should boast in his exaltation; but the one who is rich ⌊should boast⌋ in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities. Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.
No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.
The eyes of this world only see trials as a sign that we are alone and lost without hope. But the eyes of the other world see trials as a cause for joy. Are you troubled by life? Depressed? Alone? Weary? Maybe you need to look outside yourself, outside this world, and look to the Heavens for your salvation?
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