Christ Leads The Way

“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8).

Sickness, pain, joblessness, finances, relationships. These are all things that many of us struggle with on a daily basis. It’s enough to make anyone depressed. Despite what some may believe, Christians aren’t always happy. Yes, we have the joy of the Lord deep down in our souls, but we also have emotions. It’s natural to feel, and you should know that you are not alone.

The apostle Paul described how he was “burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that [he] even despaired of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8). Remember Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? “And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me’” (Matthew 26:37-38). Even Jesus Became sorrowful and deeply distressed – even to death.

We have Him, the apostles, and the prophets as examples for us. It’s okay not to feel okay. It’s okay to have thoughts of death when you are burdened down with the cares of this life. The point is not to act on them, to keep the faith, and hold on to hope. There’s always hope. No matter how bleak the day. No matter how dark the night. Hold on to hope.

Hold on to God.

The day gets brighter, and the night doesn’t last so long. You can make it through to another day. Just one moment at a time. God is with you, just like He was with Paul and just like He was with Jesus.

I want to encourage you. If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. I would be happy to pray for you, as well. Feel free to email or leave me a message in the comments.

You don’t have to suffer in silence.

You are not alone.

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