Rays of Hope ~ Tim Stockton
If anyone ever thinks that those who wrote the Bible didn’t have mental health issues then apparently they have never really read the Bible. Many of the Psalms were written by King David who suffered from depression and in “book two” of the Psalms starting with chapter 42 were written by others who also dealt with signs of being severely depressed. One of the sons of Korah wrote in Psalm 42:1-7 “As the deer pants for the water brooks so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night.” Some sure signs of depression are losing one’s appetite and not being able to eat, as well as crying often. Verse 5 continues, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?” A translation of being cast down means to be depressed, dismayed, or down-hearted. Disquieted means to be worried, uneasy, or full of anxiety.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America as of June 27, 2022 “nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.” Verse five continues with a ray of hope stating, “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, for the help of His countenance.” The one dealing with this depression and anxiety realizes that true hope comes from the presence of God and that even though he feels this negative way he will still praise God nonetheless. This is not to say that people who deal with any mental health issue should never seek medical attention. There are unfortunately many that will look down upon those who may seek treatment by way of medicine or counseling for mental health issues, yet take medicines for diabetes, their blood pressure, or wear glasses to see. If those are going to think it is a lack of faith to seek treatment for mental health, then they also have to believe that would mean the same for their physical well-being. So as Christian Comedian Chonda Pierce would say, “If you are going to down me for taking depression medicine, then take your glasses off and drive home.”
We live in a fallen world where not everyone is healed from their mental and/or physical issues. We can read about Paul who had his own “thorn in the flesh” whatever it may have been. Even after praying and we know he was a man of faith, yet still had this struggle. But, God let him know that through this struggle God would give him the strength to deal with it.
~TRS written 8/6/22
Rays of Hope 