Overcoming: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

Depression and Loneliness

Everybody gets depressed now and then. Some of you reading this, though, have lived through some l-o-n-g stretches of emotional misery. Depression is a fog that warps and distorts our view of reality. When those foul moods descend, you can't see anything good, any reason for hope, any love or kindness coming your way. Depressed people's loneliness gets even worse because at times like that they aren't particularly fun to be with, and so friends drift away.

Key insight--the sad conclusions you draw when depressed are wrong. The reasoning is faulty, and the evil driving force behind them are lies from Satan. Here's the truth: your Savior loves you and values you--permanently, unconditionally, and completely. Connected to Christ by faith, even a weak faith, you are never hopeless. You are always forgiven.

Psalm 43:5 has marvelous words of encouragement: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

The bloody cross and the empty tomb have the power to turn depression into joy. God promises it. Claim it.