YOU CAN’T KEEP A GOOD PERSON DOWN!

The opening line of the Old Testament book of Job states that Job was a man who…was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion.  [All quotes from The Message Bible unless otherwise noted.]

A few verses later, listen to God brag about Job while talking with Satan:

“Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him – honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil.”  [Job 1:8]

After this meeting in Heaven, Satan departs with God’s permission to afflict Job – with one exception: Just don’t hurt him, [1:12] Satan then immediately causes:

·        Job’s oxen and donkeys to be stolen by the Sabeans; also killing all but one of his servants

·        Right after that, lightning struck and killed Job’s sheep and their shepherds – all except one

·        Next, Chaldeans raided Job’s camels and killed his camel-drivers – all except one

·        Then, finally, a messenger arrived reporting that a tornado struck the house where Job’s seven sons and three daughters were feasting. The house collapsed on the young people and they all died

Job’s response is not what we would expect!  Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped. His words were:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
naked I’ll return to the womb of the earth.
God gives, God takes.
God’s name be ever blessed.  [1:21]

Most of us would find this response to be one of remarkable poise, faith and restraint!  The text continues with an almost shocking statement: Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God. [1:22]

The very next verse tells of God meeting again with the angels and again Satan attends the meeting. To our great surprise, God repeats his question to Satan:

Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him, is there – honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity! [2:3]

Satan argues that God has spoiled Job with special treatment and suggests that if he personally suffered, he would curse you to your face. [2:5]

God responded to Satan: “All right. Go ahead – you can do what you like to him. But mind you, don’t kill him.” [2:6]

Satan left GOD and struck Job with terrible sores. Job was ulcers and scabs from head to foot. They itched and oozed so badly that he took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself…[2:7-8]

Then, as a final blow, Job’s wife said: “Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you? Curse God and be done with it! [2:9]

Job answered her: “You’re talking like an empty-headed fool. We take the good days from God – why not also the bad days?” [2:10]

After the author reports that Job’s three foreign friends arrived to sit with him, a final note is included: Not once through all this did Job sin. He said nothing against God. [2:10]

However, after sitting with him in silence for seven days, Job broke the silence. 3:1

This godly man speaks out in an angry and depressed manner.  And then, much of the bulk of this book is an ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends - with God ultimately having the final word!

__________________________

Let’s lay out what we've learned from this passage as an evaluation tool for our own lives.

God had tremendous pride and confidence in Job! God was so certain of Job’s persistence and integrity that God nearly challenged Satan to come against him!

Leaving the complications of this ancient text behind for the scholars and theologians to debate, we must bring this message into the 21^st century.

1.    How convinced is God of YOUR devotion to Him?

Are you honest inside and out?

Are you a man or woman of your word?

Are you totally devoted to God?

Do you hate evil with a passion?

Do you have a firm grip on your integrity?

Why not schedule a time to meditate on these questions? Open them before God and allow Him to whisper into your heart and mind areas that He might like to touch and refine?

 2.    Do you EVER consider that some of the problems and obstacles that you face and deal with could be coming from Satan?

Does it EVER occur to you:

·        We have authority from Christ

“I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions… and over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19)

·        We have God’s armor to use in these skirmishes

Ephesians 6:10-13 teaches us to put on the whole armor of God — truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God as a sword.

·        In Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus used memorized scriptures in His battle with Satan.

·        Praise and worship discomfort and discourage our spiritual enemy.

As a personal testimony, I thrive on Christian music – both contemporary and traditional!

·        Prayer! Jesus tells His disciples to pray that you may not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40; Matthew 26:41) as a call to constant spiritual vigilance and reliance on God’s strength.

·        BE ALERT!

Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too. (I Peter 5:8-9)

3.    Depression is NOT sin!

Job chapter 3 is difficult to read as we hear Job saying things like:

o   Obliterate the day I was born. Blank out the night I was conceived. (v.1)

o   Why didn’t I die at birth, my first breath out of the womb my last? (v.11)

o   Why does God bother giving light to the miserable, why bother keeping miserable people alive, those who want in the worst way to die, and can’t, who can’t imagine anything better than death, who count the day of their death and burial the happiest day of their life? (vs.20-22)

But God doesn’t cut off communications with Job for this! There are many pictures of God’s leaders being angry or depressed!

o   Remember when Moses came down from the mountain and saw the golden calf? He threw down the Ten Commandments and broke them to pieces!

o   Remember when Queen Jezebel told Elijah that she would see him killed.

He fled from the area and cried out to God in fear and desperation!

o   King David wrote a psalm in which he said:

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? (Psalm 42:11)

o   The prophet Jeremiah sounds a great deal like Job:

Cursed be the day that I was born; Let the day not be blessed when my mother bore me!

As one who has experienced chronic episodes of depression since my young adulthood, I know its pain. I have been – too many times – in a condition where I couldn’t make myself think a positive thought! But God never abandoned me! And He always delivered me. Many – even counselors I visited – suggested medications. But I chose to rely on spiritual resources that always led me out of the darkness. A few:

    > Accountability partners

    > Seeing professional counselors

    > Christian music

    > Pouring myself into God’s Word

    > My last resort was to begin reading the book SPIRITUAL DEPRESSION, by D. Martin Lloyd-Jones. I have never made it past chapter five without experiencing relief! [I suppose the rest of the book is equally good! Maybe someday I should finish it! 🤭]

 If you struggle with depression – remember:

BEING DEPRESSSED IS NOT A SIN!

Follow some of the suggestions above to find relief!

___________________________

God wants us to pursue Him,

follow Him,

obey Him,

speak with Him,

speak up for Him,

love Him,

worship Him,

sing to Him,

honor Him, and

live in His Word!

And like Job – He will restore us fully! 

THAT SLIPPING FEELING

It’s all too familiar.

Those who have battled depression will know what I’m talking about.

It’s an inner awareness that all is not well. It’s an imposing reality that you’re in for a rough ride. It feels unavoidable. It creates dread.

There are very direct results:

·         Greater difficulty negotiating social connections [desire to isolate]

·         Feelings of failure

·         Lack of motivation [have to force oneself to work]

·         Loss of hope

·         Brooding

·         Disappointment

·         Guilt

The list could go on, but you get the idea.

This slipping feeling is depression’s early warning system!  The ultimate destination of bottoming out is inevitable – UNLESS YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR COURSE.

Ah, now comes the essential question: How do you change your course?

The answers here will vary depending on the person and their past experience.

Some possible answers are:

o   Call the doctor and ask for a prescription.

o   Contact a counselor and set an appointment.

o   Ask for prayer in your small group [if you are part of one].

o   Increase your physical exercise and outdoor exposure – especially sunlight.

o   Talk with a trusted friend about your feelings.

o   Write down your thoughts and feelings [Journaling is an excellent practice for maintaining mental health!]

o   Read something therapeutic or for pleasure.

o   Call out to God for understanding and help by searching His Word, talking with a pastor [or trusted spiritual guide] or simply talking with God Himself!

I’m sure there are other alternatives that could be pursued, but I hope you get the main message: Your body is sending you a message as a warning! Act immediately or the descent of the slide will quickly accelerate your path to a dark place!

If you’ve been to this dark place before, you definitely don’t want to go there again! None of the doors have doorknobs to facilitate your escape! It’s dark! You’re isolated! You morbidly review your life – especially your failures. The loneliness is excruciating!

Make no mistake about it: This miserable, hopeless, dark and depressed place is a carefully laid trap set for you by your spiritual enemy! 

MEMORIZE John 10:10,

A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy,

but I [Jesus] came to give life – life in all its fullness.

[NCV]

As one who has spent too much time in the ‘slough of despair’, I can testify that you DON’T WANT TO GO THERE!

FIGHT IT! FIGHT HIM – THE ENEMY OF YOUR SOUL! 

Don’t be afraid to speak to your enemy out loud! Jesus did! We should! Tell him to go back to hell where he belongs and where he’ll be for all eternity!

MEMORIZE James 4:7-8,

So give yourselves completely to God.

Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you.

Come near to God, and God will come near to you.

You sinners [that’s all of us] clean sin out of your lives.

You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time,

MAKE YOUR THINKING PURE.

[NCV]

 Call out to God! Ask for His direction and help! Ask Him to send ‘someone with skin’ to walk with you and encourage you!

READ SCRIPTURE! If you don’t know where to read, check out the following verses in a contemporary Bible like The Message or The Living Bible:  [Try meditating on one-per-day]

ü  Deuteronomy 31:8

ü  Psalm 34:17

ü  Psalm 40:1-3

ü  Psalm 3:3

ü  John 16:33

ü  Romans 8:38-39

ü  II Corinthians 1:3-4

ü  Isaiah 41:10

ü  Matthew 11:28

ü  I Peter 5:6-7

ü  Psalm 23:4

ü  Colossians 4:7-8

If you’ve got THAT SLIPPING FEELING, feel free to private message me. I’d be happy to pray for you! I’ve been on that slippery slope many times and care about those who share this struggle!

YOU ARE HERE FOR A PURPOSE!

I just received a devotional book by William Barclay.  Although I'll be saving it for next year, I sat and read the introduction written by Denis Duncan, who collected and edited the works of this great biblical scholar.

Denis included a long list of Barclay's accomplishments and positions held - from biblical scholar and professor to football fan and supporter of the Scottish National Orchestra.  He trained and conducted the Trinity College Student's Choir and also found time to be a railway enthusiast!

He wrote over sixty books while his Daily Study Bible sold over a million copies in Britain and half-a-million more in the United States!  

As a journalist, his work was published in many newspapers and journals.  His television teaching on the New Testament captivated millions!  

All this while being married and raising a son.

"The typical Barclay day:

"He rises at 7:15 AM and reaches the university at 8:30 AM.  He works at his desk until 1:15 PM.  In the afternoon he sees research students from 2:00 - 4:30 PM. The evening he spends reading, writing or out speaking. At 11:00 PM he falls asleep but only for one hour.  At midnight he is awake again and works till 2:00 AM.   [DAILY CELEBRATION, William Barclay, p.10]  

After reading this introduction, I simply sat in the quiet of my study and meditated.

__________________________________

After this period of personal reflection I set myself to typing into my quote file a number of things from my recent reading.   One of the quotes took me back to my earlier musings.  Actually, it was a quote from DAILY CELEBRATION VOL2 [p.45].

"Every man who ever came into this world was sent into this world by God to do some special task. Every man is, as it has been put, a 'Dream of God'."

Reader, you are a "Dream of God"!  You have been sent into this world to do some special task!

Hey! I heard that thought!  You were thinking: "Yeah, right!"  But listen - it's true!

Your task may not be one which is great as the world uses the word great. It may be to:

• care for a child, 
• make someone else happy, 
• teach someone’s mind, 
• cure someone’s body, 
• bring sunshine into the lives of others across a counter
• or in an office, 
• to make a home.

Do what you do - whatever it is - with the determination not to disappoint the God who set you to this task!  

Honor Him!

Love Him!

Serve Him joyfully!

Point others to Him!

Be a joyful servant!

King of the universe: Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Thank You for sending us into Your world to serve Your purposes!

The world may deem our role as insignificant, but You don't!

Don't allow us to minimize the importance of our existence!

Even as we age and are relegated to less impacting roles, help us to realize that we are still capable of much for You - though it may be in different ways!

Be near to the young mother who is wiping noses, changing diapers and trying to maintain order in her home.  She is about the crucial business of raising godly children who will honor You!

Touch the millworker today who has a repetitive job that barely engages the mind.  Help them to live with purpose and hope that will inspire their fellow workers and point them to You!

Engage the ones who are full of despair today!  Lord, help them to remember that they are Your dream!  Guide them back onto the path of Your plan and blessing!  Renew their hope and sense of purpose!

For those who are far from home: due to military service, or schooling obligations, or being immigrants, or work commitments, or rebellion, or being captives of violence or the sex trade, or even the prodigals;  assure them that You are with them!  Remind them that You see into the darkest corners and are able to rally rescuers, provide strength and endurance while guiding and protecting them with Your angels!

Regardless of our situation, location, or state of mind, renew our understanding that we were sent into this world to do some special task!  Give us the courage and stamina to look around, figure out what it is, and do it with all our passion and desire.

And may our service be pleasing to You, and may we earn the right to someday hear You say:  "Well done!  You have been a faithful servant!  Enter into the eternal joy of your Lord!"  

AMEN!

SUBTERRANEAN SADNESS

I have a faint memory of slipping into my bedroom during the Christmas season when I was a young boy, where I would lay on my bed in the darkness and brood.  It didn’t happen regularly, but I seem to recall it happening several times.  What was this about?

I lived in a healthy, happy home where I was loved and cared for. My needs were met and I had no real problems in my young life.  Why do I associate these few random times with Christmas? 

_____________________________________

I am proud of the churches that offer a ‘Blue Christmas’ service.  It provides an opportunity and gives permission for people to have trouble while processing through the Christmas season.  I wish that I had thought of this idea when I was leading the church. 

As a counselor who has worked with hundreds of couples and individuals over the years, I think this is a worthy topic to address.

Why do some of us have periodic bouts with depression?  Why do they occur when they do?  Are there any tools we can employ to help process these times?  Is there knowledge that can help us understand and cope with these times?

______________________________________

There is no way to address this topic comprehensively in a single blog post – but let’s at least introduce the topic. 

Many draught-ridden areas around our globe have learned to benefit by tapping into underground rivers and reservoirs.  That’s a positive thing!

Similarly, I have come to understand that some of us have rivers of ‘subterranean sadness’ that periodically find their way to the surface and cause us problems.

What provokes these eruptions of sadness? 

Sometimes – like the Christmas season – it could simply be the emphasis on joy and celebration!  The simple expectation that we should be happy may – in and of itself – trigger sadness.  We’re speaking of the emotional realm here where things are not always governed by laws and principles!  Our emotional make-up is integral to who we are and how we experience life. 

Some psychologists suggest that our minds log everything!  Everything?  That’s a lot to process and keep organized [or suppressed].  Everything includes bad experiences and sad moments that marked us significantly.  It’s easy to understand how memories that we’ve repressed tend to gravitate to the surface and become a problem for us again.

REPRESSED is a term used by counselors that implies pushing down uncomfortable feelings, experiences and memories into our subconscious without fully dealing with or understanding  their ramifications. 

Counselors believe that these memories percolate on a deep-memory-level.  Consider this a dormant stage.  However, when circumstances in our life provoke these memories, they are believed to migrate back into our consciousness along with their recollections of pain, sorrow, anger, hurt, etc., etc..

So, we’re rolling along, doing pretty well, when suddenly – through life’s normal interplay of people and events – we find ourselves feeling vulnerable and distracted.  We don’t understand what’s going on.  Emotions are POWERFUL!  They handicap us!  They have the power to distract us and distort our normal way-of-being. 

The result – DEPRESSION! 

___________________________________

Most of us need help, instruction, comfort, and trust to navigate our way through these complex, emotional sand traps. 

The best place to turn is to a trained and qualified counselor!  By doing so, we gain:

·         Their objectivity

·         Anonymity [We see them for a period and then move on…]

·         Their expertise.

Many turn to friends and/or family, but this incorporates risks.  Sharing secret hurts and past experiences with those from our closest circles runs the risk of changing the dynamics of those relationships  -  something that we may not anticipate, but may regret.

Some pastors have training and gift packages that allow them to be effective interventionists for these life-interruptions.  Others, however, have no interest and no skills that are appropriate to this challenge. 

Before closing this article, I’d like to mention three observations that I have made through the years that have helped me cope with and learn from my depressive dips.

1.    Having served as a spiritual guide through the years, I have observed that there is always a satanic factor involved in these depressive episodes and that it usually has most to do with their timing!

It might be helpful to sit down with a journal and ask yourself some questions:

·         Why am I experiencing this depressive episode right now?

·         What is going on in my life that has triggered this sadness?

·         Is there a particular memory that is pervasive right now?

·         When have I felt this way before?

     This is an excellent opportunity to exercise the ancient, spiritual practice of meditation!  Sit quietly and uninterrupted and talk with God about your present experience.  Ask God to shed light on this unwelcome experience.  Write down whatever thoughts that may come to your mind – however unrelated they may seem.  At a later time, these observations may make sense! 

2.    I have to talk if I want to grow through this experience!

So many have protested through the years: “What good does talking about it do?” 

Well, the science is now in!  The evidence reveals that the process of talking changes the chemical make-up in our brain! 

Talking – especially with a properly trained person – can indeed help!  We gain perspective from a guide who has our best interests at heart.  We have truths and observations reflected to us that allows us to look at a situation in a new way.  We gain insights!  These insights will help us with future eruptions. 

3.    There is usually a spiritual factor that I need to recognize, work through or confess.

Here is where speaking with a pastor might truly be helpful. 

It is also a point where an increased exposure to scripture might open doors of understanding. 

There are books that might be helpful.  Two that I would recommend are both by the late David A. Seamands:  HEALING OF MEMORIES and HEALING FOR DAMAGED EMOTIONS [both currently available on Amazon for very low prices]. 

When I deal with a persistent depression, I turn to D. Martyn Lloyd Jones’ book, SPIRITUAL DEPRESSION: It’s Causes and It’s Cures.  It’s heavy reading that most would not respond to.  I don’t believe I’ve ever finished reading it!  Usually after the first five chapters, I have gained insight and perspective and have made adjustments to my spiritual life. 

Do an honest self-search!  What does God want you to learn from this experience?  How is He working to create in you a greater dependence on Him? 

_________________________________

I hope these ruminations have provoked some hope in you as you address the ‘subterranean sadness’ that is rattling your life currently.  There is hope!  You can grow as a result of this depressive experience.  You can gain understanding that will equip you to be more effective in dealing with these interruptions in the future!  GOD BLESS AND HELP YOU!

FINANCES AND DEPRESSION

Okay, it’s time for a confession.

I believe that my parents tried to teach me about money, but I was not a good student and failed to see the importance of what they were trying to establish in me. 

For instance, when young, I sold TV Guides.  They cost $.15 at the time and $.04 of each copy was mine.  I clearly recall my mother teaching me that I needed to set aside $.01 out of each $.10 to give back to God my tithe.  My father spoke to the church treasurer who gave me a box of envelopes.  It made me feel very important!  Every Sunday, I placed my envelope with $.16 in the plate right after my father placed his envelope into the plate. 

A pattern was established young that we have observed – even during the difficult stages of our lives.

My parents were born in 1912 and 1913.  Raising a family through the Great Depression caused them to be frugal and strategic with their money.  There is no doubt that God was watching over them throughout this challenging time.  My oldest siblings remember that my mom fed ‘hobo’s’ who frequently came to her door! 

But, being born in 1952, I was raised in a more affluent time.  As stated earlier, my parents tried to inculcate in me disciplines and financial wisdom – but I didn’t quite get it!

After getting married, we received a credit card with a $500 limit.  How exciting that this company was willing to invest such trust in us.  [It was 1973.]  Pretty quickly, we hit the limit and the company increased the limit to $1,000 – since we were faithful to make the minimum payment. 

You see where this is heading, right?

Through the next two decades, my income was low and my education costs were high!  By the time I hit my forties, I was dealing with bouts of depression as a result of the stress of managing our debt! 

Some counseled us to file for bankruptcy, but that went against all the principles by which I’d been raised! 

The two-fold struggle against depression and financial distress continued! 

In spite of our irresponsibility, God was good to us!  So many times, God orchestrated financial relief for us as we cried out to Him.  His GRACE was so evident and so appreciated!  Many of our miracle stories had to do with financial deliverance!

At a point in my mid-forties, I became convinced that we would never get out of debt!  It was NOT a happy thought.  It undermined my confidence and took away my joy!

Then, a series of things happened that would take too long to describe:

1.    I was a big listener to the radio in those days:  Focus on the Family and Family Life Today in particular.  I came across a teacher on biblical finances – Larry Burkett.  He became a tutor to me on this topic!

2.    God brought two men into my life who had very different perspectives.  Pete was a wise money manager and Ron had a remarkable grasp on the spiritual nature of finances.  These two men had a deep influence on me at a critical time of my life!

3.    Finally, we were exposed to the teaching of Dave Ramsay, who declared [at that time] that anyone could be out-of-debt in seven years!  That sounded preposterous to me, but as the money-manager of our home, I took the challenge.

Circumstances intervened that caused us to take eleven years.  We utilized Ramsay’s ‘debt-reduction-snowball' method.  When I attacked our last debt, I was paying $900 a month on it.  When it was paid off, we suddenly had $1,000/month free to use as we saw fit!  Needless to say, we were very wise and deliberate about investing it!   If you lived anywhere near New Middletown, Ohio, around 2005, you probably heard our SHOUT FOR JOY! 

We’ve never been in debt again!  We own our home!  We own our cars!  We’re not – by any means rich!  😂  But, in retirement, we live on our income and have a small nest egg – that we NEVER touch - for emergencies. 

Obviously, it’s very satisfying.

Here’s the bottom line:  If we did it – ANYONE CAN DO IT! 

THE BATTLE RESUMES

For the better part of forty years, I dealt with the realization of spiritual oppression.  Any pastor who is serious about his/her work knows what I'm talking about.  Because we are the point person for the church, we make ourselves a target for the enemy of our souls!  We proclaim the Word in worship.  We recruit, train and deploy workers into the harvest.  We challenge people firmly and consistently to live their lives to make a difference in our world.  Satan doesn't like this!  He opposes us through any means that will distract, discourage or discredit us!  

You've read the stories of pastors who erred morally.  Others - in far greater numbers - simply quit because of the stress and pressure.  There are many reasons why pastors find other, less stressful ways to make a living!  Few recognize the directness of Satan's opposition.  It can be - at times - intense.  And note this fact:  the more fruitful and effective the ministry is - the more it will garner Satan's attention!  

I retired in 2016.  I noticed right away the almost complete release from this spiritual opposition!  My retirement had taken me out of that integral role of direct influence.  I was less of a threat to the enemy of our souls!

Then, just a few weeks ago, I was invited to accept a part-time, temporary role leading a church.  I attended there last Sunday and met some of the people.  I sat down Monday with about nine of the church's leaders.  Wednesday was my first official day in this new position as 'Interim Pastor'.  

My mind is percolating with thoughts and ideas as this new reality is thrust upon me.  My prayer time has become even more an expression of my dependence on God for wisdom, discernment, and intimacy with Him!  I intuitively knew what my first message would be - and I'm ready to deliver it this morning!  There's an excitement in my spirit as I resume a role that I thought was only in the past.

Yesterday [Saturday] was an easy day.  I enjoyed my morning time with the Lord and His Word.  I shoveled snow.  I ran to Boardman to pick up a few things.  I had no major issues on my agenda.

When I arrived back home, I began to feel low.  Deb noticed it and questioned me.  She made a few suggestions on how I might shake it off and enjoy the rest of the day.  

I've been down this road before.  I slipped back to my study and tried to read.  I couldn't stay focused.  Then, slowly, it began to dawn on me.  The next morning I would be speaking to the Foundery people about renewing THE MISSION!  I would be influencing people to be more intentional, more vibrant, more focused on seeking and saving the lost!

My sly enemy was using one of his most effective instruments on me - depression.  If he could undermine my confidence and excitement, perhaps he could drain my energy and passion?  But a few moments of spiritual discernment gave me the spiritual insight to dispel his attacks and renew my zeal for my new role.  

The battle is over, but the war continues.  We must be vigilant!  We must be on guard!  We must be deliberate in staying connected to Christ!  

By the way, this is one of the main reasons why it is ESSENTIAL that you pray for your pastor!  S/he is likely experiencing spiritual oppression at a level that exceeds normal!  Their leadership role puts them front and center in Satan's sights!  Intercede for them regularly.  Hold up their hands in the same way that Joshua and Caleb held up Moses' hands!  

Peter makes this perfectly clear to us in I Peter 5:8 [NKJV]

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 

And you can be fairly certain that your pastor is one of his targets!

DEEP, DEEPLY DOWN

The bulk of the book of Job is the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends.

Eliphaz – from Teman – is the first to speak.  He seems to think that Job’s suffering is due to unintended sins.  He encourages Job to accept God’s correction.

When Job responds to him, we find that Eliphaz’s words have not comforted Job – but upset him. 

As Job speaks, we can hear his pain! 

“Would that my anguish were weighed, laid on a scale together with the disaster I’ve suffered!  For there is not enough sand in the seas to outweigh it!  It’s no wonder my untamed words are but incoherent stammering.” [6:2-3  all quotes from The Voice Bible]

In 6:8-10 Job seems to wish that God would bring his life to an end.  It is not a suicidal wish; he knows that only God has the right to begin and end life! 

In vs.11-13, he wonders how he will be able to “persist in this life”?

In his despair he seems agitated with the lack of understanding exhibited by his friends.  However, he continues to value their friendship – they are, after all, with him in his pain!  He cries out to them: “In all seriousness, teach me, and I will be silent.  Where have I erred? Help me understand.” [v.24]

In chapter 7 Job describes his despair:

“When I lie down at the end of the day, I wonder, ‘How soon till morning so I can arise?’ But the night stretches on, and I toss and turn until sunrise.” [v.4]

In the depths of his pain he cries out to God:

“I hate my life.  I have no desire to keep on living.  Leave me alone, God, for I have only a short time left.” [v.16]

Questioning himself and his integrity, he cries out:

“I have sinned.  What have I done to You,…Why have You targeted me…?...So I’ve sinned inadvertently, can’t You pardon me? Are my crimes such You can’t forgive my sins?”  [v.20-21]

Job is deep in the pit.  He is questioning everything.  He is full of self doubt.  He needs answers and cries out to his friends!

_______________________________

Some of us have been here with Job!  We’ve felt the deep pain and the isolation that grief and sorrow brings.  We wonder where God is.  We don’t understand why the bottom seems to have fallen out.  We feel alone.  We can’t endure the long days of suffering. We wish we could just die and end it all.  We query about why things have gone so badly. 

But, like Job, we must respect God’s sole right to begin and end life!  We must turn to friends – even if their attempts to comfort and advise seem weak and ineffective.  We must continue to trust God and believe that – in His time – He will bring us out! 

The Psalmist’s words must be tattooed on our mind:

“The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” [Psalm 30:5].

If you’re in this season of despair and desire the companionship of one who has travelled this road – private message me to gain a prayer partner.  I promise to maintain your confidence and privacy! 

DEPRESSION

I’m just emerging from a fairly extended time of suffering from depression.  

I’m writing about it in hopes that my musings might be helpful to someone else whose experiences parallel mine. 

For the record, I have not always dealt with this problem.  It began when I succumbed to a major episode of burn-out much earlier in my ministry.  I stepped out of my role for several months.  It’s a story of its own, but God played a major part in my recovery and re-entry to ministry.  Alma Kelly, a lay leader at the church I served also played a significant role in salvaging me for future ministry! 

My next interruptive experience was when I was about forty.  There is little doubt in my mind that it was a direct result of stress.  At the time, I was pastoring a church that had doubled in size.  In addition, I was attending seminary in Pittsburgh four days-a-week.  Then, of course, I was trying to fulfill my goal of being a great husband and dad.  During this period, we owned our own home for seven years;  it entailed a fairly large amount of time for maintenance and upkeep!  Poor money management combined with high educational expenses along with a chronically low salary created financial distress that became a frequent trigger for my depression.  These factors eventually brought me to a place of emotional and social shut-down.

I didn’t see it coming.  It scared me.  I was emotionally frozen.  I desperately wanted to withdraw.  I knew I needed help, but didn’t know where to turn. 

Describing the experience of depression would likely be different for each individual who deals with it.  For me, it commonly manifests with the following symptoms:

• Verbal shut-down
• Inability to think positive thoughts
• A sense of lostness – not knowing where to turn
• A general sense of anger
• Social withdrawal

I have functioned in this state for extended periods of time, but doing so takes exceptional energy and exhausts me.  I can only say that it is an awful experience that I wouldn’t wish on anyone!  I eventually realized that my cycle was about three weeks in duration.  Gradually, I would emerge from the darkness.  Incrementally, I would regain my balance and begin to find joy in life again.

You can imagine the impact this had on Debbie and my family. 

I turned to counselors and other pastors during these times.  I believe these interventions were helpful.  As a counselor, I know the value of talking about our problems in a trusting environment.  Although I never really experienced a catharsis, I am certain that these caring interventions cleansed me somewhat and directed me as well. 

I am happy to say that in time, my condition improved and these episodes became less frequent.  I seemed to find a balance.  I learned to manage my stress levels better.  After eleven years of focus and commitment, we became debt-free!  This removed one of my enemy's most used triggers against me!  The woods became my cathedral.  I used my day off (Mondays) to get into nature to hike and talk with God!  A week or more of backpacking every year had a retreat-like effect.  Actually, the one miracle that I've experienced took place on an extended backpacking trip!  Incredible story!  

As I grew older, I came to a point when I thought that depression was a thing of the past.  I was wrong.  Depression is not a common companion anymore;  for that I am grateful.  However, it does visit me from time-to-time, and I seem unable to predict when those times may occur. 

I have not yet fully unpacked the causes of my latest episode.  I am just now beginning to be able to think clearly and objectively.  I know that Debbie prays for me!  That’s huge!  I suspect, at times, that she may mention my need to others among our family and friends.  Recently, I’ve noticed an unusual number of people asking me – very deliberately – “How are you doing, Hal?”  I highly value the prayers of those who love me – although I rarely seek the prayer support of those same people.  I can’t explain that…

So, throughout this learning experience, I have discovered value in:

• diet
• exercise
• journaling
• counseling
• reflection
• proper sleep routines

But the thing that is most helpful is connecting with God!  I am not always willing or able to do this right away.  I can’t explain this fully.  I can tell you this:  one of my last resources is a book.  I bought it years ago and found that it helped me during times of depression.  No surprise that it is a book of sermons:  SPIRITUAL DEPRESSION – Its Causes and Its Cure, by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 

I’m not sure that I’ve ever read the whole book.  By the time I get several chapters into it, I find myself thinking more clearly – more biblically.  When I get my thinking straight – my emotions tend to follow!  ;-)

Two weeks ago, I mentioned to my pastor that I was experiencing a period of rather extreme depression.  He assured me that he would be praying for me.  He also mentioned the above book.  I told him what a life-saver it had been to me through the years.  Then, he suggested two other books and offered to buy them for me.  Last night he presented me with them.  I have already consumed one about the great preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon  [SPURGEON’S SORROWS – Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression].  It has been an enormous help and blessing to me!  I will read the other today [CHRISTIANS GET DEPRESSED TOO, by David Murray]! 

If you struggle with depression, take hope in the fact that you are not alone.  The scriptures address this issue with abundance [for instance:  Psalm 42:5,11].  Read a good book!  Recruit prayer from your pastor, family and closest friends!  Talk to someone who will be patient with you and will listen and respond gracefully.  Make an appointment with a counselor. 

And, if you’d like to talk with me – I am available.  I have a counseling degree, but that’s not as valuable as the fact that I’ve been in a similar place as you!  [To call/text:  (724) 944-3881]  If nothing else, I would be happy to add you to my prayer list! 

May God break through and shine His light on you TODAY! 

PS - review the above words in bold print - they're EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!