Wednesday, September 26, 2018


Despair
By Susan Klein

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”

I believe that every human being on the face of this earth experiences despair or depression at some point in his/her life. Even Jesus did. God created us with multi-faceted emotions that we are going to experience when triggered. He also permits us to walk through trials and difficulties that can/do often reap despair. Sometimes, our own body chemistry can go sort of haywire, bringing about feelings of depression without any external triggers.

So, what should our response be when we see a friend walking through a dark time of despair? While there is no “one perfect response” that fits all circumstances, Charles Spurgeon (prolific author and preacher in the late 1800’s), who went through his own dark times of despair, offers some helpful words on the subject.

I know that wise brethren say, ‘You should not give way to feelings of depression.’ … If those who blame quite so furiously could once know what depression is, they would think it cruel to scatter blame where comfort is needed. There are experiences of the children of God which are full of spiritual darkness; and I am almost persuaded that those of God’s servants who have been most highly favoured have, nevertheless, suffered more times of darkness than others. No sin is necessarily connected with sorrow of heart, for Jesus Christ our Lord once said, ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.’ There was no sin in Him, and consequently none in His deep depression. I would, therefore, try to cheer any brother who is sad, for his sadness is not necessarily blameworthy.” [1]

Depression hurts. It is an emotional pain that is real. When someone we know is in pain, we offer comfort. Even if it might be a time where sin is a component, there are things we definitely don’t do when someone is hurting. We don’t place blame or play the Holy Spirit, we don’t try to cover over the emotion, we don’t avoid…we just offer comfort. We speak encouraging words, we give a hug or hold a hand, we listen, we pray, we make ourselves available. It can be messy, and hard, and awkward, but it is oh-so-necessary. And, as in the verse above, it is also commanded by our Heavenly Father.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What teachings or ideas might have (wrongly?) shaped your typical response to depression?
2. How might you tangibly offer comfort the next time you see someone struggling with despair or depression?

FURTHER READING:

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.