It was April 2015. I remember the clouds had been gathering for days, just waiting for the chance to break. The Autumn rains are like this, and when it rains, it pours. It was no surprise when the water rose and floods cut us off from the main road. It didn’t surprise me when the … Read more
The clouds had been building for a couple of days waiting for the chance to break free from their restraints. You know what the Autumn rains are like – when it rains, it pours. The downpour, then, was no surprise. Nor when the power went out. Nor the flood that cut us off from the … Read more
When Darkness Seems my Closest Friend is the latest book by British minister Mark Meynell. He writes about his personal struggle with depression and the impact it has had on his life and ministry. As a fellow depression sufferer, I believe this book is a gift to the church, wayfarers, and those who seek to … Read more
Note: Who doesn’t love hearing a good story? – especially one where God has done the impossible and changed circumstances and situations. Seeing God’s work after a crisis is import, but so too seeing it during the crisis. Mark Meynell reminds you why you should share your story during your struggles in this excerpt from When … Read more
‘Hope delayed makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is the tree of life.’ Proverbs 13:12 Who hasn’t been disappointed? You miss out on the position or promotion. The invitation you expected never arrives. Every day of the tropical holiday you saved for is raining. The pain of relationship breakdown is too much. The doctor … Read more
I’ve struggled with depression for several years now. Words that come to mind are disorienting, numb or lethargic. Depression is never easy but I think this is especially the case as a depressed Christian. It is easy to connect depression with my spiritual life. And it is easy to feel condemned when other Christians are genuinely … Read more
A friend attempted suicide several years ago. It came as a shock but in reality it wasn’t sudden. He had been struggling with depression caused by a variety of factors. One of the factors included his relationship with God. He said the following about his experience: ‘In my darkest times, I believed God had abandoned … Read more
It is challenging as a follower of Jesus to know what to do all the time. Do you remember those ‘WWJD’ bracelets? I do. They were popular when I was in high school. What would Jesus do? It’s a good question no matter what situation we are in. But is it the best question? I’m … Read more
Previously I wrote about the most important thing I’ve learned from my experience of depression. Today I am going to offer 4 useful suggestions on how to help those who struggle with depression. First, I need to be clear that I am not a counsellor or a psychologist. Instead I just want to offer ideas of … Read more
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues. Approximately 1 out of every 6 people will experience depression at some point in their life. Often the results are significant and, in the extreme, may lead toward suicide. It would be good if Christians were immune to experiencing depression but we are not. I know … Read more