A Moment With Pastor Fred

Over a century ago, the famous London pastor Charles     Haddon Spurgeon said, “I am the subject of depression so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to.” Yes, even the godly can suffer from depression. We often hear of medical solutions. Sometimes depression can be physically caused, and medicine does help. See your doctor – and never stop taking medication without his/her involvement. 

Let us not however dismiss the spiritual. I recently read Good Mood, Bad Mood, by medical doctor and biblical counselor, Charles Hodge. Also helpful is Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness, by Ed Welch. Make no mistake – depression is        always and profoundly spiritual. Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not denying the physical, but there are numerous questions one must answer: Who is God? Who do I trust? How am I responding to my depression?

These questions must be worked through. We must always consider our relationship with God whatever our circumstances. Spurgeon again. “I spring to my legs again and fight with my depressions of spirit and get the victory through it … for there is no other way of escaping it.” 

Our biblical counseling ministry offers hope to the depressed. Talk to me or call the church office. We must talk truth to ourselves rather than listen to ourselves. God is good, whether depression leaves or returns. We can trust him. “It was good for me to be afflicted that I might learn your decrees,” Ps 119:71.