To the one who suffers from depression, nothing could be worse. People offer cliches like, "Just pull yourself together," "Snap out of it" or even, "Just read the Word and trust." It usually is not that easy.
I had seen tribespeople suffering from fear of evil spirits or from obvious depression, but they did not know God. If after they had been converted there was still depression, I would feel impatient. I wanted to tell them, "Christians don't get depressed."
Today I know better. It took nine long months before a doctor realized my deep depression was a side effect of a strong anti-malarial medication.
Satan's oppression took on several forms - because I had never before been bothered by this, I kept searching for the awful sin in my life. Then I became convinced that no one suffered as I was suffering. In addition, I felt sure my trial would never end.
Through my ordeal God taught me two great truths:
1) I could not flee from His presence (Psalm 139:7-18);
2) My position as a child of God is in Christ, and that position is secure.
As these two truths began to dawn upon me, I would cry out, "Oh God, I cannot feel your presence, but I know You are here, and as Your child I am in Christ. Nothing can take those things away."
Child of God, whatever you are suffering now, grasp these two unshakable truths - His abiding presence and your guaranteed position - and look up!
F. Bozeman
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today" (HEBREWS 3:13).
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