Jesus is the light of the world. He promised that anyone who follows Him will never walk in darkness. His light shines brightly.
Hopelessness Makes Life Dark
One awful symptom of depression is hopelessness. Without hope, life is dark. There seems no way out. Because of a lack of hope, some who have labored long in the grip of depression consider suicide as the only way out.
The darkness obscures any way of escape. At least that is how it was for me. I was convinced that I would be depressed forever. The brief respites I sometimes enjoyed seemed to be mirages that faded as soon as I got close. Eventually, I persuaded myself that my husband and toddler son would be better off without me. I plotted my way out through multiple bottles of pills.
Yet God intervened. He shone the tiniest ray to illuminate the truth buried deep in the recesses of my troubled mind. I was loved, this trial wasn’t permanent, and my family needed me. Then He told me to call a dear friend who could help me.
Jesus, the Light, Brings Hope
When we cling to Him, Jesus, the light of the world, will light our darkness. Though I barely knew Him, He shone into my darkness and led me out. It didn’t happen all at once, but He was faithful to never let me go.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5 (NIV).
Anytime Blues
The holidays are particularly difficult times when dealing with depression. But so is a new year. Friends and family are planning for the year to come, but you can’t decide what to do today.
I get it. Even now, when depression no longer holds me in a vice grip, there are days when I can’t decide which of the many tasks on my to-do list to do next. When I think beyond today, it can be overwhelming. I find it is best to take one thing at a time, trusting Jesus to hold the rest until it is the right time for me to tackle them. I ask Him to light the thing that’s most important for right now. The rest can wait.
Closing Prayer for Light
Heavenly Father, I pray for all those reading this article today who may be struggling with depression, feeling they are trapped in darkness. Shine Your light into their lives and reveal the truth of how much they are loved. Assure them that this current depression isn’t permanent. Give them hope for a future. Light the way to others who can help them navigate their way out of the abyss of darkness. And impress on the heart of each reader who You have sent to help another who is struggling. Help us all to shine Your light for those in need. In Jesus’s name, amen.
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