“For you are my lamp, O Lord , and my God lightens my darkness” (2 Samuel 22:29 ESV).
I’ve not been secretive about my struggles with depression. I’ve spoken openly about the challenges that it presents. I’ve done so for a couple of reasons.
First, as a writer, I am interested in sharing not just my thoughts, but also my heart. I figure that if I can’t be transparent about my joys and pains, victories and struggles, I can’t expect anyone to take my insights into scripture seriously.
Second, I want others who live with depression to know that they are not alone, and that one can be a Christian and have mental struggles. Depression and other forms of mental and emotional challenges are simply that: challenges.
There’s not a Christian alive who doesn’t encounter difficulties. Whether fighting a judgmental spirit, habitual lying, gossip, drug or alcohol addiction, or mental illness, we all have our challenges.
For me, the last couple of months have been difficult. In addition to the usual life stressors, there have been other things that have tried my mettle. In the last couple of years I have been more resilient when the dark days came. I was able to find my way out more quickly. But this time it has been a bit more difficult.
Years ago I was sent to retrieve something for a friend from the basement of their coffee house. When I reached the top of the stairs I couldn’t find a light switch. I descended the stairs and still found no switch. I knew generally where the office was, and I knew the general vicinity of the item I was looking for. By the time I reached the office, I was in pitch-black darkness. I took small steps and felt around with my hands, but I had a sense of fear as though I was lost.
For me, that darkness and fear is how I would describe depression. I know that it’s different for everyone, but darkness and fear sum up my experience. That’s why I take such comfort in the words of 2 Samuel 22:29.
“For you are my lamp, O Lord , and my God lightens my darkness” (2 Samuel 22:29 ESV).
John put it this way, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5 ESV).
I found the item that I went to get; and I found my way out of the office. A short time later I got to a place where I could see some light. It was small at first, but even that little bit of light filled me with hope. “…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5 NASB).
If you’re in a dark place, look for the light. He is our lamp. He is our light.
For more on depression:
Blessings on your day!
Skipping Stones 
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