Introduction
Millions experience melancholy or depression from time to time. It includes feelings of worthlessness, sadness and hopelessness. Sometimes it results from a specific incident. Other times it comes and goes without us understanding why.
Famous people experienced it
Even the most devoted Christians experience it from time to time. Great Christians like Charles Spurgeon struggled with melancholy. He wrote this regarding it:
Fits of depression come over the most of us. Cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.1
King David of Israel experienced it and described it in vivid language in some of the Psalms. He once described himself as being worn out from sobbing all night and flooding his bed and couch with tears(Psa. 6:6). He says his bones are in agony(Psa. 6:2) and soul is in anguish(Psa. 6:3). On another occasion he asks how long will God forget him(Psa. 13). He also describes his eyes growing weak(Psa. 31:9) and asks the Lord to hear his cry and prayer(Psa. 143:1).
The prophet Elijah said he zealously served God, yet the Israelites rejected God’s covenant and killed all the prophets except for him(1 Kings 19:10). Elijah felt depressed and wanted to die(1 Kings 19:3-4). He said to God “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.”
Not alone
When we get this way, we sometimes get the idea we are alone. We may also think other people have everything and never experience depression. We must always remember no one has everything. Even the strong and youths become weak and weary(Isa. 40:30).
Hope
Despite all the hardship Charles Spurgeon, David and others experienced, they did not lose their faith in God. Do you ever feel you are beyond hope? That’s what Satan wants you to think.
The Bible has several encouraging verses. It tells us to seek comfort in God(2 Cor. 1:3-7). Despite what David experienced, God did hear his cries(Psa. 6:8-9). Do not be afraid, for God will be with you(Josh. 1:9). Jesus offers rest to those who are weary and burdened(Matt. 11:28-30) and overcame the world(John 16:33). Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength(Isa. 40:31).
The joys of Heaven will far outweigh the troubles of life on Earth.