There are times when I suffer from depression. This can be good or it can
be bad, for depression can either cast you back upon Jesus Christ or lead
to self destruction(suicide). Even the Believer is susceptible to
depression as we do not always walk in the Spirit. It is hard I am sure 
for many to understand what is going on in times of depression, unless
you, yourself have experienced it. This misunderstanding of those who
suffer and even take their own  lives is common for many today are
self-sufficient. They look down upon those who are weak and actually lay
a burden upon them of condemnation. The thought of Job’s wife comes to
mind as she counseled him to look to himself, curse God, and die.  (Job
2:9)

Depression can be triggered by many things. The loss of a loved one, an
unfulfilled desire, sickness, and the basic cause is “a loss of hope.” In
John Bunyan;s book, “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Christian’s traveling companion
called, “Faithful” is slain at Vanity fair. There is one, however, who
takes his place called, ‘Hopeful.” With Hopeful at his side, he continues
onward and upward to that great city of God. Is Hope your traveling
companion.

Suicide is Satan’s escape hatch that he holds out to those who lose hope,
to those who hear nothing but the voice of self ringing in their ears,
whose eyes are blinded and whose minds are bound in a self-made cage. Man
would counsel us to look within ourselves for that which would sustain
and save, but is that what God wants?

To those of you who have always lived in a world of success  where you
know nothing of depression and the longing to escape: remember, that the
cause of this problem is a loss of light and hope. So the answer lies,
not in pointing out the lack of such things or the emphasis of an outward
work, but of pointing simply to Jesus Christ, the one who is our Hope,
Life, and Light.

An example of this , is Peter when he walked upon the water towards
Jesus. (Matthew 14: 20-32) What a picture is set forth here for we see
the boat being tossed and turned by the waves and the wind. A picture of
the world as it seeks to destroy and sink us into the depths of despair.

Jesus appears walking upon the water and they believe Him to be a spirit.
Peter sets forth a test for he says, “Lord, if it be you, bid me to come
unto thee on the water. “ Jesus bids him to come. As Peter steps out of
the boat and begins to go towards Jesus, be assured that his eyes were
initially upon the Saviour, for even to get out of the boat took faith.
How many of us would have just stayed in the boat(that place of man-made
safety) ?

All is going well until Peter notices that the wind is boisterous(wild
and rough). This condition is normal in the world wherein we dwell, for
every wind of doctrine is seeking to lead us astray. How do we respond?
The natural thing to do when one is buffeted by the wind is to look
downward at your feet to see if they are firmly planted. Man in
accordance to his own nature will always look at himself for hope and
salvation, for when Peter looked down, he began to sink.

This sinking into the waves represents the cares, pleasures, and
depression of this life. This is where many lose hope  and cannot see
afar as they are blinded by a world that does not care. How great is this
darkness and despair, but greater is the response of Jesus Christ when
Peter cries out, “Lord save me!”

What pleases a father more? An independent child who will go it alone
until it is too late, or a child who will take his fathers hand and
surrender himself into his care? To those of you who have children the
answer should be simple, for rebellion and a child who is self-sufficient
usually brings sadness to those who love him.

The answer to much of the depression and mental problems of the world is
to turn to Jesus Christ and live in accordance to His will. To surrender
and cry out to Him for salvation. He is our only hope and even when we
experience times of sadness, grief, and loss, He is still there. He is
still waiting for the time when we come to the end of our own resources
and cry out, “O Lord save me and lift me up for thy glory!

So as you walk in this life and encounter those who are struggling, those
who are sinking in the waves, be a help, not a hindrance. Direct them,
encourage them, and teach them about Jesus Christ. May we all keep our
eyes upon Jesus, for together we shall rise above the waves and walk upon
the water.

	Let us pray:

Blessed Saviour take my hand, for I am weak and thou art strong. I pour
contempt upon my pride, myself, and my works for they are as dung before
thy Holiness. Without Thee before my eyes, I sink and have nothing. Renew
my vision of thee and hold me ever close to thy side, O blessed Saviour.

                                                                     AMEN.
                                                                     M. H. G.