I just wrote this to an old friend seeking some advice regarding this subject: Depression I think all of us go through depression. I know I did as a young adult and into my married life. I think there are two kinds of depression, 1) the far more common inability to cope with and accept our current state in life and its concomitant duties and obligations and 2) an organic depression due to inherited tendencies and brain chemical imbalances. There can also be mixtures of 1) and 2). But even if one suffers from 2), one can still get a handle on depression in how one either grasps the spiritual role in it, or refuses to see or admit it. We all have crosses. Life isn’t always “pretty.” It doesn’t always turn out the way we had hoped or dreamed. Our duties and obligations often seem absurd or beyond our abilities or frankly, they repulse us. But despite all that, we have to accept our current state in life and duties and obligations as God’s Holy Will, something He is permitting (not positively Willing but allowing) for our sanctification and salvation. When depression sets in it is often because we allow our current circumstances - permitted by God for our sanctification - to overwhelm us or drive us to despair. We just hate our current situation and we hate that God is permitting it. The only way out of that thinking pattern, which drives us deeper into despair and depression, is to accept our current situation with Acts of Faith, Hope, Love and Trust. “Jesus, I believe in you and your Church. You take care of it. “Jesus, I hope in you. You take care of it. “Jesus, I trust in you. You take care of it. “Jesus, I love you. You take care of it. “I embrace these crosses That you will not lift right now in reparation for my sins, for the sins of others, and for all lost souls.” We have to embrace those crosses that, in our prayers for relief, God does not lift from us. We have no choice. Otherwise they’ll defeat us and drive us deeper into depression. Insofar as our depression might be “organic” or inherited, we must seek competent help. But here still, it does no good to “kick against the goad.” We still must accept it as God’s permissive Will for us, for our sanctification and salvation, at this moment in time, until God Himself lifts it, or modern techniques and treatments help alleviate it. Be at peace. God knows you’re struggling. Leave it in His hands as much as possible and gently turn away from every thought or action that deepens your depression, even as you would turn from any temptation not to Hope, Love and Trust God or to sin. Let the prayer “Jesus, I trust in you, you take care of it” be on your lips and in your heart every moment of every day, even if you’re depressed. And ask God for a break every now and then, when that cross seems more than you can bear at that moment. He will give it to you. He has for me.
You've covered it Brian. Wisdom indeed. I learned several years ago a very valuable lesson. Happiness is a choice. As you say, we must turn away from thoughts that reinforce our misery but rather thank God for what God is doing for us every minute. For what He is providing and trust Him that the chalice He has given us is for our sanctification. Your short prayers are powerful to this situation so many find themselves in--Jesus i trust in You. Complete abandonment to Him brings huge graces. Its tough to do but He truly does answer those prayers. The medical side of depression is very tough but thank God they are finding new ways to treat it all the time. I don't mean to make light of depression at all. It is a heavy cross but it is a great sacrifice of love when carried for Christ.
Has anyone ever stopped to think that depression in God's servants often manifests as a sort of preparation for a good death, in the sense that we long more and more for things that come from above? Perhaps attachment to earthly things is seen by God as an obstacle to full communion with Him and to the perseverance of the saints, which will be so necessary during the time of the Antichrist's persecution, when the possession of earthly goods and any form of economic security will be confronted with total fidelity to God, amidst the global imposition of the Mark of the Beast. Colossians 3:2-5 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Thank you Brian. I do the , I surrender, Jesus,take care of everything, daily, and my life has become so much more livable. We become more willing to take the steps with Jesus, rather than alone.
I think it is important to distinguish between that which is Pathological and that which is Spiritual. That which may derive from a physical or psychological illness and that which comes about as a result of the action of the Holy Spirit on the soul. A third possibility is demonic assault . When I went into the Dark Night the first thing I considered was that I was going nuts.
I wholeheartedly believe this. Many are going through such heart-rending sorrows right now and almost everyone I speak with has multiple awful things happening in their lives. So much so that I'm hoping the 'Warning' comes sooner than later.
My heart really goes out to the parents of children who have left the Faith. This is a real calvary. On the other hand the words of St Ambrose to Saint Monica are a great consolation, The Child of these tears could never be lost.
My experience during these last 7 months has not been static. There are moments of depression , anxiety, and anger. I think this is just being human. I imagine even Jesus experienced some of this in his human nature. This is what gives me hope. Our Lord knows what I’m going through. He is the model / the Way, Truth, and Life , to how we can respond to the things in life that can lead to depression. I would say even with those who suffer clinical depression, Christ is the example to follow. He overcame through his act of the will to conform to the Will of His Father. I know this is not easy. I believe it can only be done because of grace and allowing the Holy Spirit to act within you. For me and my wife, we get through the harder days - days where we are a bit down, only by asking Jesus for help. Saying out loud even, Lord I don’t fully understand why you allowed this cross but I do believe it to be for my good. I do believe my cross is needed for my salvation. And I thank you for it. I honestly believe saying this out loud even if it’s hard or you’re not even initially sure about it helps one move toward it. I believe the Lord does not expect perfection here (only He was perfect) but he does want us to take up our cross and follow. He will do the rest. I know the accident has become our opportunity to our salvation. I’ve come to see it as a gift. But in my humanness there are still days when it’s hard. Those are the days when all I can do is say Lord, you know I’m trying to carry the Cross but it’s heavy today. Please help me. And He does!
Continued prayers for you , your wife, and family. You will be in my thoughts at Stations of the Cross this evening!
Awesome words miker. Amazing faith. Thank you for posting them here. I read them to my hubby as we sat here after watching the above video (SO beautiful! Ty padraig! ) I think we will do the same, asking Our Lord out loud together.
Yes, we should never deny or reject the crosses which God places in our lives. Yes, they may be tragic, bewildering, and most difficult. But He who works all things to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, is perfect Love and Wisdom. Jesus, we trust in You!
Crunently suffering one of worst colds/ flu I ever had sat beside a fire with a jacket and hat on shivering. Offering it up for a couple in trouble I know but I'll offer up from any of you good people also.god bless all jesus is king
This is painful to read about your suffering and your desire to offer it up. God bless you and bring you safely through this.
It may be the flu it's been going around here and that's how it's described. The worst cold. Be careful please because it can run to pneuminia. That's what's happening here. It's nasty. Thank you for your generosity in prayer.
