Hope (2)
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Are there Christians who battle with despondency?
David Brainerd - missionary to the Indians of New England in the late eighteenth century battled depression regularly. It is said that it was hereditary in his family. His parents died young, all of his siblings by age 34, and David at 29. To read his diary is to read a book riddled with personal struggle and the desire to be different.
Some quotes:
“I fear God never showed mercy to one so vile as I.”
“Lord let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.”
What is the root?
Where does it usually start?
Did Jesus battle with sorrowfulness and sadness of heart?
38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
We recognize here the flesh and heart are weak, but there is an outward reliance.
The church needs a return to an outward reliance.
“The greatest need of the hour is a revived and joyful church… unhappy Christians are to say the least, a poor recommendation of the Christian faith.” Martin Lloyd-Jones
What shall we say then? What shall we do?
5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
But also in Psalm 19:7
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;...;
To need revival to say their is something wrong—possibly dead or dying.
This admission is not easy for people because pride, sin, rebellion, jealousy, and more.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
We must learn to preach to our own heart.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
