Sermons

    All sermons

    “The Secrets We Share: Depression”

      On January 21, Pastor Jim preaches on 1 Kings 19:1-8.
      The Gallup Poll reports that 17% of Americans have been diagnosed with depression. If we added in the many other depressed people who have not been diagnosed, the percentage is significant. Fortunately for us Christians we never get depressed. We are born of the spirit. We are saved and live in the palm of God’s hand. We’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in our hearts.

      Hold the phone. That’s just not true. I’ve known a lot of Christians over the years, and many of them, including yours truly, have experienced depression. Many people of faith could easily borrow the word of the psalmist: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long?” (Psalm 13:1-2)

      Or Elijah: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life…” (1 Kings 19:4)

      Or even the words of Jesus: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Mark 14:34)

      Depression happens. It’s caused by a number of things: the chemistry of one’s body, a person’s basic temperament, circumstances, the weather, and the list goes on. Where is God in the midst of depression?