Editors Note: This article is part of our series on finding hope in the midst of depression. In this series, our counselors are helping people understand the reality of depression and how God sustains and helps those who are depressed. View the Series Page here.
We all will die. Yesterday’s news was a tragic reminder to us all about the brevity and uncertainty of life. (Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and others were killed in a helicopter crash.) Amidst the reminders to live life to the fullest and to pull our loved ones tight, the book of Ecclesiastes shouts into the void with helpful insight.
Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 [1] For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: [2] a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; (ESV)
None of us know how many days we have left. No one knows their time. It seems especially tragic when three teens and parents with many years left to live are snatched too soon.
I want you to now contrast this with another funeral I had the honor to attend last week. A good family friend passed away unexpectedly at the age of 84. He died leaving a legacy of love and faithfulness to God, his wife, and his family. This seems like a more normal story, the kind of story we would prefer if we were to be honest. It’s still hard and the family will still grieve the loss.
In our new series, we will be writing on the topic of depression and loss. It’s normal when we lose a loved one to experience feelings of depression. However, many suffer with depression day after day, week after week. They wonder if their depression will ever leave and if they will ever feel normal again.
The Bible is full of perspectives relevant to those who are struggling with depression. However, the Bible doesn’t offer those struggling with depression quick and easy cures, but rather sustaining comfort and gentle correction. It draws us towards Christ who assures us the pain of this world has a point and that injustice will be avenged in His time and way.
Depression is one of the most common reasons that people find their way into Biblical Counseling Center. We love the opportunity to help and this series will help those struggling with depression and those walking with the depressed better understand and bring hope to those struggling with depression.
