The singing of carols… the worship of our Savior…time with our loved ones…the gathering of family and friends…the happy faces of the children at Christmas. All these bring joy to our hearts. And rightly so. It is a meaningful time for us as followers of Christ as we celebrate His birth, remember His life, and rejoice in His resurrection…all part of God’s great plan from the beginning of time.

But what happens when the joy escapes us? What happens when the circumstances of life rob us of the joy, and we find ourselves in a downward spiral of emotions and feelings?

Depression.

It happens to many this time of year. And the fact that so many are filled with joy seems to exacerbate the despair one may feel. Is that you?

My long-time friend and pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, Dr. Jack Graham, recently wrote of a time when he battled depression. It was after surgery for cancer that Jack found himself in that downward spiral that robbed him of the usual joy of his life as a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus. In an opinion piece for Fox News Dr. Graham wrote:

“Having gone through a strong bout of depression myself after prostate cancer surgery 10 years ago, I can tell you this illness can be crippling. Depression makes you feel as if you are dead inside.

“Some of the classic symptoms are a sense of hopelessness and loneliness, loss of appetite and insomnia. I knew I was in trouble when I couldn’t eat and when I began to lose sleep.

“It took me well over a year to come out of that dark valley.”

Jack said that during that year of depression he sought help through professional counseling, exercise, and surrounding himself with those who could encourage him as he confided in them. But there was something else that helped Pastor Graham greatly.

Gratitude.

“One thing that was recommended to me by a counselor was keeping a gratitude journal. Every day, I would write three things I was thankful for in life.

“This simple exercise lifts your sight out of the darkness and helps you see the truth around you: there are people who love and care for you, there’s purpose in life and God has not given up on you yet.”

I appreciate Jack Graham’s openness to what went through, and what many deal with, some throughout their lives. It reminds me of what King David expressed in Psalm 40 as he cried out to the Lord in the midst of his depression, his time in the pit.

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:2-3 NLT

Yes, even our times of discouragement, despair, and depression can result in the blessing of the Lord in the lives of others as they see God at work in us. We can be grateful to the Lord for that encouragement. And what promises from God!

• Lifted out of the pit of despair.
• Feet set on solid rock.
• Steadied along the path.
• A new song to sing.
• A hymn of praise to our God.
• Others will come to put their trust in the Lord.

Depression is real and a reality for many. There is hope…because we have a loving, amazing, and all-powerful God. And the act of expressing gratitude for God’s rich blessings may be part of the path God has in times of despair.

Rejoice…and give thanks!

And may the New Year be filled with gratitude to our Lord for His presence in our lives throughout 2020.