Friday, April 10, 2009

Be Not Dismayed by Soul-Trouble

The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul-trouble. Count it no strange thing, but a part of ordinary… experience. Should the power of depression be more than ordinary, think not that all is over with your usefulness. Cast not away your confidence, for it hath great recompense of reward. Even if the enemy’s foot be on your neck, expect to rise amid and overthrow him. Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints.”

- Charles Spurgeon, The Minister’s Fainting Fits

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Great quote by Spurgeon which I've learned is true through personal experience. Our modern culture would have us believe we are to always be grinning, confident and gloriously happy. And if you're not, then "ask your doctor" about the latest psychotropic drug.

A fallen world and spiritual warfare presumes ups and downs, including depression. HOW we address discouragement and depression, as well as our good times (which can also be our downfall), is the key.

Paul gives us the weapons of warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18. They lead us to God, His word (spoken and applied to our situation, as Jesus addressed Satan in the wilderness), prayer, and all the blessings of salvation in Christ Jesus.

The writer to the Hebrews places our perseverance in the context of exhortation and Christian fellowship (Heb. 10:24-25). This is a battle we are not to undertake alone. God has given us brethren. Spending time together in God's word and mutual encouragement is essential. To tag onto one of Paul's thoughts, not only does no soldier enter battle encumbered by things which keep him from fighting effectively, he does not enter battle alone.