DEPRESSION PRECEDES BREAKTHROUGH (from POTSC)

January 31st, 2010 5 Comments

I entered a funk.

We’ve all been there.

I’m not normally a depressed guy..so it kinda snuck up on me..however..I knew it when it arrived.

Since I don’t camp out here..I was a little perplexed by the dark cloud’s visit..and exactly how to shake it escaped me.

It was just where I was at..on my way out of the dark abyss..I come across this blog entry by Jud Wilhite. I’ve completely cut and pasted it here so that you could read and comment. I’d love to hear what you have to say.

From People of the Second Chance :: Posted by Jud Wilhite:

C. H. Spurgeon is one of my favorite dead-guy pastors. He wrote and led in the 19th Century and wrestled with depression most of his life.

I love this insight from him:

“This depression comes over me whenever the Lord is preparing a larger blessing for my ministry; the cloud is black before it breaks, and overshadows before it yields its deluge of mercy. Depression has now become to me as a prophet in rough clothing, a John the Baptist, heralding the nearer coming of my Lord’s richer benison.”

Have you ever thought that your depression or struggle could be preparing you for something greater?

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  • http://shoesmood.com Jane Smith

    To tell the truth, I’am voiceless. The Shawshank Redemption is phenomenal. I’am not too old film fan, as a matter of fact, this film appeared whenI was very young, and consequently I am more used to movies with marvelous special effects, edge-of-your-seat action, et cetera. This film has zero of that, and nevertheless, it appeals so closely to me . The way Frank Darabont applies the story of Red to drive on the story, the beauty of the film music applied (note the harmonica used merely earlier Red receiving the letter close to the end). The entire film, from starting to closing, from actions to sound, is a beacon of hope, judgement, and repurchase. The cast is perfect, Morgan Freeman(Red) really brings about a refreshing feel to the tale, and that’s exactly what the movie is, what a film should be. Highly recommended for each movie fan.

  • http://www.bittersweetjess.wordpress.com Jessica

    Nor did I intend to trivialize what you’ve been going through either, Trey. Darkness is darkness. Just that… the absence of light. And whether it’s a momentary thing or a steady decline into a deep dark pit you feel you’ll never escape out of, it’s definitely a struggle. But, thank God He is with us whether we feel it or not. And like Shaun quotes (I think in part 4?) “Don’t doubt in darkness what God tells you in the light”. ~ So true!
    And, I think he’s right, too in pointing out what a touchy thing depression can be in the Christian circles. Making you feel like you just don’t have enough faith. When it’s simply not that at all.

    Thanks, Sonya. I’m glad you appreciated the link. I just remember reading that and thinking “Wow. He just hit it on the head.” God bless him for being so completely transparent! I think if more people were, we’d realize more we’re not all in this thing alone! :)

  • http://www.bittersweetjess.wordpress.com Jessica

    To be honest, I think there’s a big difference between a funk and true all-out depression. Someone who’s actually put the true struggle of real depression is Shaun Groves (The brutally honest story of his battle can be read in 9 parts on his blog: http://shaungroves.com/series/beggars-fortune/ ).
    As far as preparing us for something better… I see it more as God can turn bad into good? Beauty from your ashes. And it certainly has a way of growing sincere compassion for others in you and a new appreciation for life when the cloud finally lifts and the sun starts to shine again.
    The Lord certainly could use depression for a deeper walk and ministry. Undoubtedly. But, man I tell ya… it’s one of satan’s favorite stomping grounds, too. A battle I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

    • http://www.treybailey.net trey bailey

      Jessica,
      First and foremost, I hope I did not trivialize true depression or make a case for a trite simple solution to it. I wholeheartedly agree that there is a difference between “funk” and “depression” and I certainly agree that God can use any emotion, circumstance, or stage of life for His ultimate glory (even the most darkest of valleys and the most trying pain.) I’ve often heard it said that we are most susceptible to the gospel message and God’s offer of hope when we are at our lowest points. In Celebrate Recovery we would call it “bottom-ing out.” It’s the moment when we realize that our lives have become unmanagable and that we are in desperate need of something bigger than ourselves.

      St. John of the Cross explained it best in his work, The Dark Night of the Soul (you can pick it up here http://ow.ly/12E1W). In it he explains the difficulty in the valley but how God uses it to draw us closer to Him with an undeniable dependence on Him. This book has been encouraging to me in those valleys and underneath those dark clouds. I hope others may find encouragement through this classic.

      Thanks for sharing. I look forward to reading Shaun Groves perspective and story too.

    • Sonya Hopper

      Jessica-

      Thank you for sharing Shawn Groves’ story. He is so accurate in his perception…at least from my point of view. It is comforting to know others who I have experienced this type of darkness.

      Thanks again,
      Sonya

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