Discouragement, Like Fog

Seems nearly everyone I talk to these days is fighting discouragement or depression of one form or another. It’s in the air, thick, like fog, feeling as if it’s impossible to escape it. A couple days ago I sent an instant message to a good buddy of mine who is a pastor:

“I just feel WEIRD today, man, like in my spirit. Does that make sense? You ever get that, bro?”

His reply: “Yes I have; especially this last year. I have shared with a few family and friends that I can’t see into the future at all…it’s just black. No long term goals, vision, nada. It just got shut down a year ago. I’m at peace, but no sight beyond a day or two. It really feels strange.”

Not to be rude but I’m glad it’s not just me.

Seems two hours after I get up in the morning I’m ready for a nap. I’m almost 54 years old, and it’s tempting to think it’s an AGE thing. I’m also out of shape and have chronic pain, and those are contributors, no doubt, but it’s MORE than that. It has to be, because thinner, younger people who don’t suffer physical pain are feeling the same type of emotional distress. There are millions like me who feel as if maneuvering through this life is like trying to sprint through a puddle of sludge.

I’m trying here, Lord, you KNOW I’m trying, and so are my friends reading this, but we need a little extra measure of help today.

If you can relate, please know my family and I are praying for you! The dark clouds seem to wrap us up like a wet blanket, stifling our every move, but it is imperative we keep going. I believe time is short, and we must not stop.

Please read the following Bible verses, SLOWLY, so they can soak into your very soul. May God refresh us all today.

“The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:17-18)

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16)

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.
    We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.
   We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.
    At just the right time we will reap a
harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead,
     even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 
These trials will show that your faith is genuine.
     It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—
though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.
     So when your faith remains strong through many trials,
it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day
     when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (I Peter 1:6-7)

Many blessings to you and yours.

Rob