You're hurting. Though it's in the middle of a sunny day, you walk in darkness. You think it's hopeless to keep trying, or to keep praying. You're discouraged about failure in a task, or in a relationship. It's difficult to breathe due to the high humidity in your...

Two More Potential Dangers of Depression   After decades of experiencing chronic depression, I'm intimately acquainted with the potential pitfalls.  In my previous post, I identified two: *Depression Spawns Self-Centeredness *Depression Engenders Doubts About...

In my high school cafeteria, I bit down on a hard morsel of food.  I can't imagine a bullet tearing through my cheeks hurting any worse.  The food particle made a direct hit on an exposed nerve in a wisdom tooth with a large cavity. Screaming, I ran from the...

Truths to Encourage Us When We’re Despondent over Lack of Fruit in Ministry   *This is a longer-than-usual post.  But it’s an important one!  Whether you are a serious volunteer (lay Bible teacher, personal witnessing, etc.) or a vocational Christian leader, the...

Don't hoist the wrong conclusion from this post. I detest depression.  I loathe the inertia, the sad countenance, and negative thinking that accompanies most episodes of despondency.  And through spiritual disciplines, counseling, medications--or a combination of...

Another Weapon in the Battle Against Discouragement or Despondency   What is the most honest, transparent prayer you've ever uttered (or screamed)? One that immediately comes to my mind occurred in June, 2003.  I sat in a recliner, alone at home, gripping the...

Introducing You to Chronic Joy Ministry One of the “content categories” for my posts on depression and faith is to familiarize you with helpful resources: books, blogs, and organizations. Today’s post is an interview with the President and Co-Founder of Chronic Joy...

The Story of an Unfinished Poem I haven't ever tried to kill myself, nor have I been whisker-close to doing so.  But I have thought that death would be preferable to living.  A lot of times. When a pall of depression overwhelms me, negative thoughts vie for control...

Bible Truths to Sustain Volunteers as well as Vocational Christian Leaders   Opposition to goals. Lack of visible results. Self-condemnation over mistakes or failures in life or ministry. Frustration over continued vulnerability to temptation. Spiritual...

Chronically ill? Recently lost a loved one? Recurring episodes of depression? Physical disability? If any of these conditions describe you or someone you love, absorb the perspectives and comfort of Joni Eareckson Tada's Beside Bethesda: 31 Days Toward Deeper...

Perhaps my greatest earthly support in battling depression is my wife, Dolly. Her unconditional love and loyalty anchor me and remind me of how blessed I am even on days when I’m feeling downcast.  On June 5, 2018 we will celebrate 47 years of marriage bliss (46...

God created us with the wonderful capacity to feel. Whether it's the unfettered joy of holding a new grandchild for the first time, the subtle exuberance when we accomplish a hard-won goal, or the awe-inspiring appreciation for a roseate sunrise, feelings are a...