HEBREWS 2:14-15 – Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
PSALM 42:5 – Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.
MATTHEW 14:31 – Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
THEME OF THE DAY: WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS. Today’s nugget is out of the norm in a couple of ways. First, there are three different scriptures instead of one. Next, the theme is not in one area, but three. As for the scriptures, each of them point to three specific areas Christians need to talk about and preachers need to preach on; death, depression, and doubt. Personally, I don’t think we do well in our Christian circles of talking about the “dark side” of Christianity like these three “d’s”. When is the last time we were in a fellowship setting, a Bible study, or prayer meeting and death, depression, or doubt were topics discussed and shared? They are not high on the “joy meter” and likely aren’t addressed much. And they should be. We need to talk about these things because they are real experiences in the Christian life.
First, death. Unless the Lord Jesus returns, we each will go by way of the grave. We will attend a funeral service and it will be ours. Death knows no partiality and God’s Word tells us “it is appointed for men to die once, then judgment (Hebrews 9:27). And that is an appointment we cannot reschedule or will miss. Yet, as Christians, we know death is conquered by our Lord’s resurrection. The question we must ask is this, “Does the certainty of death but the uncertainty of the day make a difference in our lives?” It should. The reality of death must shape our priorities, promote an urgency about spiritual things, especially the Gospel, and move us not to waste the most precious gift, apart from salvation, God gave us – time. How sad to come to our death bed or the back end of life and look back and have to say, “Oh, I wish I would have done things differently.” Death is a strong motive to zealous Christian living.
Next, depression. It is real. Very real, yes, even for Christians. Read of Elijah in 1 Kings 18-19 and of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1. The Psalms also give examples of Godly individuals who suffer the pain of depression. And it is not always because of sin. When it comes to this “d” word and experience, Christians must be in the ministry of encouragement to those suffering from this beast (Hebrews 3:13). Encouragement is one of the most effective means of battling depression, and it is the easiest of ministries we can do. However, it is also one of the most neglected. As for help? I recommend this excellent little book by David Murray. It is titled Christians Get Depressed Too and will equip us to better minister to depressed Christians.
Final “d” word and experience is doubt. No Christian maintains full assurance of salvation and the Lord’s favor every minute of their Christian experience. All of us will take trips into John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress and doubting castle. And how did Christian and Hopeful get free from Giant Despair and out of the cage in doubting castle? The key of God’s promises. When we face doubt, double down on putting God’s promises in our minds and hearts. They will slay doubt and set us free!
So, let’s talk about death, depression, and doubt. They are real in the experience of every Christian so let’s be real as Christians and help each other win over all three!
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for conquering death, lifting me up when depressed, and giving promises to defeat doubt.”
QUOTE: “Don’t be afraid to be real with other believers discussing the realities, of death, depression and doubt.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim