Always the Fight Ministries: Displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse. (c)2019Nancy Virden

It is a great joy of mine to point people who are lost in major depression and suicidal despair to hope. I’ve been there – several times – yet my struggle with mental illness has not caused Jesus to abandon me. Of course not! He promised very clearly he would be with [me] to the end of time. That is a guarantee for each of us if we are joined to him through repentance and faith. Having a mental illness, and experiencing its symptoms, does not make us less-than, or not good enough for God’s love. No, perhaps it is the opposite if in our pain we run to him and cry out. He is near the brokenhearted, the defender of the weak, and the lover of our souls.

Who is Jesus?

He is the Only Son of God, the Creator, and eternal Savior. He is God, with all the goodness, love, and power of God. Although he was equal to God and had all of heaven to enjoy, he came as a human being for the sake of each person who ever lived.

Here is a summary of his life and purpose: 

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. *

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. **

For this is how God loved the world: He gave[g] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. ***

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.  ****

Why does he care how I feel? 

It’s a good question. The answer is found in his nature. You see, the Bible teaches us that he is love, goodness, a promise-keeper, merciful, and just. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and he sent his Holy Spirit as our comforter. 

[Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.+

Throughout his life on earth, Jesus was moved with compassion many times. 

A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.  When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.”++

King David was a man of many sorrows including depression. He turned to God for help, and praised God even when he hurt.  He wrote:

Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.+++

Even when I walk through the darkest valley,  I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.++++

In my darkest hours too, Jesus reminded me he was there. Jesus cares about how you feel because he loves you.

It is that simple.

Today’s Helpful Word

2 John 1:3

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.

 

• * (John 1:10-13)
• ** (Hebrews 2:14-15)
• *** (John 3:16-17)
• **** (Hebrews 9:27-28)
• + (Hebrews 4:15 -16)
• ++ (Luke 7:12-14) See also: Mark 1:41; Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14
• +++ (Psalm 10:17)
• ++++ (Psalm 23:4 )
• All scriptures are taken from the New Living Translation (NLT)