SORROW AND DEPRESSION
Sirach 30:21-24 (not in Protestant Bible)
Do not give yourself over to sorrow,
And do not distress yourself deliberately.
Gladness of the heart is the life of man,
And rejoicing by a man lengthens his life.
Love your soul and comfort your heart,
And put sorrow far away from you;
For sorrow has destroyed many,
And there is no profit in it.
Envy and anger will shorten your days,
And worry will bring premature old age.
Personal Challenge
We live in a world, a culture, that can be oppressive and lead to much sorrow. Our challenge is to not give ourselves over to that sorrow that will always lead to distress and depression. It is a challenge to stand up against these sorrows and sometimes we need help in the battle. Seek the help and use it. There are things highlighted in this passage that we use in this battle to help us win. We should guard our hearts and minds and not easily give ourselves over to sorrows and distress deliberately. We can hold onto gladness and joy tightly to give us power to say no to distress. Rejoicing in our blessings will enforce on our strength in the battle. We can love our soul and comfort our own hearts to give us fuel for the journey. We must choose to put sorrow, envy, and anger far from ourselves for these will all wear us down with a slow death. All of this stems from choices we must make every moment of everyday. And above all, if we find this difficult and we are slipping under the pressure of this battle for an abundant life, then reach for help. We are not in this alone. Lord, have mency! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!
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