Depression, The Dark Fog of the Soul

Today is time to talk day,  in regards to Mental Health, because of the importance of Mental Health and people's misunderstanding and misconceptions about this issue/

 I was reading in today's edition of the Daily Mail about the high levels of anti-depressant medication such as Prozac prescribed to residents of some sea-side resorts such as Blackpool.

I was reading recently in Daily Express newspaper here in the UK,  when Prince William,  The Duke of Cambridge spoke of his high regard for those charities that help those facing mental health challenges and suicide.  

Habakkuk 3:17-18New American Standard Bible (NASB)

17

Though the fig tree should not blossom

And there be no [a]fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail

And the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls,

18

Yet I will exult in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

 

Many both in the Church and outside the Church suffer from various forms of depression and other mental health issues,  more often or not we have not dealt in the best way with Christians and non-Christians who cope with various degrees of success and failure with these issues, some have self-medicated through alcohol, drugs and food,   it’s easy for us who either say we have never or never will have depression and or we successfully or unsuccessfully try to hide or camouflage our own battles with mental health issues such as depression, and to not realise the effects that depression and mental health issues that effect our friends, neighbours and family members and ourselves.   for many living with depression know its's a battle and don't see the full victory in some people's eyes of complete healing. Despite their and other people's prayers.  We walk by faith and not by sight.

It is not my place to say what we can do to deal with our own mental health battles or the battles the people we love and care about,  we can give glib and easy answers,  but it’s time that we tackled mental health issues with honesty, integrity and commitment.   There are many excellent books and resources available for those who want to enter this ministry and avenues for personal study,  please feel to look these up.  I have included one link that has helped me to consider the effects of depression. If you or someone you love is going  through a battle with depression I would advise you to consider counselling .  In my personal journey, I will prayerfully look through books and other resources in order to fully equip myself  to help those with depression.

The Depression Epidemic

“What is depression?

First we need to clarify what we are talking about. In order to distinguish severe or "major depression" from everyday blues, the American Psychiatric Association offers the following diagnostic criteria:

Major depression is diagnosed when an adult exhibits one or both of two core symptoms (depressed mood and lack of interest), along with four or more of the following symptoms, for at least two weeks: feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt; diminished ability to concentrate or make decisions; fatigue; psychomotor agitation (cannot sit still) or retardation (just sitting around); insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much); significant decrease or increase in weight or appetite; and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.

This clinical definition is sterile, however, and fails to capture the unique quality of the severely depressed person's suffering.

Deep depression is embodied emotional suffering. It is not simply a state of mind or a negative view of life but something that affects our physical being as well. Signs of a severe episode of depression include unfounded negative evaluations of friends, family, and oneself, emotional "pain," physical problems such as lethargy, difficulty getting one's thoughts together, and virtually no interest in one's surroundings. Though most of us know at least an acquaintance who has committed suicide, this tragic act baffles us perhaps as much as it pains us. "I just don't understand," we say. The irony is that survivors of serious suicide attempts frequently reflect on those attempts with a similar attitude: "I have no idea what came over me." The pain and mental dysfunction of major depression are that deep.”

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the UK, according to the mental health foundation.

But despite how common the illness is, many people do not understand exactly what it means to have depression, and often think of it as being the same as sadness - however the two are completely different.

Sadness is something we all experience; it’s a normal, human emotion we feel when something unpleasant happens to us. It can occur at regular intervals in our everyday lives, but it is not constant.

Depression on the other hand is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.

When you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks, months or even years and it is not due to 'bad' things happening.

It is a genuine health condition with real symptoms, and it's not a sign of weakness or something you can snap out of by pulling yourself together.

It is a constant feeling of sadness and hopelessness every moment of every day.

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms can range from lasting feelings of sadness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful.

Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and complaining of various aches and pains.

The severity of the symptoms can vary. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while at its most severe depression can make you feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.

DEPRESSION IN MEN AND WOMEN

One in four women in the UK will suffer from depression at some point in their lives compared to one in 10 men, according to the mental health foundation.

However because depression symptoms in men can go longer without being diagnosed or treated, the condition might develop into a more devastating mental health problem.

And statistics show that men are more likely to have an alcohol or drug problem relating to depression and are more likely to commit suicide.

In fact, around 75 per cent of suicides in the UK are men and it still remains the most common cause of death in men under the age of 35, according to the mental health foundation.

SUICIDE AND HOW TO SPOT PEOPLE AT RISK

Around 4,400 people end their own lives in the UK each year - that's one death every two hours - and at least 10 times that number attempt suicide.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention says: "Suicidal behaviour is a complex phenomenon that usually occurs along a continuum, progressing from suicidal thoughts, to planning, to attempting suicide, and finally dying by suicide."

A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted.

Most people who commit suicide don't want to die - they just want to stop hurting.

Suicide prevention starts with recognising the warning signs and taking them seriously.

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS:

Talking about suicide

Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born", "If I see you again..." and "I'd be better off dead".

Seeking out lethal means

Seeking access to guns, pills, knives or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

Preoccupation with death

Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.

No hope for the future

Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped ("There's no way out"). Belief that things will never get better or change.

Self-loathing, self-hatred

Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden ("Everyone would be better off without me").

Getting affairs in order

Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.

Saying goodbye

Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again.

Withdrawing from others

Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.

Self-destructive behaviour

Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish."

Sudden sense of calm

A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to commit suicide.

For more information on what to do if you think someone is suicidal go to helpguide.org.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch.

“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.

Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”

 Stephen Fry

What the Church & Christians Need to Know About Suicide & Mental Health

Yours in His Grace

Blair Humphreys

  

 Southport, Merseyside

I will rejoice over you with singing, God's Soundtrack for our lives, Zephaniah 3:17

I was once travelling to Church  with 3 friends, and when my friends picked up in their car , the radio was tuned into Radio 2, and this very old song was playing, and two of my friends seemed to know the words very well,   I wasn’t sure of the words,  and decided to move my head to the music.  The song was “Lollipop”  by the circa 1950’s American Female Cappella group “ The Cordettes” I’m way to young,  to actually remember when this song was released!

Read more about the Cordettes here:

While listening to this song I did wonder what would the sound-track to my life sound like,  the first music I remember listening would be mostly 1970’s  “ Abba”, “ Motown”,  “Showaddywaddy” and  “The Wurzels”   although when I was very young mainly because there must have been of some of his films were on TV,  around the time he died,  I discovered the music of Elvis.  I remember my granddad singing along to the Gracie Fields song “ Sally” when she was on a Royal Variety Performance in the 1970’s. 

However because of my Christian up-bringing and background, I knew of, and learned some great hymns and choruses mainly because of the Redemption Hymnal, I was even in a singing group that a friend of my parents started up! I remember when I was in Sunday School asking can we sing " By the Rivers of Babylon” by Bonny M because it’s mentioned in Psalm 137:

New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

Psalm 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept

    when we remembered Zion.

2 There on the poplars

    we hung our harps,

3 for there our captors asked us for songs,

    our tormentors demanded songs of joy;

    they said, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’

4 How can we sing the songs of the Lord

    while in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, Jerusalem,

    may my right hand forget its skill.

6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth

    if I do not remember you,

if I do not consider Jerusalem

    my highest joy.

7 Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did

    on the day Jerusalem fell.

‘Tear it down,’ they cried,

    ‘tear it down to its foundations!’

8 Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction,

    happy is the one who repays you

    according to what you have done to us.

9 Happy is the one who seizes your infants

    and dashes them against the rocks.

Growing up in a Welsh Valley’s community in the 1980’s, I used to love listening to Top of the Pops and enjoying the music of “ Shakin Stevens” and other 1980’s legends,  I had opportunity to study Music in School,  although I’m not  musically talented,   I remember being moved by the film “ Footloose” ,   my musically tastes have come through both  my Christian heritage, the hymns and choruses I have sung and listened to since my youth have been combined with the non-christian songs I’ve listened over the years, it’s since I’ve moved to Merseyside,  I’ve discovered the music of the Beatles,  I remember just after moving to Southport visiting the world famous Cavern Club to listen a retro band playing 1960’s classics!

My understanding  of theology has been influenced in some ways by the Christian Hymns and Choruses I’ve listened to, over time,  although to clarify not all these hymns and choruses we sing or have sung are fully established in the Bible!  I love listening to music, and I also enjoy singing to music,  however I’m more of the making a joyful noise category of singer, my dad is in a Christian Male Voice Choir,  and his musical talent hasn’t been passed down to his son!   One of my closest friends is a very talented organist and it’s an honour to hear him play the organ at Church.

Part of being Welsh,  and male is that you imagine when  you sing that you sound like a cross between Tom Jones and Bryn Terfel!,  oh I wish that was true in my case! I remember enjoying listening to “Mamma Mia “which is based on the music of Abba,  and more recently “ Sunshine on Leith “ which is based on the music of the Proclaimers.

 Looking back on the multitude of music I have listened to and enjoyed over time,  that I has made me laugh, cry,  feel pride in such as the classic’s “ Men  of Harlech” or “ Amazing Grace” and the music made me what to sing along to, (badly) , I wonder if there was a soundtrack to my life what would it sound like,  maybe you can ask yourselves the same question ?,  but I know whatever that soundtrack would sound like,  our Lord and Saviour Jesus has a soundtrack for our lives.

Zephaniah 3:17 

17The Lord your God is with you,

the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Be Blessed Today

Blair Humphreys

Southport, Merseyside

Words for the Wise, Labourers in the Vineyard, Matthew 20:1-16 Nasb

 

Matthew 20:1-16New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Labourers in the Vineyard

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like [a]a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. 2 When he had agreed with the labourers for a [b]denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the [c]third hour and saw others standing idle in the market place; 4 and to those he said, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ And so they went. 5 Again he went out about the [d]sixth and the ninth hour, and did [e]the same thing. 6 And about the [f]eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ 7 They *said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He *said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’

8 “When evening came, the [g]owner of the vineyard *said to his foreman, ‘Call the labourers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first.’ 9 When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a [h]denarius. 10 When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; [i]but each of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go, but I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye [j]envious because I am [k]generous?’ 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last.”

Matthew Henry’s Commentary

We have two things in the parable; the agreement with the labourers, and the account with them.

(1.) Here is the agreement made with the labourers (Matt. 20:1-7); and here it will be asked, as usual,

[1.] Who hires them? A man that is a householder. God is the great Householder, whose we are, and whom we serve; as a householder, he has work that he will have to be done, and servants that he will have to be doing; he has a great family in heaven and earth, which is named from Jesus Christ (Eph. 3:15), which he is Owner and Ruler of. God hires labourers, not because he needs them or their services (for, if we be righteous, what do we unto him?), but as some charitable generous householders keep poor men to work, in kindness to them, to save them from idleness and poverty, and pay them for working for themselves.

[2.] Whence they are hired? Out of the market-place, where, till they are hired into God’s service, they stand idle (Matt. 20:3), all the day idle (Matt. 20:6). Note, First, The soul of man stands ready to be hired into some service or other; it was (as all the creatures were) created to work, and is either a servant to iniquity, or a servant to righteousness, Rom. 6:19. The devil, by his temptations, is hiring labourers into his field, to feed swine. God, by his gospel, is hiring labourers into his vineyard, to dress it, and keep it, paradise-work. We are put to our choice; for hired we must be (Josh. 24:15); Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. Secondly, Till we are hired into the service of God, we are standing all the day idle; a sinful state, though a state of drudgery to Satan, may really be called a state of idleness; sinners are doing nothing, nothing to the purpose, nothing of the great work they were sent into the world about, nothing that will pass well in the account. Thirdly, The gospel call is given to those that stand idle in the market-place. The market-place is a place of concourse, and there Wisdom cries (Prov. 1:20, 21); it is a place of sport, there the children are playing (Matt. 11:16); and the gospel calls us from vanity to seriousness; it is a place of business, of noise and hurry; and from that we are called to retire. “Come, come from this market-place.”

[3.] What are they hired to do? To labour in his vineyard. Note, First, The church is God’s vineyard; it is of his planting, watering, and fencing; and the fruits of it must be to his honour and praise. Secondly, We are all called upon to be labourers in this vineyard. The work of religion is vineyard-work, pruning, dressing, digging, watering, fencing, weeding. We have each of us our own vineyard to keep, our own soul; and it is God’s and to be kept and dressed for him. In this work we must not be slothful, not loiterers, but labourers, working, and working out our own salvation. Work for God will not admit of trifling. A man may go idle to hell; but he that will go to heaven, must be busy.

[4.] What shall be their wages? He promises, First, A penny, Matt. 20:2. The Roman penny was, in our money, of the value of a seven pence half-penny, a day’s wages for a day’s work, and the wages sufficient for a day’s maintenance. This doth not prove that the reward of our obedience to God is of works, or of debt (no, it is of grace, free grace, Rom. 4:4), or that there is any proportion between our services and heaven’s glories; no, when we have done all, we are unprofitable servants; but it is to signify that there is a reward set before us, and a sufficient one. Secondly, Whatsoever is right, Matt. 20:4-7. Note, God will be sure not to be behind-hand with any for the service they do him: never any lost by working for God. The crown set before us is a crown of righteousness, which the righteous Judge shall give.

[5.] For what term are they hired? For a day. It is but a day’s work that is here done. The time of life is the day, in which we must work the works of him that sent us into the world. It is a short time; the reward is for eternity, the work is but for a day; man is said to accomplish, as a hireling, his day, Job 14:6. This should quicken us to expedition and diligence in our work, that we have but a little time to work in, and the night is hastening on, when no man can work; and if our great work be undone when our day is done, we are undone for ever. It should also encourage us in reference to the hardships and difficulties of our work, that it is but for a day; the approaching shadow, which the servant earnestly desireth, will bring with it both rest, and the reward of our work, Job 7:2. Hold out, faith, and patience, yet a little while.

[6.] Notice is taken of the several hours of the day, at which the labourers were hired. The apostles were sent forth at the first and third hour of the gospel day; they had a first and a second mission, while Christ was on earth, and their business was to call in the Jews; after Christ’s ascension, about the sixth and ninth hour, they went out again on the same errand, preaching the gospel to the Jews only, to them in Judea first, and afterward to them of the dispersion; but, at length, as it were about the eleventh hour, they called the Gentiles to the same work and privilege with the Jews, and told them that in Christ Jesus there should be no difference made between Jew and Greek.

But this may be, and commonly is, applied to the several ages of life, in which souls are converted to Christ. The common call is promiscuous, to come and work in the vineyard; but the effectual call is particular, and it is then effectual when we come at the call.

First, Some are effectually called, and begin to work in the vineyard when they are very young; are sent in early in the morning, whose tender years are seasoned with grace, and the remembrance of their Creator. John the Baptist was sanctified from the womb, and therefore great (Luke 1:15); Timothy from a child (2 Tim. 3:15); Obadiah feared the Lord from his youth. Those that have such a journey to go, had need set out betimes, the sooner the better.

Secondly, Others are savingly wrought upon in middle age; Go work in the vineyard, at the third, sixth, or ninth hour. The power of divine grace is magnified in the conversion of some, when they are in the midst of their pleasures and worldly pursuits, as Paul. God has work for all ages; no time amiss to turn to God; none can say, “It is all in good time;” for, whatever hour of the day it is with us, the time past of our life may suffice that we have served sin; Go ye also into the vineyard. God turns away none that are willing to be hired, for yet there is room.

Thirdly, Others are hired into the vineyard in old age, at the eleventh hour, when the day of life is far spent, and there is but one hour of the twelve remaining. None are hired at the twelfth hour; when life is done, opportunity is done; but “while there is life, there is hope.” 1. There is hope for old sinners; for if, in sincerity, they turn to God, they shall doubtless be accepted; true repentance is never too late. And, 2. There is hope of old sinners, that they may be brought to true repentance; nothing is too hard for Almighty grace to do, it can change the Ethiopian’s skin, and the leopard’s spots; can set those to work, who have contracted a habit of idleness. Nicodemus may be born again when he is old, and the old man may be put off, which is corrupt.

Yet let none, upon this presumption, put off their repentance till they are old. These were sent into the vineyard, it is true, at the eleventh hour; but nobody had hired them, or offered to hire them, before. The Gentiles came in at the eleventh hour, but it was because the gospel had not been before preached to them. Those that have had gospel offers made them at the third, or sixth hour, and have resisted and refused them, will not have that to say for themselves at the eleventh hour, that these had; No man has hired us; nor can they be sure that any man will hire them at the ninth or eleventh hour; and therefore not to discourage any, but to awaken all, be it remembered, that now is the accepted time; if we will hear his voice, it must be to-day.

Dictionary of Bible Themes

5438 parables

Stories told to convey a general truth or spiritual message, often requiring explanation or interpretation. They were used by the prophets and featured extensively in Jesus Christ’s ministry.

Parables in the OT

Told by prophets Hos 12:10 See also 2Sa 12:1-10; 1Ki 20:35-42; Eze 17:1-18; Eze 20:49; Eze 24:3-13

Told by others Ps 78:1-2 See also Jdg 9:7-20; 2Sa 14:4-14; 2Ki 14:9-10 pp 2Ch 25:18-19; Pr 1:5-6

Parables in the ministry of Jesus Christ

Reasons for Jesus Christ’s use of parables Mt 13:10-15 pp Mk 4:10-12 pp Lk 8:9-10 See also Isa 6:9-10

Examples of parables told by Jesus Christ Mt 13:3-8 pp Mk 4:3-8 pp Lk 8:5-8 See also Mt 7:24-27 pp Lk 6:47-49 the wise and foolish builders; Mt 13:24-30,31-32 pp Mk 4:30-32 pp Lk 13:18-19 the mustard seed; Mt 13:33,44-50; Mt 18:12-14 pp Lk 15:4-7 the lost sheep; Mt 18:23-35; Mt 20:1-16; Mt 21:33-41 pp Mk 12:1-9 pp Lk 20:9-16 the tenants; Mt 22:1-14; Mt 25:1-13,14-30; Mk 4:26-29; Mk 7:14-15; Lk 10:25-37; Lk 12:16-21,35-48; Lk 14:16-24; Lk 15:8-32; Lk 18:9-14; Lk 19:12-27

Interpretations of parables given by Jesus Christ Mk 4:33-34 See also Mt 13:18-23 pp Mk 4:14-20 pp Lk 8:11-15; Mt 13:36-43; Mk 7:17-23