It is simple enough…… yet so significant re: strategies in dealing with depression & anxiety
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 puts it beautifully… being alone, especially in some circumstances, is not good
True, we all need personal space sometimes – John Williamson’s song puts it in a truly Aussie way:
“Yeah, all Australian boys need a shed. A place where he can go, somewhere to clear his head
To think about the things his woman said. Yeah, all Australian boys need a shed”
Yet Ecclesiastes teaches there is significant blessing is seeking company
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, NIV84)
Indeed, from the beginning of history, being alone was deemed by God not to be good
“The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”” (Genesis 2:18, NIV84)
The ‘RU OK’ campaign à encouraging people to not leave alone those struggling
BUT to come alongside and provide opportunities to share what is troubling them à healing
Today we look at the Church as a safe harbour for people challenged by depression and anxiety.
A place of support and encouragement in Christ, where Christlike love is experienced
A harbour in which the light of Christ can penetrate the darkness and calm the troubled sea of the soul
- OUR JOURNEY SO FAR
- THE SAFE HARBOUR FOR AN ANXIOUS SOUL
- MUTUAL ENCOURAGEMENT-AN OVERFLOW OF A CONFIDENT HEART IN CHRIST
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Ecclesiastes 4:8–12 (NIV84)
8There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business!
9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
10If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
11Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
12Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Text
Hebrews 10:19–25 (NIV84)
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,
21and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
