Don’t struggle alone

I’m trusting some of you may need to read this

Towards the end of last week, I stood and spoke to a couple in our community that is just going through it. For the sake of anonymity and privacy I don’t feel right revealing any details, but suffice it to say that they are facing one of those streaks in life where it seems that everything that can go wrong, is going wrong.

Health, family drama, unexpected tragedy with the loss of a close friend, job turmoil, the works. They hadn’t sought me out to complain or to ask for help at all. We were just talking and they answered me honestly when I asked them how things were going. I’m glad they did, and I hope that I can help in some way, even if that is simply through encouragement and prayer.

The exchange reminded me again that there are often so many unspoken prayer requests and concerns that we don’t know about, but God does. I’m thankful for a God who loves us and provides for us, even when it seems the world doesn’t even notice we exist.

It also stood out to me how so often we get caught up believing the lie that greater material success can spare us of those things. If we only had more, owned more, had a bigger bank account, things would be better. Except that isn’t true at all. This couple is doing fine financially. They have a nice home, in a nice neighborhood, two nice cars. Yet, even if they aren’t hurting for money, they’re hurting.

How often do we see the same thing in Hollywood, the sports world, or the music and entertainment industry? People with exorbitant incomes, extravagant lifestyles, multiple mansions, and a house full of servants, be riddled with psychological problems, emotional trauma, and depression? And almost as if Satan just wanted to confirm that truth, he showed off again the terrible consequences of his deceit yesterday:

Daily Wire @realDailyWire

Former Miss USA Jumps To Her Death In New York City dlvr.it/SJ5BR3

Cheslie Kryst was a 30-year-old former Miss USA, an attorney, and a correspondent/host of the television program EXTRA. She left a note and reportedly jumped from the 29th floor of her own apartment building. In what must have been just moments before she jumped, Kryst posted a previously posed picture of herself on Instagram with the devastating caption, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”

It’s just a gut-punch and I really hate starting your Monday off with something that is this much of a bummer. But I also want to be sensitive to the things that God puts on my heart and the possibility that He’s doing so because there is someone who will read this and need to know that they aren’t alone, that they aren’t isolated, that they aren’t lost beyond redemption, that they are beyond hope.

And that includes those who already have Christ in their lives and feel guilty because they, of all people, should “know better.” We’ve come a long way in realizing that mental health is part of our physical health. People with chemical imbalances in their brains, who are prone to depression and anxiety, they are suffering from a physical condition just like one who has high blood pressure or low insulin levels.

Of course Jesus is the eternal answer for our biggest problem, and He is an immense sense of comfort and peace in the very kind of trials that couple I mentioned earlier are going through. But just like it would be obtuse and insensitive to tell someone with chronic back pain that they need to “pray harder” or “read the Bible more” in order to get better, we have to be careful not to do the same with those who deal with panic disorders or a serotonin imbalance.

Of course, I have no idea what convinced Ms. Kryst that she had nothing left to live for, nor do I have any idea what her decision was relative to surrendering to Christ. But there is a growing epidemic in our post-COVID world of people who, to the outsider seem well-adjusted and happy, but are battling loneliness, anxiety, and depression. And yes, Christians filled with the Holy Spirit still struggle with these things as well. Spiritual warfare is real and so is emotional torment.

If you are one of them, there are people who care. Many of us. No matter what you may have convinced yourself, we do. Email, text, call, don’t suffer alone. And if things are desperate for you or someone you love, this number is available 24/7: 1-800-273-8255. Call.

If you are not one of them, thank God for His blessings that have shielded you from that kind of torment, of course. But also, be as sensitive and as aware of your friends and family as possible. Reach out to them, call them, text them messages of encouragement. Be someone they feel comfortable confiding in – someone that could be a lifeline in a moment of desperation. It’s a challenge for all of us, no question, and I’m the furthest from good at this. But don’t be too busy for people. They are what matter, not the things of this world.

And more than just those we know, let’s remember to be mindful that the person we are dealing with today, whether it’s an annoying co-worker, the weird guy at the grocery store, the neighbor who always has so little to say, the high school student who is filling your drink order at the drive-thru, they may be battling demons.

May we be found in their eyes as one who speaks life, shows patience, embodies hope, and in whatever ways we can, always demonstrates the love of Jesus.

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ICYMI…

This week in our study of learning to Think Like Jesus, we took on that perplexing question that I think our society screws up so badly in trying to understand: what does it mean to be born again? You can check that out here, and I’d love to hear your thoughts:

Also, a couple columns I wrote that you might appreciate:

• Ibram X. Kendi’s false teaching

• The COVID debacle should end all calls for government-run healthcare