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While downtown Minneapolis the other day, I watch the flow of people, many who walked past a homeless man curled into a corner of a bus shelter trying to get through the day. ( the missions only take them at night. It was a real lesson in Living the Season, and it was not a good one! I took the guy to a restaurant and while low on money myself, I could at least buy him a dinner and help him stay warm for a couple of hours as we chatted. It inspired the following poem.

The Winter of Life

The song of winter
whispers in the bare branches above
as dawn glimmers
on the ice shrouded trunks
and the snows
crunch softly underfoot

I sit on my grate to watch
the flow of man
as cold as the very air we breath
as hard to bear
as heartless as winter’s rage
each just a Me

Lost amid a crowd
a grain of sand on an empty beach
I watch so empty
for I am but one of the invisible
to run my time
and disappear as if never been

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December 26, 2008

He Can Lead You Out Of It

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READ: 1 Kings 19:1-12

After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. —1 Kings 19:12

Almost everyone will at some time in their life be affected by depression, either their own or someone else’s. Some common signs and symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, worthlessness, and helplessness. Although we cannot say for certain that characters in the Bible experienced depression, we can say that some did exhibit a deep sense of despondency, discouragement, and sadness that is linked to personal powerlessness and loss of meaning and enthusiasm for life.

Elijah is one biblical character who fits this description. After defeating the prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from Jezebel. His hope was shattered, and despondency set in. He wanted to die! God helped Elijah deal with his despondency in several ways. The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs. Then, the Lord revealed Himself and reminded Elijah that He was quietly working among His people. Next, He renewed Elijah’s mission by giving him new orders. Finally, God reminded Elijah that he wasn’t alone.

In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself!

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain. —von Schlegel

The weak, the helpless, and the discouraged are in the Shepherd’s special care.

Bible in One Year: Zechariah 13–14; Proverbs 30:10-20