Over the last year especially, me too. My wife left one year ago, then I got laid off. I was unable to perform up to my previous level, mostly due to the shock of her leaving, so I got a package. That is now gone, so I am cashing in some RRSPs to live on and pay bills (I think Stateside you call them IRAs). No job interviews yet and losing our house is a distinct possibility at 52 YoA. My former church closed in January. I pray that I do not experience a year like this again, nor would I wish it on anyone else, but I thank the Lord for this past year’s experience.
During this past year, my faith has grown deeply, sinking roots and turning rocky ground into fertile soil. We sometimes think that we have built our foundations on rock, but we can be easily mistaken. It is in the valley where we grow. Many scripture passages refer to the Lord passing us through a refining fire. Is it painful? Of course, trials (fire) are painful but we learn to appreciate the mountain-top only if we experience the valley. Our ‘instant gratification’ society does not understand, nor wish to understand trials. Most leftist/socialist voters (Democrat in US, Liberal & NDP in Canada) flee trials. Unfortunately, Pastor Warren’s son may have had emotion/mental issues and could not understand the ‘beauty’ of trials.
No matter what the challenge, hold on to Jesus! Remember, Peter walking on the Sea of Galilee? When he focused on Jesus, he could walk on the water, yet when he looked away, he sank. (Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21) Keep your eyes on the Lord and watch Him do amazing things!
Another good scripture to help keep one sane.
Thanks for your reply.
My depression started when I lost my daughter to her controlling mother.
My wife was cheating on me.
I left.
I paid all the bills, since she wasn’t working.
My business failed.
I was ordered by a judge to pay child support and alimony in excess of my income.
I have always paid my child support.
I owe the IRS, at last check, over $150,000.
I owe my ex-wife, around $50,000.
She got my house that I paid for and more importantly, my daughter.
I never bought anything for myself and I still don’t.
When I bought my “wife at the time” a $13,000 diamond ring for our adversity, she made sure I traded it in for a $15,000 ring.
I really have a hard time understanding how people can be so selfish. How anybody can consciously take advantage of people around them. The lying and cheating necessary to get what they seem to want.