COMFORTING THE DEPRESSED

Paul, an apostle wrote: “…our bodies had no rest, and we were troubled on every side. On the outside were conflicts; on the inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us through the coming of Titus”
(2 Corinthians 7:5-6).

He mentions “the God, who comforts the downcast.” This term downcast is one to which we can clearly relate. The reason is because the same word is used for depressed, discouraged, or literally ‘not rising from the ground.’ Anyone who has ever had a ‘not rising from the ground’ day knows it and usually remembers it.

Paul mentions something very important in this little text. ‘He comforted us by the coming of Titus.’ What joy when we are flat on the ground depressed and discouraged and the Lord sends a sister or brother with just the right word, or silence, or cookies, or money, or the presence of companionship. And, this can be times when we think we want no one around us…here comes some sunshine. It is to comfort us.

We need rest for our souls.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus