You Are Not Forgotten

Dear Friends,
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthian 1:3-4 (NIV)

Do you ever feel isolated? Anyone who suffers depression, I am told, can feel all alone in a room full of people. They may be smiling on the outside, but inside they are drowning in a cascade of tears. Close friends may sense that something is wrong but may not be able to understand the depth of the problem.

“If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales, they would outweigh all the sands of the sea.” Job 6:2-3a

When we encounter people who carry this type of burden, how can we offer them the comfort that we ourselves receive from God? A dear friend, who has herself suffered periods of depression, tells me how important it is that “even when I feel forgotten, I am remembered — remembered by friends and family, remembered by God.”

As Christians, we are called upon to be kind and compassionate to one another …
Ephesians 4:32a. We are also instructed to encourage one another and build each other up.
1 Thessalonians 5:11. But what does this look like when coming along side someone who is depressed? Ephesians 4:2 tells us to be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Kind, compassionate, encouraging, humble, gentle, and loving — that’s the posture we should take when approaching anyone who is hurting.

We come alongside as a friend. We choose to walk alongside, rather than walking away.

A real friend will be more loyal than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (ICB)

A friend suspends judgement. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:13

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak… James 1:19b
Personally, I am a fixer. When I see a problem — any problem, I want to step in and fix it. When dealing with someone who is in pain, I am trying to learn to offer friendship, not fixes. Often, just listening is the best option. Just being there can send the message, “You are valued — You are not forgotten!”

When they choose to speak, good friends speak from their heart. The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 27:9 NLT

The most heartfelt counsel we can offer comes from a strong relationship with the Lord. When we keep in mind that we are remembered, we are empowered to help those who may feel forgotten. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31(NIV)

Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ