“my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is”
Lamentations 3:17 ESV

This week famous actor/comedian Robin Williams was found dead at the age of 63. He had apparently been battling severe struggles with depression. Who could have imagined that a man who had become one of the greatest at making others laugh felt so much sadness? Depression does not discriminate between the wealthy or poor, famous or unknown. It is a tragic reminder of the very real epidemic of our broken world.
Although the word “depression” did not exist in the world of the Bible, it is there. Jeremiah was known as the “weeping” prophet. Elijah and Jonah asked for God to take their life because they did not want to go on living (1Kings 19:4, Jonah 4:3). Even Moses, the greatest of Israel’s leaders, under the stress of his task asked God of a similar request (Numbers 11:15). The prophetic words of Isaiah described Jesus as “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). God did not spare Jesus from emotional pain and anguish. He understands what we experience.
God gives us a faithful outlet to share our grief called lament. We see it often in the Old Testament. Lament is a way of sharing our grief and suffering in prayer and petition offered to God. Many of the Psalms are heart felt laments. They serve as a way to lay our troubles at his feet rather than burying the hurt inside.
Jeremiah wrote his book of Lamentations. It is a book of sorrow, pain, and doubt while trusting in God. It reminds us that even when we may not fully understand God still listens and he cares. It is in this pit of despair Jeremiah declares, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end” even when it feels as though all hope is gone (Lamentations 3:22).
Remember, God loves the broken hearted. You are never alone in your struggles. Christians need to be there for one another to give support and encouragement. If you or someone you know is hurting don’t be afraid to seek help. It could be the difference between life and death.