From The Darkness Of Depression - To The Light Of Hope

A personal testimony of relief from mental illness.

When you are at the bottom of a dark, cold pit, the only light you can see is if you look up.

Millions of people today suffer from Depression. Perhaps, like me, you too suffer from this debilitating condition, and it makes your life hard to cope with? If so, do not despair, because there is real relief and comfort, and it comes from a source that most people today overlook. But, first, let me share my own personal experience with you, to show you the powerful transformation I have undergone.

I developed Severe Clinical Depression early in my life. One of seven children, I was sexually abused as a child, and my mother left our family when I was still young. I became a borderline alcoholic, a heavy smoker, a gambler and a thief. I had no respect for the law and very little time or respect for people. I often found myself in a police cell or courtroom, and even had to serve a period of psychiatric assessment, after a drunken arrest. I felt that I was justified in my negative behaviour because society was corrupt, and I was not under obligation to comply with it's rules, laws and demands. I considered religion as hypocritical man-made doctrines. I had reached a point in my life where I didn't trust anyone and I was disillusioned with life in general.

When I lost someone dear, to a terrible disease, I was shattered. Life seemed empty and meaningless. My mind turned to thoughts of suicide. There were many occasions, while sitting up alone in the night, I almost took my own life. The thing that made me despair the most was the injustice I perceived both in the world, and in my own life. I was angry and sad, most of the time. I stopped reading newspapers because I couldn't stomach reading about yet another woman or child being slaughtered, or raped, or deprived. My behaviour was erratic, selfish and reckless. I recall one drunken occasion when I ended up at a seaside town, hundreds of miles away from my home and family. I had lost all my money and had no way to get home. I wandered the streets at night, and tried to pull a man from a car which had been involved in a crash, while petrol soaked the ground. As I was doing so, an onlooker cried out to me that I still had a lit cigarette in my mouth! To this day, I do not know how I survived such misadventures.

Today, I am none of the negative things I have described, and I have found real help. It is my faith in God which has lifted me above despair, and given me real purpose in life. I am now in a good family, and I am self-employed. I am also part of a volunteer worldwide educational programme which brings hope and comfort to millions of others. This faith is not blind, or wishful thinking, but is based on real evidence and education. So, please let me share my faith with you, to help you to come to know God, and his ways of improving your life.

God gives support and comfort to those who turn to him in sincerity. The Bible describes this as “Power beyond what is normal.” I have experienced that power, many times, when I was being overwhelmed with pain and despair.

God also guarantees to provide the necessities of life for people who turn to him. Jesus promised that if we trust in God, He will make sure we have what we need in life - “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” Millions of people - like me - have found this promise to be faithful.

God also provides comfort and hope for the future. You may be surprised to learn that God did not intend the world to be this way, and he has promised to step in" soon, and undo all of the problems that humans have created. You may remember that promise, in the “Lord's Prayer” - “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Now, many people may object, and argue that faith is blind, and that the Bible is an outdated book of men's ideas. But, the Bible itself urges people to prove for themselves that God exists, and the definition of faith in the Bible is completely different to that of the world. The Bible says that real faith is based on “An assured expectation” and “Evident demonstration of realities.” The internal evidence of the Bible proves that it is a book unlike any other in history. It contains scientific truths" about the shape of the earth, gravity, the water cycle, and geological facts that were thousands of years ahead of it's time. It also contains prophecies" history written in advance, of events that happened exactly as the Bible said they would. There are even prophecies relating to our time, which are being fulfilled in incredibly accurate detail. As an example" the Bible warned about global climate change, but promised that - “God will bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”

Today, I am not anxious, or afraid of the future, because God assures me, in the Bible - “For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you, thoughts of peace, and not of disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

God can help you to have such a confidence and hope. He has guaranteed a future of real peace, security, and happiness, for those who trust in him. You can be part of that wonderful future, simply by learning more about God. Jesus promised - “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one you sent" Jesus Christ.” You can have a happy life - now, and an amazing future, despite severe depression.

I would be happy to help you to build faith in your heavenly Father, and his son. 

I hope that this message brings you some comfort and hope, and a glimmer of light at the top of that deep dark pit. To see the light  you need only look up, and take God's hand.

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be anxious, for I am your God
I will fortify you, yes, I will help you
I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness”

ISAIAH 41.10

“The light is shining in the darkness, but the darkness has not overpowered it.”

JOHN 1.5

Author's Note

This article is aimed at helping those who are tormented by mental illness. Please do not comment if you only wish to critisize faith, or deny God's existence.