Count Your Blessings

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Devotion

Count Your Blessings

By Rowland Croucher and others ⋅ January 5, 2003 ⋅ Post a comment

It’s impossible for any of us to ensure against an occasional attack of
depression. Sometimes there is good reason for it, sometimes none at all. Like a
thick fog it just sets in and we cannot break through. Like most people, no doubt
you get this depression now and again. I know I do. And when it comes you feel
that the one visitor you dread is the well-meaning friend who is only too pleased
to fuss around and try to cheer you up. You know their methods and it is about
the last thing you want.

Perhaps their fussing should help, but it doesn’t. We shall be told to count
our blessings and to realise how fortunate we are compared to others. Usually the
final well-meaning piece of advice will be ‘to pull ourselves together’. This
last comment is enough to send us over the edge. For all I know it may be
appropriate for neurotics and others who make a hobby of their depression. As to
helping those who do not lightly throw in the towel, it is the last word in
irritation. Its use should be a criminal offence.

To believe that we can help our friends when they are under the weather with
hopelessly outdated phrases like, “It’s all for the best,” which it obviously
isn’t, or, “These things are sent to try us,” which they are not, or, to “Pull
themselves together,” which is a physical impossibility, is to be very
unthinking. It might even drive those whom we are trying to help almost to
despair.

So how can we be of service to those who are up against it, or believe they
are which is just as bad? I have only two suggestions. First, go and see that
friend and let him or her sound off. Let them lash out to their hearts content.
Don’t be shocked, whatever they say. Let them get it off their chest. When your
friend has talked himself out, have the grace, understanding and sympathy to say
with sincerity, “Hard luck.” You may not need to say much more. An ounce of
sympathy is sometimes worth a ton of encouragement. Second, if you are fortunate
enough to believe in the power of prayer and that your friend is a child of God,
then say, not aloud but to God, “Please give my friend fresh hope and new
courage.” I guarantee that your prayer will not be in vain.

Have a good week. Pastor Ron

Optional Bible reading: Matthew 6:5-15

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement, now in its
fourth year, originating from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania,
Australia. A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe
email <> with the words ‘subscribe word’ (or) ‘subscribe word
and study’ Enquire about our weekly e-mail newsletter for young people. Our
ministry is free and mailing lists are confidentail.

Pastor Ron Clarke JP (Mark 16:15) An e-mail from the Derwent Valley, near
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia