HERE’S MY CLUE that people in my neighborhood are still depressed about the election.
Not only are all the Romney signs still up in front yards—two sets in one yard—I’d swear some new Romney signs have popped up out of nowhere.
There was only one Obama sign I saw, walking my dog these past few weeks.
No, it wasn’t mine.
But that Obama sign was taken down by the homeowner the morning after the election.
I’m not complaining about the Romney signs, though I think it’s against city ordinance to have them up this long. But I’m remembering how bummed I felt after an election a few years ago. It really can get to you.
Long before this election, I pulled together some Bible verses about depression. Here’s an excerpt—just part of the article, most of which features Bible verses about the topic.
Kind words
It’s normal to get depressed from time to time. In some cases the problem is a matter of attitude, so the Bible offers spiritual encouragement—reminding us that God is in control. Other times the problem is a physical one, caused by chemical imbalances that warp our perspective, making our troubles seem worse than they are. Many Christians say God gave us doctors and medications to help with that.
- Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28, New Living Translation). The words of Jesus.
- If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath (Psalm 34:18, The Message).
- Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7, New Living Translation).
- Darkness and despair will not go on forever. . . . The people who walk in darkness will see a great light (Isaiah 9:1-2, New Living Translation). This prophecy points to the coming of Jesus. “Wonderful Counselor. . .Prince of Peace” (verse 6).
- In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world (John 16:33, The Message). The words of Jesus to his followers.
- Though the fig trees are all destroyed . . . though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my Strength, and he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains (Habakkuk 3:17-19, The Living Bible). This is one of the Bible’s most powerful statements of faith—offered by a man who’s nation is about to get wiped off the map. On the brink of an invasion, the Jewish prophet vows to trust in God no matter what.
Excerpts from Stephen M. Miller’s Bible Snapshots, 2012
Depression is a serious concern. It is real and can bring an otherwise happy and healthy individual to their knees. Depression about the election is equally serious but regardless who ultimately wins the sun will rise in the morning. Life does go on in spite of our temporary dejection. The stunning size of Obama’s victory leads me to believe there are more folks happy right now than unhappy anyway.2016 is coming sooner than you think
Thanks, Greg. Some of my Republican friends are pretty distraught. But my Democratic friends are singing praise to God and trying to do back flips.
I am an independent and didn’t vote for either candidate this year, although I voted for Obama the first time — if this victory causes Democratic folks to sing praises to God and trying to do back flips for God’s glory– then I will rejoice with them! If we do not praise God, the rocks themselves will do it. How I long that we can all burst into song when God intervenes in our lives too! Are you ready to burst into song? Lets not give that pleasure to the rocks alone — because they will, if we won’t! Rocks are not made as wonderful and blessed as humankind and the rock voices are pretty stony and hard compared to ours.
We’re long overdue for a song aren’t we?