Depressed? Call on the Lord!

If you would have known me in early 1992, you would have thought, "Wow- what a successful man!" You see, I was one of those guys who pulled myself up by the bootstraps, out of the gutters of Brooklyn, NY, got myself educated, became a successful CPA in private practice, had been married for 20 years with a successful business woman, and had a terrific 5 year old son. Linda and I had moved from New Jersey to Maryland in 1987 to raise our child in a more healthy environment than the throws of the New York City metropolitan area. I want you to see the picture of a happily married couple with a child, in a nice house, with new cars, good jobs and some money in the bank.

I hope that picture is clear to you. Now, let me tell you the real story of a man who literally had nothing.

In 1989, I started having periods of time that I didn't want to do anything. I would sometimes spend the entire day sitting in my office doing absolutely nothing. These periods of time would extend to days, and then weeks. It would continue for three years, and I told no one. It got to the point that one day in early 1992, I finally told my wife. We found a doctor who initially diagnosed me as "mildly depressed". He recommended visiting a psychiatrist to determine a course of action. The psychiatrist put me on medication and began a series of mental therapy sessions. During these sessions, the shrink would probe into my childhood and adolescent years where nothing major really occurred. After a while, the psychiatrist deemed me to be "hyper-depressive", and recommended increased therapy.

By May of 1992, I was really screwed up. I felt that the doctors were not really helping me by trying to find a point in my life where trauma had set in. One morning, after my wife had gone to work, I was sweating greatly, and was overcome by emotion. I cried heavily, dropped on my knees, and yelled, "God, if you are there- help me." Folks, I know it's hard to believe, but at that very moment, I felt a great peace unlike I've ever experienced in my lifetime.You see, when I genuinely, from my heart, cried out to God for help, He immediately sent out the Holy Spirit to sustain me. God didn't have to do that. He chose to do that. Through my tears, still on my knees, I asked God to tell me what to do. No, the Lord didn't speak to me in words I can say, but the Spirit of God moved me. I prayed, "God, I've really left You out of my life for many years. I don' t know why. I was brought up to follow the Ten Commandments, to live a good life, and go to church every Sunday. Somewhere along the way, I just forgot about You. Forgive me, and help me."

I praise God that my son at the time was attending a Christian kindergarten program in town. I had been attended the church a few times- Christmas and Easter mostly- and I found the Pastor to be a pretty good guy. I was still convinced that I had a problem with depression and thought that the Pastor might be able to help. Pastor Rivers immediately talked to me about my spiritual condition. I told him of my experience in the living room. He told me that God was calling me,. and that I should respond. He then led me through God's wonderful plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. I asked Jesus Christ to save me, a sinner- and He did!

My life has never been the same. Through the grace of God and His love, I am able to cope with my periods of depression. (I call them moments of melancholy now). I know that I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. Every time I start to feel a little down, I call on Jesus, recognize what He did for me, and I just can't help feeling the joy of the Lord!

People, don't let Satan fool you into thinking you're so cool and successful. True success is living a life that is pleasing to God. And you can't please God until you receive His son into your heart.

Jim Harned@aol.com