Today is R U OK? Day where we are challenged to turn to someone we know and "help stop little problems turning into big ones". That is, today is about suicide prevention. This is a great venture. However, to restrict it to one day seems very underwhelming. I would challenge my readers to be on the case everyday looking for ways to actually be involved with those around you.
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It may well be that one conversation will change a life. However, I think your strike rate of having an impact will be much higher if you participate in the act of caring for substantial periods of time. Also I must question why we should be involved merely for "suicide prevention". This is like stepping in front of an out-of-control train and trying to slow it down. Sure, that's now what R U OK? is actually about but this is how it will likely play out. How about you care for people because they are people. There are so many different stages of hurting. It may well be that no-one in your work-place or your group seminar is actually suicidal. Well, guess what, even if this is the case it does not let you off the hook. While my article yesterday titled Why Study Theology demonstrates that theology is the cornerstone of our faith this should not undermine the necessity for establishing relationships. After all, our faith is not merely a theoretical faith to be practiced in a vacuum. It is a faith that is worth telling and showing others about.
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As Christians we know that as fragile and broken human beings we have no capacity to influence others in-and-of-ourselves. We rely upon Christ working through us and the Holy Spirit's power over the lost. Basically our involvement has everything to do with our Saviour and nothing to do with our capacity to be good friends. We also know that we are to expect trials and tribulations. In fact, if we do not come across them then we are probably doing something wrong.
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Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
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I believe as Christians we can be confronted with depression in two ways. The first is in that of a friend or fellow believer. We should, as a group, surround him or her with prayer cover and hold their burden as our own. Much can be done from listening to someone's problems but if we don't get God and a strong support network involved then the battle will be more spiritually rigorous and much less likely to succeed. If you, as the reader, is struggling with depression then I want you to dwell upon the words of James 1:2-4 above. Our faith provides us with a non-shifting platform that we know will stand against the strongest storms. We need not be held hostage by our continuous pain. Sometimes this pain is because of actual tragedy and sometimes it exists because of other factors, like loneliness. Very rarely is depression a conscious choice. Regardless, the power it has over us is dependant upon how much power we give it.
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Sometimes we cannot attack this problem merely in a small group of friends. Sometimes we require expert, outside help. I am very sceptical of any mental health professional who rules out spiritual factors (and my scepticism of psychology requires more attention than my sparse comments here). Yet, there are some strong counsellors who actually have both expertise and biblical competence to have an impact and combat depression. Still it is important we remember the freedom we are given through Christ. This does not mean Christians will not experience depression. What this means is that in great times of anxiety and stress that we have something to cling to beyond our suffering that gives us hope despite the darkness. Our trials and tribulations may never go away but we have the comfort of the fact that we have a God who is real and, hopefully, prayer warriors who are bringing our burden to Him.
