An uncommon word but a very very common state of human mind- Despondency means- low spirits from loss of hope or courage; dejection. The closest synonyms I can think of are despair or in plain simple terms- gloom!
The shock wave of despair is a given reality in all our lives. Something or the other will be big enough a problem to take you there. Thats not a sin. But to give in and not to resist it, not to fight it in faith is sin. Sin because giving in means you do not believe in the power and providence of God.
So how dose the Bible ask us to resist the depths of despair in our lives? What is the practical advice.
The following verse from Psalm 42 is indeed a good start-
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
In times of despair preach to yourselves! Preach to your soul! Preach HOPE!
The other example I want to turn to is Jesus. Being fully God and fully man even he finally was caught up with despair. The night before Crucifixion gloom and despair took over Jesus soul and we are given a great detail of it in all the four Gospels. Not to mock that even Jesus was weak. But to learn from His approach, His example. So what was the cause of that gloom and despair?- He knew in a few hours he was going to die, a gruesome death on the cross. But it was not the physical pain. He knew the weight of the whole worlds sin was going to be on Him. And not just that; that God His Father was going to turn a blind eye to his prayers. The Son of GOD was going to be rejected. That was the only way for God to carry out his plan of redemption for the sinful humanity. Isn’t that the greatest of our despairs and gloom too. To be rejected.
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew:36-39
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:36-38
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:42-44
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John 17:1-5
So what do we learn from the above details of what happened at Gethsemane? John Piper in his sermon on this topic summarised them as 5 steps to fight despondency:
Step 1: Take the support of close friends/family, an inner circle in these difficult times.
Step 2: Confide and open your soul to that inner circle.
Step 3: Ask and get help from those whom you trust in, to fight the battle.
Step 4: Pour out your heart to God in prayer. Ask his help.
Step 5: Believe and Rest in the Sovereign power and will of God. His Will be done.
Even God was not ashamed to ask his disciples to pray for Him. If we only had the humility and confidence to follow his ways, we too can be victors. For as he walked out of Gethsemane and walked on the calvary road he crushed Satan. He defeated death. He finished the work he came for. Redeemed the whole world of it’s sins. Thats a key message to take too.
Often when we have fought the gloom and won over it there is a great and lasting victory awaiting us.
Amen
