I have made it a pet project, so to speak, of collecting quotes, biblical passages, and various resources about depression and despair that I think may be relevant to the Christian life. Maybe this is a strange hobby. It remains remarkable to me that Scripture actually has a great deal to say about the Christian life amidst doubt and despair.
If this is an interesting subject to you as well, I encourage you to listen to Philip Graham Ryken’s chapel talk delivered at Wheaton College at the beginning of the 2014-2015 academic year (August 14, 2014). You can find it here. (You can also look at Ed Welch’s practical article from 2010.) Dr. Ryken is exploring themes relating to depression found throughout Scripture, but notably Psalm 37.39: “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.”
This is a very personal talk, one which I was only recently alerted to through a conversation at CPC on an entirely different topic.
What stands out to me is how, even amidst his own personal experience with despondency, Dr. Ryken knew that what he was experiencing was a normal part of Christian life. Here he comments on Charles Spurgeon’s struggle with depression (but there are many other notable pastors he could have cited). At the same time, Dr. Ryken also knew that God had providentially made available several (several!) ordinary means of grace especially suited for this experience.
In God’s abundant grace, Dr. Ryken was not only carried through this season, but carried in such a way to collect real spiritual wisdom to share with others. Maybe even you.
