Alone But Not Forgotten: Job

I loathe my life. . . . Let me alone, for my days are but a breath.

Job 7:16

It’s the season to be jolly, but depression strikes millions of people during the holidays, especially those who are living alone, recently bereaved, or facing money problems. Sociologists tell us that suicide rates increase by 10 percent during the holidays, and crisis centers are unusually busy.

The secret to joy, however, is learning to be controlled by the Holy Spirit instead of by our temperaments. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, “Our feelings are always seeking to control us; and unless we realize this, they will undoubtedly do so.”^a

Sometimes we have to preach to ourselves, like the writer of Psalm 43, who says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” (verse 5). We have to pick ourselves up and give ourselves a sermon. We have to remind ourselves to hope in God. We have to quote His Word, recall His promises, submit to His authority, and be filled with His Spirit.

Job didn’t linger in depression. He worked through his circumstances, saw the Lord, and revived in spirit. You can do the same!

The Christian is never meant to be carried away by his feelings, whatever they are—never!

MARTYN LLOYD-JONES^b