Dark Days

It seems wrong to have an image I made of the moon on a cloudy October evening to be the picture used on a blog entitled "Dark Days".  But, I would be hard pressed to find something more appropriate.  Dark, cloudy, brooding - that is how these days have been.  To publicly admit that is dangerous.  I am a Christian, someone who clings to the hope of the resurrection.  I am a middle class American who has seen little of suffering and really have no legitimate reason to complain.  I pastor a great church and work with wonderful people and have a fantastic family.  To be depressed, to be discouraged in such wonderful circumstances when so many others are ravaged by horrific circumstances is offensive.  That only serves to heighten the acuteness of the darkness. Depression does not necessarily make sense.  There are circumstances which contribute to it, though when seen by others, they may not seem very significant.  Self analysis can be dangerous and so can self consciousness.  Clinging to the hope of the resurrection, praying for daily grace, acknowledging frailty, seeking to focus on serving others, getting rest and exercise, getting perspective by looking at the glory of God in the heavens - all of these help.  Having a loving wife is a great gift as well.  Please know, if you sometimes walk in the dark in the day, that I do indeed feel your pain.  I find solace in a verse in the book of Daniel.  He was so discouraged he was bed ridden.  But, he got up, and did the king's business.  That is what I seek to do during these days.  Get up and seek to do the next thing and pray for the light to return and for the clouds to lift.