A study
conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota found that almost 15
percent of American teenagers felt it was “highly likely” that they would die
before their 35th birthday. Those with this pessimistic outlook were more
likely to engage in reckless behavior. Dr. Iris Borowsky, author of the study
published in Pediatrics magazine, said: “These youth may take risks
because they feel hopeless and figure that not much is at stake.”
No one is
immune to feelings of despair. The Psalms express repeated pleas for help when
life seems dark. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become
disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of
His presence” (Ps. 42:5 NASB). In a
defiant step of faith, the psalmist tells himself not to forget about God, who
will never forsake him.
Curtis
Almquist has written: “Hope is fueled by the presence of God. . . . [It] is
also fueled by the future of God in our lives.” We can say with the psalmist,
“I shall yet praise Him” (v.5).
No
follower of Christ should feel reluctant to seek counsel for depression. Nor
should we feel that faith and prayer are too simplistic to help. There is
always hope in God!
Hope is a
certainty— because its basis is God. (RBC)
