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)
