“The Bible Comforts Me in Difficult Times”
“When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man’s labor on earth—his eyes not seeing sleep day or night- then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.”
Anonymous writes:
My mind is taunted with horrible thougts and anchored in depression. I have found and am finding Ecclesiastes comforting. I don’t think this might mean a thing to anybody…especially since most people (i think) are afraid of reading the book because it is supposedly depressing. But that is where I am in my life…the lowest…and I find that those who feel just as low, humilated, and broken as I do find comfort in the book.
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on August 1st, 2008 and filed under God's Love, Hope, Sadness, Bible, Your Stories, Struggles, Verses, Prayer, God's Sovereignty.
August 1st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Dear Anonymous:
You are discerning that, despite the illusive nature of human striving that “vanity of vanities…all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 12:8), there are the positive callings for piety.
“Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:7);
“I know that it will be well with those who fear God” (8:12); and
“Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
“…for sound wisdom has two sides. Know then that God forgets a part of your iniquity” (Job 11:6).
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 12:21).
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30)
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulations, but take courage, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Thank you.
May GOD ALL MIGHTY Bless you inestimably and infinitely;
GODSPEED, always and forevermore!
Mary Sun.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Amazing that you shared this…I was at the lowest and pick up my Bible and turned to Ecclesiates. It has helped put many things into perspective. I don’t know what you are going through, but know that there is someone (me) out here that God is touching through His word. Thank you for sharing.
Stacy
August 21st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Just as God does not expect us to do without a physician in time of physical anguish, although He wants us to turn to him in time of any trouble, He also does not object to our seeking help for depression and other issues. God is first, and God will provide. But as I said, He does not expect us to stay home and not consult a doctor over a broken leg. Just so, He would not be against your seeking assistance with the depression and the horrible thoughts, so this is something to consider. God is sufficient in all things, we know from the Bible. And yet His people get assistance all the time in all areas of our lives, including the mental health area. If anyone disagrees with me, post it here, but I believe that God has nothing at all against our seeking medical assistance, or psychological assistance in addition to seeking Him first, before all things. He would certainly not expect a cancer patient to die without benefit of medical assistance in a required operation. The same holds true for other areas. We are not forbidden to consult a tax expert when tax time comes around. Neither are we to struggle with psychological issues unaided. We are on this earth to help each other and to do what God wants us to do. Don’t be afraid to receive help with those debilitating issues.