Have you ever been down? Felt dejected or discouraged. And then someone tosses you the scripture about “righteousness, peace and joy” or “why so downcast o’ my soul?” Yep, I sure have been there.

In my earlier life I was severely prone to depression. I was treated medically for depression. I was suicidal at one dark time in my life that ended me up in the hospital for 90 days. The loss, the gun, the whole darkness. I battled suicide for years. Even in the beginning years of my Christianity I was tied to depression and sought the answers in Him while being medicated with a cabinet full of meds. And then one day I said “no more. I have nothing to lose”. I walked away.

So was it easy? NO! Because many wanted to hold my past up in the air and say “remember?”

And to suggest I have never been tempted by depression or the related thoughts would be a lie.

I know the scriptures. I know the right things to do. And even then, I would have to fight against the “darkness” of Halloween and the advances of long wintry nights.

Sometimes you just want to give up. Give in. A few years ago a friend of mine did that. He died. I know some of my friends think I am “hard” when I say don’t let the thoughts in, but I know the “price” of those thoughts.

Why bring this up? Because today was a day where a lot of things did not work out, a lot of things did not go well and many things just never materialized. Looking for a reason to be grateful was harder today than others. But I made it. And so can you.

I declare that the darkness over lives and households and even communities must leave. I speak light, life and liberty into friends and family, communities and regions, states and nations. The joy of the Lord is percolating even now, bubbling out even now.

Bless you!

Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!