The following email conversation took place recently. The topic was the post, entitled, “Loneliness and Depression are Best Friends.” I offer it to you today as an encouragement to you.
A Comment to BrokenBelievers Post,
Submitted on 2012/02/10 at 2: 59 a comment,
“I totally agree to that title and most of the content. But in fact, my conclusion is that it might be the best to die”.
Cause not only oneself isolates from the others, the others do the same with oneself. And among the worst “helpers” are people from churches.
(Still) being a believer, I asked for support in my church. Nothing happend. I asked at other Christian places. Guess what happend. Nothing.
In a real psychic crisis (not a physical one), even christian people tend to let you alone. It is better to face that and commit suicide.”
***************
Submitted on 2012/02/10 at 8:19 am | In reply to w******.
Oh dear one, three things…
1) You are in the cross hairs of the enemy. Satan is getting into your head, and it is vicious isn’t it? He isn’t fair or truthful in his efforts. Satan and God are opposites, just as God loves you intensely…Satan hates you passionately.2) Even in Church we need to build our friendships. They are not automatic, even with so much commonality between saints. There’s a proverb that talks about if you want friends you need to be friendly. That requires that you “double” your efforts. By the way, everyone loves a servant. Often friendship will develop out of your servanthood. I know this is not what you signed up for.
3) The majority of church people haven’t a clue about mental illness, depression or anxiety. They often don’t truly understand how disabling our illness is, even as a believer. It’s a good thing to read, talk, and drink coffee with the few that seem “to get it,” or almost get it.
I believe you will walk through this season of conflict. You will make it through. One of my favorite verses,
“Who is that coming up from the wilderness,
leaning on her beloved?” Song of Sol. 8:5The world is a wilderness, the presence of Jesus is so close, but we must lean! We have to take His grace as far as we can.
Praying today,
Bryan
There is so much in that first initial comment from the reader. I certainly know that they are not unique, nor are they alone. It is a heated battle, and sometimes it seems we have one hand tied behind our back. Endurance only comes by enduring, unfortunately. Phil. 1:6 has kept me personally from much frustration and given me confidence through my hard times.
6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Phil. 1:6, NLT
Related articles
- Loneliness and Depression Are Best Friends (brokenbelievers.com)
- Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (searchandtrace.wordpress.com)
- Daily Devotional | Choosing Your Side Carefully (thelivingwordministries.wordpress.com)
- Running With the Herd (ptl2010.com)
Broken Believers 
I tried to reply earlier today but had trouble logging in. I have been praying for you though. I know where you are. I know it gets lonely. It feels hopeless… God is there with you though… Believe me… keep talking to God… even if you hurt so bad you can only get out a few words at a time… Search the Psalms for help… that helps me… Jesus hurts with you. I am struggling as well… the church I was attending is giving me the cold shoulder before and after I had a terrible psychotic episode in Bible study Monday night after someone verbally attacked me. I was triggered and knew I needed to leave and the pastor insisted that I stay and hash things out in front of everybody with this other person… I ended up being suicidal… I do have 2 friends that were on my side. I have been praying and asking my friends on the outside to pray. I have not heard from the pastor or anyone except for my 2 friends. God will put the right people in your life. Sometimes being alone with God is the best thing. Writing out prayers helps.
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Dear Friend,
You are loved and being prayed for all over the earth now by countless followers of Jesus who have been in the very same condition as you. I am one of those. It is an awful place to be, but God has lifted me up and he will lift you up too.
I also came face to face with the truth of PS 118:8-9, It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. This truth brought me to the place where I finally saw that all people are frail as me, and only made of clay like me. The comfort that people give is good when they give it, but often doesn’t meet the deep need. Only the Comforter can and will meet the deep cry of pain in our soul. PS 118:5 In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered me by setting me free. V 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
In the place you are today, God wants you to seek his face. Because you are a Christian you know that Jesus is resting there in your heart, his promise is true, he will never leave or forsake you, talk with him.
I lost my closest Christian friends all at once and as I tried to reach out to others the doors were shut. They were too busy or preoccupied or scared or just wanted to “fix” me. I felt like the Shulamite running from door to door, “Have you seen my lover?” Let this time without the help of people drive you to the door of God, you will not be disappointed.
Probably the last thing you want to hear is that you should sing to the Lord! I have come to believe that this singing he desires and requires from us is a test we must all take. Will you praise him when it is the last thing you can think of doing or feel like doing? I don’t mean listening to worship music I mean your own voice raising up to him from your lowly state. Do you know the song “We bring Sacrifice of Praise”? When my dad was dying, it was the only song I could sing besides the Doxology-“Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below, praise him above ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen” Darkness flees when we praise.
And so we give notice to the ancient enemy on your behalf through Jesus, Zech 3:2 The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” The power of heaven is on your side in the name of Jesus!
I was friendless but God brought a good and trustworthy friend into my path after a time and he will for you too. May you be utterly satisfied in His divine friendship until that time comes.
Mary
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I like this, sing to the Lord. When I was in a very bad place, singing was one of the few things that kept me in the presence of the Lord.
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This made me cry. So thankful, Pastor B, that you were there to understand and comfort with His truth. Praying with love, for this much loved one!
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Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation.
You’ve turned anger at ‘it’ towards yourself.
Sending Angels to guard and keep you.
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Thanks for your kind words and your prayer.
While I agree with 1) und 3), I see 2) differently. With my best efforts, I see it is not sufficient. I lack of the needed skills and trust in myself to retry day by day. Too many wounds. No power left. And, I (maybe just me) made the experience that even if you offer service, communities might not want it. (Because I am psychically ill?)
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Dear one, I suppose it all needs to be thought through. Being a mentally ill Christian is way too much like wrestling alligators. It’s never done well, but it does get done. The Holy Spirit will give you a deep love and appreciation for others that haven’t got a clue, yet.
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Hold on and pray God will send angels to hold your hand, when I was suicidal God gave me a poem, it’s not online but I will write it on my blog and post a link to it… I really hope it encourages you. As Pastor B said, you are not alone.
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Actually, I forgot that it was on my blog, this is the link
http://iamavesselofgod.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/an-invisible-god-poem/
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