If you suffer from depression, then you qualify as a friend of God.
Discipleship is often accompanied by depression. Visions come with valleys.
Elijah was so low, he sat under a tree and said: ‘I have had enough, Lord. Take my life.’
Jonah did the same. He even recited the same script. ‘Now, Lord, take away my life,’ he groaned.
Abram was afflicted with a ‘thick and dreadful darkness’.
God deals with each of his pained pioneers individually.
Thankfully, he spares them the standard evangelical treatment. He doesn’t tell them to ‘praise the Lord anyway’ or to ‘choose joy’.
He knows that people suffering from vicious depression can’t always do that.
He arranged rest and some food for Elijah. He rebuked Jonah . And he gave Abram some beautiful sleep before affirming his promise … ‘Know for certain …’
God didn’t wait until Abram was in a ‘better place’ to reveal his plans for the impossible. He knew he was in the best place.
Sometimes, Father reveals his certainty when the lights go out.
If you’re battered with the thick and dreadful darkness today, you may be closer to God than you’ve ever been. Vision can emerge from the shadows.
Do what Abram did. Snuggle up to your Friend. You qualify.