Seasonal Depression Encouragement

We are coming up on a time of year where people have seasonal depression. The weather is cold and at times dreary and the sun sets earlier and earlier. We go to work and by the time we get home, it is dark outside. This time of year can cause people to have draining thoughts that bring them down and discourage them. Therefore, I thought it would be ideal to give encouragement to those who are down this time of year. 

The author of Hebrews wrote, "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).

We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens-Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Therefore, the author of Hebrews, inspired by God, tells us to hold fast to our confession. In other words, we are to adhere strongly to our commitment to Jesus Christ which includes our statement of allegiance, loyalty, and devotion to Him. 

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. This says He is able to share in our sufferings and griefs and knows what we go through. He understands that we have feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence. He has been tempted in every way, yet without sin. He knows from experience and lived on this earth as fully God and fully human. 

Knowing this, we should with confidence draw near to the throne of grace (undeserved favor) that we may receive mercy-which is kindness or concern for someone in need-and find grace to help in time of need. We should approach and move towards Jesus' presence with boldness for help. 

Peter wrote, "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:5-7).

Peter, also inspired by God, tells those who are younger to submit to elders. This means we ought to be in a submissive relationship with them yielding to their authority unless it has to do with obeying God rather than men. 

Then Peter tells us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another. This means that in our relationships with one another, we are to have a low view of our own importance. God opposes the proud. He sets Himself against one who is arrogant thinking they are superior and who exaggerate their own worth or importance. 

Therefore, we are to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt us. We ought to transfer our concerns upon Him because He cares for us. He is interested in us and loves us.