When the devil speaks, he lies. We've all heard his voice. We've all believed some of his lies. Cleverly mixed with a small element of truth, they're impressive with what they convey to us about our weaknesses, our lack of character, our status, our motivations, our abilities, our attitudes. And the list goes on . . . an endless stream of condemnation.
With no weapons to fight the enemy of our souls, we are truly helpless. Even with the sword of the Spirit, we flail it around once in a while, hit and missing our targets. Unsure if we even have a target. Forgetting we have built-in warrior skills that usually lie dormant.
My heart breaks for those left behind, damaged and in pain from the wounds of losing someone they loved. Knowing he struggled, questioning whether or not they did enough, wondering silently why he had to do such a selfish thing yet realizing he couldn't cope any longer because the devil had convinced him life was not worth his time and efforts anymore.
Depression has been diagnosed by every kind of mind and religious science and approach. Drugs designed to mix and match and remedy the horrible symptoms of abject fear, sorrow, despair, and hopelessness, have both succeeded and failed the brains of those who suffer with it. Most of us have tasted it now and then, but it doesn't dominate our lives. We're fortunate it's not an area we must tackle and defeat.
I loved Robin Williams. Such a funny, funny man. "They" say comedy is a result of understanding sorrow, the other face of sadness. "They" say the best suffer deeply. The incredible ability to make people laugh - and laugh hysterically in many cases - belonged to Robin Williams. Yet he also held down dramatic roles with equal aplomb. Those of us who appreciated the talent and the relief of the laughter he gave us question the hows and whys of such an ultimate act of self-destruction. We mourn that kind of torment in such a gifted individual.
I can only say I have friends who are believers suffering with depression, who pray on through their daily lives with many shed tears and a fierce desire to be healed from the ravaging of those hopeless thoughts. They fight the enemy and press on, but it isn't easy for them. Jesus keeps holding them together each day.
When the devil speaks, he lies. He can fool any of us. He can convince us easily because we know our failings and he preys upon them. So when the devil speaks to you, don't listen. Tell him you're a child of the King, if in fact you are, and remind him of his eternal status, after calling him a liar. Don't allow him to take anything from you. It isn't his to take.
Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Father, let there be healing where there is pain, comfort where there is sorrow, eventual joy at the memory of this loved one. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.