When Dark Clouds Come

 You are out walking just like you do every day. You walk the same path you always walk. There is not a cloud in the sky, the sun is shining and you feel great. On the way you walk past the same people that you see and greet on every walk. But suddenly you notice that some of the darkest clouds are coming your way. You suddenly become frightened because you have see these clouds before. They are moving swiftly toward you, and in a split second they completely cover the sun. Darkness and fog surround you, and a cold light rain begins to fall. As you continue your walk you become confused and disoriented. You realize you are not sure where you are going, and you sit down on the ground hoping that the frightening darkness will go away, but it does’t. You know that you can’t stay where you are because there are things you have to do, so you get up and move ahead. 

As you stumble along you hear voices, pleasant voices, and through the darkness and fog you watch them carry on as they do each day. But still as you try to continue your walk you feel trapped in that darkness, and you don’t want to be where you are doing what you are expected to do. You wish you could go back to a place of safety where you can hide and do nothing and see no one. 

Have you ever experienced anything like what I have described? It’s called depression. As we approach the Christmas season there will be many people who will take this walk. They won’t be expecting it, but it will come and cover them with a heavy blanket of darkness. Those of us who who struggle with depression pray that we can make it through times when the dark clouds find us. Pray for those who are or will be lost in the darkness and fog of depression. Depression is a horrible illness. I pray that everyone will be able to enjoy the days ahead in the glorious  glow of the Son of God who can guide you though every dark storm.