May 25, 2021

Jane Kenyon, a poet who had a life long struggle with depression (and who converted to Christianity in mid-life) wrote a piercing poem called Having It Out with Melancholy. One stanza is called “SUGGESTION FROM A FRIEND”.  The suggestion? “You wouldn’t be so depressed / if you really believed in God.”

That friend would do well do shut his or her pie-hole and open up a bible. Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Who knew that trials and sorrows live smack dab alongside of (not apart from) peace and taking heart?

“O merciful Father, who has taught us in your Holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve us: Look with pity upon our sorrows. Remember us, O Lord, in mercy, nourish our souls with patience, comfort us with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon us, and give us peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement – BCP p. 831)