The T-shirt says, "Life is Good."

But circumstances make it feel like, "Life is depressing."

As a culture, we are like the cancer patient who thinks they are in remission but discovers the cancer has come back. The victories of recovery are temporary and replaced by more suffering and an uncertain future.

In our current rhythm of life and ministry, before our energy is fully retored in a short time of calm, another problem, crisis, war, disease, variant, argument or enemy disrupts our peace.  Life and ministry becomes depressing.

"Hurting people often struggle with depression as it is a natural reaction to stress and tension," writes Barb Roberts, an experienced Care Pastor in metro Denver (Helping Those Who Hurt, Barbara M. Roberts, NavPress, p. 13 [click to buy]).

"It can affect anyone, at any time. Depression ranges from mild to severe.

• Mild depression, which is often called 'the blues,' is usually brief and does not seriously interfere with normal activities.
• Moderate depression brings feelings of hopeless that are more intense and longer lasting...
• Severe depression is identified by a loss of interest in the outside world and serious, prolonged behavioral changes.

Your role as a caregiver (Care Pastor, Stephen Minister, Home Care caregiver, friend, family member--my insert), is to listen to, support, and pray for those struggling with depression. Individuals with either moderate or severe depression should get the help of a professional counselor. Be quick to recognize when you are in 'over your head' and make a referral, providing resources and even offering to accompany the person through the first counseling visit.

Keep in mind that professional support is something that should be recommended in addition to your help, not instead of your help. Whether by phone, email, or personal visits, be consistent in your contact with anyone you refer to a professional.

Depressed people need hope..." (Ibid.)

You don't need to cheer up the depressed person. But as you, a person of compassion and faith, are present with them and learn their story from their dark place, the environment is perfect for the work of God to warm and brighten the cold and dark depressed conditon of the soul. 

Our care for people is more than trying to make them feel comfort but it is to keep their faith alive so they experience hope. Together you can ascend to God in prayer from their lowly condition, as the Psalmist did...
 

"Out of the depths, I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice...
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope."
Psalm 130:1, 5 
 

My prayer for you is...
 

"May the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

As we live and minister in a world of need when life is depressing, may we find hope through our cries to God and help people find hope from a God who listens as we are present and listen to them.

People are looking for hope in a world with continual stress and tension. So when you care for someone and they find hope, what you do matters beyond anything you can measure.

I hope this post encourages you so you can care better than ever before.