Dr. David Pope, a friend I met in Burkina Faso posted this on his blog earlier today and I wanted to share it with you. He often has good things to say and you can read his blog at www.finding-purpose.blogspot.com if you want to read more of David's writings. Here is today's post:

Every had a pity party?

Depression is no laughing matter (okay ... that made me chuckle), but many pity parties are just laughable.  We feel sorry for ourselves for any number of reasons ... some may grant some justification, but most do not.

The deepest pit I had ever been in prior to two weeks past was when my brother died back in 1991.  I didn't fall in it until a couple of weeks after the funeral, but I sure fell.  By God's grace and truth, I eventually emerged.

The latest "trough of despair" came about due to our unexpected return to the USA from overseas service.  Though I had struggled from time to time with the change in direction, I finally plunged headlong into despair when I realized that my ministry hopes and dreams had come to a crashing conclusion.  Despondent, I wrote ...

"Fried and flayed, amazed it's been paid, here I sit by the tumbling brook, waiting for the whisper."

It took me a couple of agonizing days, but God threw me a truth ladder (I heard the whisper) and I climbed out.  I wish I could say that the way out of a pit is easy, but it just isn't.  Apart from His truth, it is impossible.  Yet, if you turn on the "light" ... the clarity that comes from His Word ... your personal "party" can end.

Great words! Thanks David