Status Updates From Depression: Finding Christ ...

“Will you be undone if you imagine the future? Absolutely. You are imagining your future without the manna—without the grace—that you will receive on that day. You are imagining a future without GOD.”

—Edward T. Welch, Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness.

“I have often mused, ‘How does anything ever get done?’ By taking the next little step in a day of small things. The Maker of heaven and earth has determined that we will partner with HIM in HIS plans, and HE is pleased to set a pace for us that seems very human. If you are depressed, this is very good news. Small things.”

—Edward T. Welch, Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness.

“If it has been a while since you spoke to GOD, there is no need to hang your head. Jesus invites you to come to HIM. HE never turns you away. All of Scripture says HE is pleased to hear from you and will be moved with compassion by your words.”

—Edward T. Welch, Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness.

“My wife often asks, ‘How was your day?’ ‘Fine’ is my stock response. For variety I add, ‘Good,’ ‘All right,’ and a few other mindless comments. None of them honor her question and give it the effort it deserves. Even when life is easier, it takes work to find words. GOD is asking you about your suffering. Take time to respond to HIM.”

—Edward T. Welch

“Please know what you are up against. Depression, left to itself without resistance, marches you down a path on which GOD becomes irrelevant. Though you might believe the right things, you live like an atheist. That’s why ‘Who do you say that I am?’ is a very important question.”

—Edward T. Welch, Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness

“Embrace grace for the next minute. Hold on to this essential piece of wisdom: you do not have strength from Jesus for next month, for tomorrow, or even for the next hour, but HE gives you everything you need for right now.”

—Edward T. Welch, Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness

“Our outer selves, our bodies, will decline, but our inner selves, our hearts, can grow in the knowledge of Jesus the Christ so that our afflictions hold less power and weight. Jesus can temper the effects of life’s afflictions (see 2 Cor. 4:8–9). Your spiritual work is essential.”

—Edward T. Welch, Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness, p. 16.

“In the end, the voice of GOD was what Job truly needed. The knowledge that GOD was both over and in Job’s suffering was enough to settle Job’s heart.”

—Edward T. Welch, Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness: 31-Day Devotionals for Life, p. 14.