Battling Demons

It is such a tragedy to hear this week about the reported suicide of  actor, Robin Williams.  I have always enjoyed William's acting and various roles over the years.  For someone so lovable and jovial, it seems shocking for many to find that he battled deep depression throughout his lifetime, eventually loosing in this fight, taking his own life.  

Depression is a wide reaching problem in our times; a problem that I believe touches EVERYONE.  I think that ALL of us become depressed from time to time.  For some, these times are manageable....    and for others...  MANY others...   depression can become a crushing force.  In our Scriptures, we read many stories of those who succumb to the struggles of life and take their own lives.

•  Elijah (1 Kings 19) who wanders off into the desert wilderness to die.
  
• In 1 Sam. 31- King Saul AND his armor bearer both end their own lives.
• Ahithophel ends his own life in 2 Sam. 17, by hanging.
  
• The hero Samson collapses a building upon himself and his enemies in Judges 16.
• Even a disciple and friend of Jesus- Judas took his own life.

We all battle these demons daily- as the struggles and pressures of life continue.  I think what is important to remember is that we are not alone.  No matter what we face in life- we have to remember that we DO have friends that care about us, family that loves us, a church family that cares deeply for us and a God in Heaven that is willing to die FOR us.  Its in those moments, when we convince ourselves that we are completely alone, that we begin to loose the fight against our personal demons.  Having fought with those times myself, I understand how very difficult it can be to choose to see all of the support, love and care I have around me.  It is vital, as times get tougher, that we stick together and continue to keep each other in prayer- lifting each other up in faith- and continuing to encourage each other.  We never CAN know what demons a person is fighting- until they choose to share the burden with us... and I pray that each of us can have the courage and faithfulness to share the battle.