Oct. 1, 2015
JCS 028: What If It's Not Well With My Soul? Deep Depression and Suicide
Have you ever experienced the misery of depression? John talks about what to do when you feel like giving up.
Perhaps one of the most recognized church songs, besides the song Amazing Grace, is the song It Is Well With My Soul.
Written by Horatio Spafford, 1873
Here is the first stanza of the song:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Back Story:
Horatio lived with his family of 5 children (1 son and 4 daughters) in Chicago.
Horatio was a successful lawyer and was a close friend to Dwight L. Moody, an evangelist from Chicago.
Horatio was a very successful lawyer and was able to provide for his family well, but tragedy hit his family.
Horatio and his wife, Anna, lost their only son to Scarlet Fever, and shortly afterwards the Great Chicago Fire destroyed much of their possessions.
A few years later Horatio decided to travel to England to hear his good friend D.L. Moody preach.
Although, Horatio's job prevented him from leaving on time he sent his family ahead of him with the intentions of catching up with them.
The trip for Horatio's family turned deeply tragic when the ship, with Horatio's family, collided with another boat taking the lives of 226 people, including all four of Horatio's daughters.
Anna, Horatio's wife survived.
Two years later, Horatio was able to be reunited with his wife in England and while he was on the ship heading to meet his wife, Horatio was made aware the exact spot where his daughters died.
While grieving the loss of his daughters on the boat, Horatio wrote the song It Is Well With My Soul.
But what if you don't have that peace that Horatio had? What if you just feel like you can to die?
It can feel very dark and very deep sometimes, can't it?
Do you have thoughts that the people in your life would be better without you?
Do you feel all alone, abandoned and rejected?
What if it's not well with my soul? What if I have deep depression and want to commit suicide?
I want to encourage you the best way I know how with my 3 gentle encouragements for you.
1. Don't give up on life and don't give in to despair.
2. Surround yourself with others who are positive.
3. Do at least one productive thing a day.
If you need to call this number 1-800-273-8255 National USA 24/7 hotline
Seek professional help. If you are deeply depressed and feel like you want to commit suicide, please seek professional help.
Your life is worth living.
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