Or not…I don’t really know what my problem is. My normally-rampant enthusiasm is somewhat dampened, I’ll admit that much. But I can’t look at my life and point at anything that is bringing me down. I’m just down.
I don’t know what the deal is. But it will get better. If there’s one thing that living almost 29 years has told me, it’s that things suck sometimes. Furthermore, Christians are not immune. I think I’ll turn this into a rant right now, because here’s something that has annoyed me in the past: Christians are not immune to depression. And you know what, there’s nothing in the Bible that says Christians should always be happy-clappy. I’m sick of people looking at a Christian who’s just down and saying things like, “Well, if they were letting the Holy Spirit work in their lives, they’d be happier.” Or, “If they only read the Word and prayed every day, they’d be happier!” And then there’s the people who say things like, “They’re not happy because they’ve got demons in their lives. Get rid of the demons, and they’ll be happy again”, etc.
I’ll say this once…just because a Christian is not happy is no reason for everyone to imply that they’re not really a Christian. How about you do what the Bible says and walk alongside them for encouragement. Ask if there’s anything you can pray for them about. Tell them you’re there if they need to talk. Be a friend to them. But don’t patronize them and indicate that they’re not a good little Christian because they’re a little bummed right now.
Here’s a question, O Happy Little Christian: How can you live in this world, look around every day, and still be happy??? Huh???? This world SUCKS! You’re surrounded by people who hate the God you serve, and they hate you a little more each day because of Him. Everywhere around you is death and disease, flying in the face of the way God created the earth!!! Everywhere around you are people who flaunt their disobedience to God in their sex lives, how they choose to behave, and rejecting the leaders that God has put over them. So let me ask you…when creation itself groans in travail, how can you be happy? When people take every opportunity to spit on Jesus, how can you smile? When people flip God the bird, how can you grin and bear it? Maybe you’re the ignorant ones…not those who are saddened by living in this world of sin!
What I’m saying is probably more reactionary than anything else, but I don’t really see a problem with it. I don’t see a problem with being a little down here and there, and I don’t think you should see anything wrong with it either. I don’t think you should disparage your brother because he’s not feeling too great. I think you should BACK OFF, and just be there for them if they need to talk. I think you should make some attempt to see the world from their point of view. And then maybe when you feel crappy next time, you won’t have to expend so much energy pretending to feel happy when you really feel like crawling back into bed and sleeping for a week or so. Maybe you will end up surrounded by Christians who can say, “You know what, man? I know how you feel. And it’s ok. I’m not pressuring you, but if you feel like you need to talk, I’m here to listen. Wanna go grab a burger and beer?” And then you will appreciate people who are caring, understanding, and above all, real.
on