Depression
99
His labors and was pleased with His work. In His dying agony, as
He yields up His precious life, He has by faith alone to trust in Him
whom it has ever been His joy to obey. He is not cheered with clear,
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bright rays of hope on the right hand or on the left. All is enshrouded
in oppressive gloom. Amid the awful darkness which is felt by sym-
pathizing nature, the Redeemer drains the mysterious cup even to its
dregs. Denied even bright hope and confidence in the triumph which
will be His in the future, He cries with a loud voice: “Father, into Thy
hands I commend My spirit.” He is acquainted with the character of
His Father, with His justice, His mercy, and His great love, and in
submission He drops into His hands. Amid the convulsions of nature
are heard by the amazed spectators the dying words of the Man of
Calvary.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:210, 211
(1869).
God Has Not Changed—A feeling of assurance is not to be
despised; we should praise God for it; but when your feelings are
depressed, do not think that God has changed. Praise Him just as
much, because you trust in His word, and not in feelings. You have
covenanted to walk by faith, not to be controlled by feelings. Feelings
vary with circumstances.—Lt 42, 1890. (HC 124.)
No Disposition to Speak of Doubts—Through the merits of
Christ, through His righteousness, which by faith is imputed unto
us, we are to attain to the perfection of Christian character. Our daily
and hourly work is set forth in the words of the apostle: “Looking unto
Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.” While doing this our minds
become clearer and our faith stronger, and our hope is confirmed; we
are so engrossed with the view of His purity and loveliness and the sac-
rifice He has made to bring us into agreement with God that we have
no disposition to speak of doubts and discouragements.—
Testimonies
for the Church 5:744
(1889).
True Christian and Depression—The true Christian does not
allow any earthly consideration to come in between his soul and God.
The commandment of God wields an authoritative influence over his
affections and actions. If everyone seeking the kingdom of God and
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His righteousness would be always ready to work the works of Christ,
how much easier would become the path to heaven. The blessings of
God would flow into the soul, and the praises of the Lord would be
on your lips continually. You would then serve God from principle.
Your feelings might not always be of a joyous nature; clouds would at