The Breaking Point

Growing numbers of Christians are at the breaking point. Young people, especially, are giving up in defeat. They feel they cannot live up to the image of a happy-go-lucky, rich, successful, always positive-thinking Christian. Their world is not that idealistic. They live with intense peer pressure, heartbreak, hour-by-hour crises, and horrible family problems. Their friends are hooked on drugs and too many are dying by suicide. They look into the uncertain future, frightened and worried; loneliness, fear and depression hound them daily.

Even admired preachers and well-known personalities suffer moments of depression and the same infirmities you find in any normal Christian — sometimes feeling like a failure and wanting to give up. Paul talked about “trouble which came on us … we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8).

In that moment when the walls seem to be caving in and the roof appears to be collapsing, when everything seems to be coming apart and sin demands the upper hand, a voice deep within cries, “Walk away from it all. You don’t have to put up with this.” King David became overwhelmed by the evil in his heart and cried out, “Awake! Why do You sleep, O Lord? Arise! Do not cast [me] off forever. Why do You hide Your face?” (Psalm 44:23-24).

How can you learn to hold on and live one day at a time? You can begin by forgetting all shortcuts and magical cures. As a Christian, you do not need a supposed demon of despair cast out; Satan will always be here, deceiving, accusing, and trying to rob you of your faith. But there are two wonderful absolutes you can be sure of:

• God really loves you!
• It is your faith that pleases God the most.

God wants so much to be trusted. “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). You may not understand why God takes such a long time to intervene on your behalf, but you can be sure of one thing. He will keep his Word to you.