January 8,1998
Dear. Br. Rus:
I heard, through the grapevine, that you and Eddie are attending the Morristown church. Is this correct? While we attended these, several years ago, we found the church to be spiritually progressive, while the current minister seems to be preaching the truth. Do you find it to be thus?
Throughout my life, I have often been burdened with depression,
like a blanket thrown over the head, it smothers the very life
forces and deadens the sensibilities. Many there are who labor
under a heavy burden of depression and foreboding. Their health
is poor, problems seem to overwhelm them and they resort to the
psychologist for relief or take the cowardly way out by committing
suicide. Such people need not suffer from this condition if they
will choose to cultivate cheerfulness and hopefulness. The mind
can be controlled by the will, but it takes an effort and struggle
to overcome this trait. Depression is a choice, not a psychosis.
Many problems contribute to depression which are amenable to solution.
Poor health habits, that tend to weaken the physical and mental
abilities, that lead to depression, are easily remedied by changing
the diet. Eat regular meals, avoid overeating, discontinue the
use of stimulating foods and drinks that cause a reaction in the
system, and take plenty of outdoor exercise in the sun. Useful
exercise is the best cure for depression. Help others and we will
find ourselves thinking less of our problems and misery. Work
in the garden, go for long walks, clean the garage, engage in
some useful enterprise, and the depression, in most cases, will
cease to bother us, without the expense and bother of psychologists.
Many people, especially within the family circle, maintain an
iron dignity, unwilling to unbend and exhibit a cheerful disposition.
Such people would do well to cultivate the friendship of children
and learn from them the habits and disposition that will allow
you to radiate sunshine and joy to all with whom you associate.
Another cause of depression is poorly ventilated rooms and deprivation
of oxygen. Open the windows, even in winter, and allow the study
or bedrooms to fill with fresh air. This practice will, of itself,
relieve many cases of depression. Never sleep in a closed room,
leave the window open. The habit of bending over while studying
or doing other mental work, cramps the lungs, thus preventing
them from obtaining all the oxygen they require, frequently resulting
in depression. Sit erect, maintain good posture, and this type
of depression will resolve itself. Don’t borrow problems
or trouble or worry about the future. Life has enough problems
not to borrow those that belong to others. As with all aspects
of life, moderation is beneficial to the entire system.
Depression may also follow success or extreme enjoyment. This
reaction will gradually subside if you endeavor to maintain a
cheerful mind. Excessive sugar intake can also cause depression.
We should cut back on our intake of sweets or eliminate them all
together. The will power has everything to do with overcoming
this common aliment. By looking unto the lord, lifting your head
high, singing praises to the Lord, the spirit of depression will
vanish. When Christ was a young man, working in His father’s
carpenter shop, when assailed with feelings of depression or derided
by His companions for His righteous ways, He would often sing
the Psalms that were set to music and, before they knew it, all
in the shop joined Him in song. Christ was not immune from depression,
but faith in His Father and the songs of praise, were often employed
by Him in banishing this troublesome problem
Unconfessed sin is frequently a primary cause of depression. The
guilty conscience often manifests itself through severe emotional
conflict. Confession and repentance and restoration, if necessary,
are the best antidote to this problem. Many suffer from mental
illnesses brought on by unconfessed sin, who, if they would confess
their sins and believe that Christ has forgiven them, could experience
renewed health of both body and mind. Remember, Christ loves you
and invites you to bring all your problems to him in faith. He
is the burden bearer and He will carry your burdens. Look to Christ,
trust His forgiveness and healing power. You need no longer suffer
from depression if you do these things. I think sadness is one
of the most difficult Satanic delusions to overcome for it debilitates
and weakens the resolve which is required to resist him, but Christ
has promised that His grace is sufficient for all our needs.
May the Lord bless you with cheerfulness and a buoyant spirit
that others, seeing your countenance, may take courage for their
own struggles. God loves you. May the Lord bless you, your brother
in Christ.
Allen A. Benson