Charles Spurgeon on depression

Wise words on depression from Charles Spurgeon, who knew what he was talking about:

The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.

Such humbling but salutary messages our depressions whisper in our ears; they tell us that we are but men, frail, feeble, apt to faint.

Is any man altogether sane? Are we not all a little off the balance?

Some minds appear to have a gloomy tinge essential to their very individuality. There are precious fruits put forth by the moon as well as by the sun.

Grace has its triumphs still, and patience has its martyrs; martyrs none the less to be honoured because the flames kindle about their spirits rather than their bodies, and their burning is unseen of human eyes.

Be not dismayed by soul-trouble.

Should the power of depression be more than ordinary, think not that all is over with your usefulness.

Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsakes not his saints.

Live by the day—ay, by the hour. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement.

Trust in God alone, and lean not on the reeds of human help.

Be not surprised when friends fail you: it is a failing world.

Serve God with all your might while the candle is burning, and then when it goes out for a season, you will have the less to regret.

Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are.

When your own emptiness is painfully forced upon your consciousness, chide yourself that you ever dreamed of being full, except in the Lord.

Set small store by present rewards; be grateful for earnests by the way, but look for the recompensing joy hereafter.

Continue, with double earnestness to serve your Lord when no visible result is before you.

Any simpleton can follow the narrow path in the light: faith’s rare wisdom enables us to march on in the dark with infallible accuracy, since she places her hand in that of her Great Guide.

You can read the rest here.