Hal Lindsey wrote, “Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air…but only for one second without hope.” There are many people today that battle depression for one reason or another, some will survive and sad to say, others won’t. I know personally what it is like to struggle to make it through the day. I heard it said ” If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; at times depression just is, like the weather. Some days it is sunshine and others severe storms. Take a moment to try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they are going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. In all honesty it’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.” The Bible talks about many who battled depression. The one verse that comes to mind which encourages me and I share with others to encourage them is written in *Psalms 23:4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.* God never said that we would not go through the “[deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death,” He said we wouldn’t go through it alone. From the outside looking in, depression is hard to understand. From the inside looking out, it’s almost impossible to explain. When I am struggling, I try to remember that my worst days are never so bad that I am beyond the reach of God’s grace. And my best days are never so good that I am beyond the need of God’s grace. If you are suffering with depression or any other mental challenge, know that YOU are NOT alone, Jesus loves you and I love you too! Please let me know if I can pray for you or help you in any way. I do pray for any who read this that are struggling. I pray that every ounce of fear, anxiety, discouragement, and pain will be taken away and that you know that it was God who did it. Personally, there have been a few different types of people that have been involved in my life that I will never forget. Those who came to find me in the dark and brought a torch to help me see the light and find my way back. Those who came and sat with me in the dark so I wouldn’t feel alone. And those who pushed me to dark places and abandoned me there. If you do not have anyone you feel you can reach out to or have local spiritual support, the 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect to mental health professionals with the Lifeline network. My BeLoved, may the grace of the Lord Jesus, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to give either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis in support of the different ministries God has entrusted to me. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support for the ministry activities that God has entrusted to me at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.