G’day from Steve,

HOPE ALWAYS FLOATS

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 5-8

Depression is the end of hope. A place where despair convinces you that past failures and the consequence of decisions made has robbed you of a future. It is a dark cloud that lingers over the landscape and oppresses any creative thoughts and dreams. Everywhere I travel I meet people suffering from depression, the gloomy curse of self pity… I can relate to it because I have been there at different times in my life. It is a silent war many people battle with alone…. an existence of self condemnation.

I passed by this old fishing trawler the other day. It was small and insignificant in contrast to the massive modern fishing boats moored in the harbour. But this two tone green and white antique seafarer captivated me… It must have seen some storms and perilous days. It must have had some stories and been through some violent seas.. But with courage and fortitude the men onboard would have fought for their lives knowing that their only hope was in their faithful vessel. I like that. Hope floats. Depression can be defeated when we get our eyes off our circumstances and back to the horizon. When we see ourselves in God’s bigger picture it all makes sense, even the storms… Don’t ever allow the enemy to rob you of the hope you have been given for life.

The best way to fight depression is to get out there and start serving someone with a vision. There is great healing in the spirit of giving… In taking action that breaks the bondage of self pity.

Jesus is our hope. The word of God is our lighthouse that leads us through every storm. Keep looking to Jesus..

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3

Thanks so much for standing with us in prayer as we take on 2012.

Godspeed,