Out of Darkness

"Did not come to judge the world, but to save the world"

John 12:47

Depression and anxiety may feel like a tunnel of darkness. A room of darkness. A space of darkness. They may add moments of darkness, that last for a short period of time or periods of time that go on for longer than desired. These moments are not to be judged or to feel shame. They are experiences of the world. He reminds you that He "did not come to judge the world, but to save the world" (John 12:47). These words are refreshing in that, for the moments that are darkest, He is not judging those moments, rather He is offering a space of light, a moment of hope, and a comfort of safety. He comes to save.

Depression and anxiety may in and of themselves not require being saved. These experiences alone may not warrant needing to be saved. The outcome of depression and anxiety, on the other hand, may need Him to reach out, you may need this saving from Him because of the discomfort of the outcome. The outcomes of depression and anxiety may be the reactions that you feel you must have in order to save yourself or to cope with the experiences. Notice though, that He did not come to the world, so that you can save yourself, He came to the world so that He could save it. Many will find that the outcomes of depression and anxiety are the actual struggles. The outcomes are the isolation. The negative thinking. The self-deprecating statements, and thoughts that you have towards yourself. The thoughts of self-harm. The thoughts that world would be better off without you. These experiences, as the outcome of depression and anxiety, are the turmoil. These outcomes, and the many others that come from depression and anxiety, are the ones that need saving from. And He tells you, that He wants to save you. He tells you, that He came to save you. He tells you, that His purpose is to save you.

This chapter in John also shares about the struggle to acknowledge Him as the that is indeed coming to save, and is here to save. John 12:42 reads "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue." While you know that the teachings of the Bible were as true then, as they are today, this passage reflects even the fears today of acknowledging depression and anxiety. Acknowledging the fact that He can be present with you in these moments. It is hard to imagine a more loving being than Him, and His desire to save those that seek Him. That acknowledge Him. And yet, like in this passage, the fear of acknowledging because of being put out of the [insert here any place that you do not feel He is welcomed]. But to name a few: the family, the job, the friend group, the place of worship, etc. Being put out of these places has nothing on being put out of His path, His plan, His will for you that you may live in eternity with Him. This blog has said it before and will say it again, your mental health status does not define your entrance into eternity--He does.

"They loved human praise more than praise from God" John 12:43. This desire for praise from the world, is the thing that keeps you from the praise of God. This human praise, is the door that separates you from being able to truly acknowledge Him and the way in which He can (and will) save you. This human praise, is the chain that holds tight to the experiences of depression and anxiety. Human praise is the cycle that leads to challenges continuing and or never really healing depression and anxiety. Because it is temporary. He is lasting.

Scripture:

John 12

John 12:47

John 12:42

John 12:43

Questions:

What praises of the world are keeping you from Him?

What fears are keeping you from acknowledging how He can heal the experiences of depression and anxiety (whether in yourself, or in those around you that you love)?

How does your experience change, when you read John 12:47--"For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world"?

How does your experience change when you read John 12: 46-- "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believe in me should stay in darkness"? What continues to hold you in darkness?

In what ways can you use these passages to support others around you who are in darkness?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, the words of your Son, that were sent from you (John 12:50). You shared with your son the words to share with the world. And these words are the ones that lead to saving, eternal life. Lord I know that these words are a source of light for those struggling with depression and anxiety. I pray that those who are in this darkness may find the light through you, through your son. I pray that those who see the darkness in others, may find the strength to be a comfort and hope for them through you. Lord, I pray for the light to shine bright in those areas that need it most. I pray this in your son's name. Amen.