For the times when you’re feeling depressed
Utter Despair
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For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, regarding the affliction that happened to us in the province of Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living. Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NET)
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This is a verse to keep in your back pocket.
It’s comforting to know that even the great heroes of Scripture struggled with depression & despair at times.
They were human, just like you and me.
The mission they were on took them into some dark territory. Not only dark in emotional cost, but also fighting against the spiritual darkness that had enslaved so many people.
They were literally bringing light to the darkness.
One of the mistaken “verses” that people believe (but is not actually in the Bible) is that “God won’t give you more than you can bear.”
Clearly Paul felt different.
It turns out that God absolutely will give you more than you can bear.
Why?
So you and I can learn to rely on Him, not on ourselves or on anything else.
I think of Elijah who had that amazing victory over the false prophets of Ba’al at Mt. Carmel. Then outran a chariot.
And then he fell into a depression.
Oh how quickly we fall into despair, even after astounding miracles from God!
Now, it’s unlikely that you’re in the midst of despair right now. (If you are, please reply so I can pray for you.)
But, like I said before, this is a good verse to keep in your back pocket.
Sooner or later the trials of life are coming; it’s good to have a reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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