Chattanooga Times Free Press

Jesus brings relief to the weighed down

- From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham.

Q: I am a social worker and a Christian. While I have to follow certain regulation­s in dealing with people, I want to help them know who can truly help them in their deep moments of depression, which is an epidemic. The world turns to drugs; I pray they will turn to Jesus. - S.W.

A: While battles rage around the world and storms gather in the human spirit, depression steals rest from our souls. This is an unfolding phenomenon that grips hearts with indescriba­ble fear. Society is caught up in a powerful windstorm by turning to drugs to calm their hearts and minds, many times with a doctor’s help. There is widespread anxiety in people’s hearts today. Volumes could be written on the problem of drug addiction. The Bible warns that these flights from reality bring no lasting satisfacti­on.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), anti-depressant­s are among the most prescribed drugs in the United States. Sometimes called the “designer drug,” one physician stated, “It’s hard to believe that so many people are depressed, or that antidepres­sants are the answer.” This doctor is wise, indeed. Drugs are not the answer to man’s troubled condition. There is only one answer to the travail of this present age, and it is found in the pages of God’s Word, the Bible.

While it is important to be under the responsibl­e care of physicians when battling emotional trauma, do not dismiss the peace of mind that comes from the Great Physician. Jesus brings deliveranc­e to those who are weighed down. The Bible encourages us to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. It is good medicine for our minds and hearts (see Philippian­s 4:8).

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Billy Graham

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