Discouragement - Part 4 - Support Group

Two things are true for those who struggle with deep discouragement or depression. One is that they feel very weak. As they consider their life and struggle, they might use words like incompetent, overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless, unable, crushed, worthless, defeated, or powerless.

The second thing is related; as those people struggle with their weakness, they crave help and support. Having a support system is recognized as quite beneficial, and is highly recommended by both secular and Christian counselors. That support might be as simple as love and acceptance. It could include someone to talk to, to receive counsel from, or simply to interact with during especially challenging times.

While the Bible may not use the terminology of "support group" or "support system," the concept is quite biblical. "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). "Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed" (Hebrews 12:12-13). "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing" (I Thessalonians 5:11).

It is a blessing for anyone to know that he has support - someone to care about him, love him, pray for him, and encourage him. On the other hand, if someone does not have that support structure (or believes he does not), his already overwhelming situation can seem even more discouraging and impossible. Someone who is struggling might crave help - might even seek help and ask for it, and he does not always find it. For various reasons, other people may feel too uncomfortable or unqualified to give help. It is true that people sometimes fail, but it is also true that God never does. If someone finds himself without a human support system, he will always have the support of God.

"Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him, for He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust" (Psalm 103:13-14).

"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).

These three verses have in common that each one acknowledges human weakness. The first verse refers to "our [weak] frame" and states that it is "but dust." The second verse refers to "our weaknesses" and our "time of need." The third verse also mentions "our weakness." Man may feel weak, and he is, and God knows that. God understands human weakness, and He responds accordingly.

The first verse above refers to God as a father. As a father (and creator), He knows exactly how weak man is. He knows that man is only dust - so frail. God's fatherly response to this weakness is compassion. God does not condemn, ignore, write off, or give up on His children who are struggling. He does not get awkward over their struggle; He does not respond by looking down on them or by pulling away. Instead, He reaches out in compassion and with the love of a Father who cares deeply about His hurting children.

The second verse refers to Jesus. The Savior also knows man's weakness. In fact, one reason He came to this earth was to learn about the challenges of human weakness so that He would be fully equipped to help believers. Jesus experienced the struggles of being human. Because He knows what that weakness is like, His response is sympathy. He knows man needs help, and He invites believers to come to Him in time of need. They need not come with fear and trepidation about how they will be treated, but can come with confidence, knowing they are coming to someone who understands and sympathizes. To these people who are struggling, the Savior offers mercy and grace to help and support in their weakness.

The third verse addresses the Spirit's role in man's struggle. The Spirit also knows the struggle of man, and He becomes involved in helping. He takes the overwhelming needs of man's weak flesh, things that cannot even be put into words, that are actually too heavy for words, and He prays to God for them. The Spirit's prayers are amazing, because He prays for believers as they ought to be prayed for in their weakness. The believer need not despair over not knowing what to say or how to pray for himself. The Spirit knows what to say; although this verse does not reveal the specific content of His prayers, Christians can have confidence that He will pray the right way. I believe those prayers include things like requests for maturity and victory, for faithfulness and endurance, and for praise and honor to be given to God.

For those who need support the most, and perhaps find it nowhere else, support from God is abundant. The God-head is unified in its compassion and in its gentle and loving support. No matter how others might react, God will remain faithful. Others may not know what to do or what to say, but God knows exactly what is needed. His deep level of understanding makes His support especially comforting and effective. There is no greater support group.