The Rain That Never Stops

M. R. Scott

Description

The Rain that Never Stops and The Problem of Depression is as theologically deep as it is refreshing. Tackling the problem of depression with honesty, transparency, and theology, author Mr. Scott leaves no stone unturned in this book as he reveals the inner struggles he has with depression, and how faith in Christ saved his life and gave him a better hope for tomorrow.

The Rain that Never Stops takes a theological and transparent look at the problem of depression through the lens of Scripture and the life experiences of M.R. Scott, concisely detailing the hope that we have in Jesus when we find ourselves in the rain.

Sujets

• Religion
• Christianisme
• Christian Living
• Inspirational
• Philosophie et théologie
• Counseling
• List of counseling topics
• Healing
• Suffering
• Depression
• Grief
• Trauma
• Suicide

Informations

• Publié par: WestBow Press
• Date de parution: 31 octobre 2022
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781664281851
• Langue: English

Extrait

the rain that never stops
AND THE PROBLEM OF DEPRESSION
m.r. scott


Copyright © 2022 M.r. Scott.
 
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
 
This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.
 
 
WestBow Press
A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan
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Bloomington, IN 47403
www.westbowpress.com
844-714-3454
 
Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.
 
Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.
 
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
 
Scripture marked (NIV) taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
 
Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
ISBN: 978-1-6642-8186-8 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-6642-8187-5 (hc)
ISBN: 978-1-6642-8185-1 (e)
 
Library of Congress Control Number: 2022919667
 
 
 
WestBow Press rev. date: 10/31/2022
CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Introduction
I Looked Out My Window To See
Chapter 2: Depression
The First Cloud of Gray Approaching
Chapter 3: Loss
To Steal Away the Sun
Chapter 4: Trauma
Before the Pouring Began
Chapter 5: Suffering
Of a Rain that Never Stops
Chapter 6: Purpose
I Couldn’t Find a Reason
Chapter 7: Value
Nor See its Hidden Worth
Chapter 8: Suicide
So I Went to Close the Curtain
Chapter 9: Redemption
But Upon Seeing the Flower, I Knew

I want to dedicate this book to my late mentor and former pastor who lived his life for the glory of Jesus Christ, and also to my wife, who has always supported my writing and encouraged me, even when I doubted myself.

the rain that never stops
i looked out my window to see
the first cloud of gray approaching
to steal away the sun
before the pouring began
of a rain that never stops;
i couldn’t find a reason
nor grasp its hidden worth
so i went to close the curtain
but upon seeing the flower, i knew.
1
INTRODUCTION
I Looked Out My Window To See
I t’s said that from beginning to end, the creation and setting of a stage for a play can take weeks or even months to complete. The play itself, of course, is far shorter than the time it took to create it. I find it fascinating that such time and energy can be invested into theater—over the course of what can be considered significant time—for an event that only lasts a fraction as long as its own creation. Generally speaking, people go to these plays to observe and interact with the characters—the drama. They may admire the settings, the stage, and the display, but it is not the focal point of why they are there. It is, both literally and figuratively, just a background after all. The real thrust of their attendance to such events is to partake in what unravels on that stage. Because of this, the production team does not preface their work with a laborious explanation of why they choose green drapes, or why the main character is wearing a purple tunic instead of a brown one. Indeed, it would be painful to sit through hours and hours rehashing the decisions and their motivations. For that reason, though I must preface this work with an explanation of why and how it came to be, I will do my best not to bore you with all the irrelevant details (and certainly won’t take weeks to set up the chapter for you)!
The foundation of this work is heavily based upon my own experience with the problem of depression. I find that my most influential and meaningful work stems from my own experiences with the subjects and depression is no exception. As I go about my life, it would appear to be that I am not the only one fighting with this monster. Many persons I know have a familiarity with depression, if only having suffered it for a season. Others have hinted at suffering it, while a few have outright told me that they are in one way or another engaged in a fierce battle where swords are swung, and flesh is ripped to pieces. It comes as no surprise that depression has such a far reach, nor does it surprise me that as many people struggle with it as they do despite the overwhelming number of self-help and positive “you can do better” books flooding the shelves of our local bookstores. It seems like the world’s answer is within the grasp of our fingers, yet the answer has never seemed so far away. But why is the problem of depression so pervasive that we can’t seem to shake it no matter what we do?
To be sure, the problem of depression is not one easily solved. It is a burden, and a complex one at that, especially since the root of it can reach further back into our pasts than we might be aware of. For some, their depression is rooted in a trauma they experienced in their lifetime. This could come in the form of abandonment, abuse, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or spouse, or something else. Others have no discernible trauma, but rather have chemical imbalances in the brain. Many others suffer from depression that is the result of spiritual drought. Some depression is temporary, while other forms are chronic. Some depression manifests with relatively low impact, while others drown the soul. One of the puzzling obstacles about solving depression is while it seems simple on the surface, it has complexities and variables that all need to be taken into consideration before attempting to tackle it head on.
While the aim of this work is to point the reader to freedom from the burden of depression, it must be understood that the scope of this work leans more toward anecdotal as opposed to academic. I am not licensed to diagnose or treat depression. I am not a psychiatrist, but I am a human intimately familiar with the problem of depression, having battled with it for the last fourteen or so years. Because of this, I feel that I can make this work relatable to those who are in the same trench as I am, even if they’re a few feet down the way. Sometimes, one of the uncanny aids to our most desperate battle is realizing that we are not alone, that there are others like us, and that we need not be ashamed of our burdens. While I do not discredit modern medicine and have found great help in utilizing counseling for myself, I recognize that the availability of those resources may be outside the reach of some. However, I believe in the efficacy of this work in providing clear perspective to those who take up and read it. It is also pertinent to state here that if you have thoughts or temptations to hurt yourself or worse, it is best for you to seek prompt help. Regardless of where you go, however, be sure to keep this book with you.
Most people who meet me for the first time soon come to know that I’m a Christian and that my relationship to Christ as my Lord defines all that I am and the way I see the world. I will go into more detail about that in the proceeding chapters, but for now, it will suffice to say that just because this book has a theological framework does not mean that the book cannot serve its purpose in helping you in your battle. I will say with all humility that there is no hope in this world outside of Christ and no life to be found in death. I will endeavor to show it in this work as I bear my soul and pour out all that I have in hopes that God’s mercy breaks through your heart—and no, this is not a prosperity message. This is not a work claiming that if you believe in Jesus, your battle with depression ends and your experiences of suffering are over. To make such a grandiose claim would be to err greatly, both in my integrity and in representing the Word of God. We live in a world marred by sin, overrun with brokenness, and destitute of God in a great majority of places and governments. If God is life, then the absence of His presence can only be death. Because this work is theological in nature, I will be drawing my sources from the Scriptures. Truly, it is no exaggeration for me to proclaim that Christ is the only reason that I am still here and the reason why I write this work. It is a testimony to His grace, love, and compassion; a call to arms for my fellow believers to get in the trenches; and a beacon of hope to those who do not yet know Christ as Lord and Savior.
So as you take up and read, I encourage you to remember that you are not alone, that there is hope, and it is found in Christ, who will by no means turn you away if you come to Him in faith. May th