In some ways, depression is a slow, painful death of desire, the heart-sickness that comes from repeatedly having hope deferred (Prov. 13:12). Hope that sustains the heart when pursuing a treasured desire has faded (or disappeared) in the depressed. What, then, do you treasure? What do you think would bring you happiness? Who or what are you worshiping? What would give your life meaning? Whose life do you covet? The joyous truth is that perhaps this painful depression is the Lord’s way of revealing false gods to you… Bathing our soul in the Gospel message will powerfully transform the locus of our treasure. Rather than cherishing success or self-approval, we can learn to cherish the Lord because He’s lavished such love upon the undeserving (1 John 4:7-10). All-satisfying treasure is found in this Gospel message.
— Elyse Fitzpatrick (b. 1950), Buchautorin, Referentin, biblische Seelsorgerin
Related Bible passage: PRO.13.12
Topics: Meaning & Identity, Suffering & the Question of God, Grace & Redemption
Occasions: For Reflection
Elyse Fitzpatrick
Die US-amerikanische Buchautorin, Referentin und biblische Seelsorgerin Elyse Fitzpatrick (* 1950) wirkt seit den 1990er-Jahren im evangelikal-reformierten Raum. Bekannt wurde sie durch Veröffentlichungen zu Erziehung und Lebensführung, in denen sie die Gnade Gottes gegen moralistische Leistungsansprüche betont, was in konservativen Kreisen zu Kontroversen über Antinomismus und traditionelle Geschlechterrollen führte. Für Bibelleser verdeutlicht ihr Ansatz, wie biblische Texte zu Schuld, Gnade und Gehorsam konsequent von der reformatorischen Rechtfertigungslehre her verstanden werden können.
All quotes by Elyse Fitzpatrick (4)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri Nouwen
To love a person means to see them as God meant them to be.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Inner dignity remains, even when performance capacity and social role decline.
Anselm Grün
There is a God, and I'm not him.
John Mark Comer
God has put eternity into our hearts and filled it with longing.
John Piper
Prayers are tools not for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.
Eugene Peterson