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March 5, 2025 4 mins

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ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

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Speaker 1 (00:01):
The Dark Night of the Soul.
Finding God in the Darkness Day2.
This is Day 2 of our devotionalseries Understanding Depression
.
The scripture that we will beconsidering today is Psalm 34,
verses 17-18.
Depression can feel like anever-ending night.

(00:21):
It often brings a sense ofdarkness, isolation and haunting
thoughts that things will neverchange.
Even when surrounded by people,the internal struggles can make
us feel profoundly alone.
The Bible acknowledges thisdepth of pain and offers hope to
those who are struggling.
Psalm 34, verse 17-18, sayswhen the righteous cry for help,

(00:46):
the Lord hears and deliversthem out of all their troubles.
Psalm 34, verse 17-18, saysthese verses are not just
comforting words but a promiseof God's active presence in our
darkest moments.
One of the greatest liesdepression tells us is that God

(01:06):
is far away.
The Bible reveals the exactopposite.
God is not distant in our pain.
He is actually near.
He draws us closer to thebrokenhearted and he moves
towards those who are crushed inspirit.
When Jesus walked on the earth,he was known as a man of sorrow
and acquainted with griefIsaiah 53.3.

(01:28):
He understands our painintimately, not only because he
is God, but because he felt itas a man.
This truth offers a uniquecomfort.
Jesus does not just see ourpain.
He feels it with us.
Finding God in the darknessoften involves small,
intentional steps.

(01:48):
It might be whispering a prayerwhen you cannot find the
strength for more.
It could mean reading a verseand letting it be a lifeline or
truth in a sea of despair.
Sometimes it means simplysitting in silence, trusting
that God is with you, even whenyou cannot feel his presence.
God is not afraid of yourdarkness.
He shines a light into it.

(02:10):
He brings comfort and a promiseof a new dawn to you.
Now here's the action step Takea few moments today and sit in
silence before God.
Breathe deeply and focus on thetruth that he is near, even
when you feel Well.
Here's a prayer In your son'smatchless name.

(02:43):
We pray Amen.
Depression can feel like darkand an endless tunnel, but God's
word shines a light of hope andhealing.
This devotional series willguide you through scripture to
find encouragement and comfortand practical steps towards
overcoming depression.
Through biblical truths and thepower of God's promises, you

(03:04):
can break free from the despairand embrace the renewed sense of
purpose and joy in your life.
Discover more of thisdevotional series and other
resources that will help yougrow and experience God's peace
at my website, jameslongjrorg.
That's jameslongjrorg.
For deeper support andcommunity.

(03:26):
Consider joining our Lessonsfor Life, monthly membership or
our group coaching program.
You can go to jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for that.
You're not alone.
There's hope and healingthrough God's promises.
We'll take care and be blessed.
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