BOUTS OF DEPRESSION?

Martin Luther, the reformer, is seen as some ‘super human’ who is invincible, because of what he had done. Far from it, he was very much human, and had his fallings and failures. One such shortcomings is his bouts of depression. Yes, the great Martin Luther, did suffer anxiety, stress and depression.

It is not important for us to discuss Martin Luther’s struggle with depression. Rather, it is important, and much needed for us to see, and learn from Luther, how he coped with depression.

History records, that on 6th July, that is today, in 1527 AD, Luther had some friends for dinner at his home. Suddenly, he started feeling an unbearably intense buzzing in his left ear. He decides to rest a while, hoping it would subside. Instead, it continued to buzz, so much so, Luther had to shout, “Water … or I’ll die!” To combat such bouts of anxiety and depression, he took refuge in the LORD, through songs and hymns. During one such bout, Luther wrote the famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

Isn’t our God, our mighty fortress? If so, let us run to Him for refuge, rest and restoration. He is our sure help. He will help us through. Let us run to Him.