Isaiah/Matthew: My Servant

Behold My servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased.  I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.  A battered reed He will not break off, and a smoldering wick He will not put out, until He leads justice to victory. And in His name the Gentiles will hope. 
Isaiah 42/Matthew 12 [NAS]

Have you ever been really, really down?  Or worse, have you ever suffered from a deep depression – the thick black fog that immobilizes your brain, robbing you of energy, determination, and life?  Whether or not you have answered affirmatively to those two questions, I have a third one:  Have you ever experienced spiritual depression?

Spiritual depression envelops an individual in many different ways and at various times.  You get the feeling that God no longer cares – after all, how could He, considering what is going on in your life.  Perhaps you have suffered a personal tragedy, and you cannot stop the ferris wheel of your thoughts from repeating, “Why me?” or “So, where were You, God?”  Do you feel that your prayers come out of your mouth and drop straight to the floor – no where near ascending to the Father’s ears?  In your eyes, is your religion / belief / faith all a sham, considering what a loser / jerk / sinner you are?

I’ve been there more times than I care to admit.  I am rapidly spinning down a dark hole, and God is in another stratosphere somewhere, certainly not listening to me.  I have no vision, little faith, and only a tiny sliver of hope.  If this description fits you – today, yesterday, or tomorrow, our scripture holds a most precious promise.

God sent us His servant, His beloved, our Savior and Redeemer – not to condemn us, but to hold and heal us.  He promises that even if your belief in Him is bruised and battered by the brutality of life, He will not break you off.  If the fire of your faith is barely smoldering – He will not put you out.  He came to forge justice with mercy, compassion with forgiveness, healing with hope. Through His Spirit, His arms of love are enfolding you right now.  You may never understand the why's, but He has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  [Hebrews 13:5]

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.