Chaplaincy Newsletter –11th January 2023

I have no peace, no
quietness;

I have no rest, but

only turmoil.
Job: 3:26

Winter blues
The NHS reckons that about 2 million people in the UK suffer from SAD
(Seasonal affective disorder) with symptoms of depression. Lethargy, sleeping
problems, overeating, feeling down, unsociable and irritable. There are also
many other reasons for feeling ‘low’ or depressed.

How do you feel this week?

It may comfort you to know that people featured in the Bible have also
suffered depression and mental health problems. Job has a whole book in the
Bible dedicated to his suffering and subsequent depression. He states ‘crazy
thoughts obsess me’ 6:4 and he is ‘frightened with dreams and visions’ 7:14-15.
The presence of this book in the Bible gives us reassurance that we should be
talking about mental health and it is important to talk through our problems.

What would you like to talk about today?

Job had three friends that came to listen to him. ‘No one said a word’ 2:13.
Sometimes we need people who will just listen and Job was very lucky to have
good friends like that. There is much dialogue and lots of moaning from Job…
but that’s ok, because we all need an opportunity to have a good moan now and
again. Towards the end of the first dialogue one friend says encouragingly ‘lift
up your face, stand firm and do not fear. Be confident because there is hope’
11:15

What positive encouragement would you give?