Depression and the Aging Process

            Depression is almost a household word these days. People are stressed out about many things, especially those who are getting up in years. There’s a younger generation that works incessantly to succeed financially in a troubled economy. They may not have time to be “depressed,” and certainly youth is on their side. Others are “stressed” because of the lack of employment, while many college grads are disillusioned by joblessness and increasing debt. Then there are the “drop-outs” of society, unwilling to take personal responsibility. They have become dependent upon the welfare system and/or others, having lost any incentive to work. Hopefully, some of them may even be “depressed” over the guilt of laziness and an aimless lifestyle.

            As the population ages, however, I think there’s a depression and discouragement that may be unique to the more “seasoned citizens.” Aging has its distinct challenges despite all the “anti-aging” hype and other investment schemes. The typical retirement scenario of 50 years ago is all but passé. Living from a pension and social security checks at 65 is on the decline. Folks are “retiring” without benefits and finding little security in social security. That’s why so many seniors continue working way beyond their so-called retirement years. This has to be depressing to some, especially those who have worked many years just to retire. It would be interesting to know how many folks have despised their job over the years, but took solace in the hope of an enjoyable retirement?

            Those dreams have been denied or postponed, creating discouragement and a depressive spirit. What they thought was a “sure thing” in the sunset years, has somehow eluded them. Proverbs says that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Could that be a reference to depression?

            It might also be said that many seniors who are well-off financially are still disillusioned. What they expected to do with their money, etc. has not come to pass. Moreover, the amenities they enjoy because of wealth have not brought satisfaction and inner peace. They are finding that money cannot buy what they need the most. The old song had it right when it said, “The best things in life are free.” Now with increasing physical and mental maladies, the aches and pains multiply, along with the medical bills. One might conclude, “It ain’t fair!” In reality, that’s right; but so it is with imperfect people in an imperfect world.

            This is only one feature of depression and aging. What about an increasing sense of loneliness, especially when losing a spouse or dear friend? Then there’s the feeling of neglect by family and others, which breeds resentment. Add to that, the many disappointments due to unfulfilled goals-- things that never became reality; also the unwanted “stuff” that happened which might have been avoided. Just focusing on these thoughts is enough to depress or “press down” on the mind; in turn, this can produce an overall state of hopelessness.

             This is why many in their later years have turned to the Bible for comfort and direction. While one’s present stage of life may be difficult, saving faith in the Lord fosters hope beyond the grave; this presents a daily challenge to look forward to the future, rather than simply reminiscing about the past. This will go a long way in remedying the emptiness of depression in the present.

            There is a definite purpose in the sunset years, whereby we can positively influence those coming behind; after all, the gray hair should count for something! As we face our daily struggles with hope and purpose, we can teach others how to live by our words, actions, and attitude. Let us therefore determine to make a constructive “impression,” rather than succumbing to the slough of “depression!”

What Ever Happened to 'Self Control'?

            With all the clap about ‘gun control’, it’s significant that few even think of the basis issue of self-control. We would rather deal with inanimate objects, like guns, than to speak to the underlying problem of human nature. With all the regulations being sent down from Washington, including stricter gun laws, we have made no progress in curbing crime and human depravity. Even those making the laws, along with the increasing number of “Presidential Privileges,” have failed miserably. Some of the strictest gun laws are found in the most crime-ridden cities of America. Even the lawmakers themselves are hard pressed to obey the law, and stem the tide of political corruption.

            This is a different America than 100 yrs. ago, when the foundations of moral character and individual responsibility were in vogue. Certainly there was crime in those days, but there was a greater sense of justice. Plus the fact, we had the foundation of family life and the basic acceptance of Biblical precepts. Today illegitimacy is rampant and marriage is becoming “obsolete.” The media is replete with a moral degeneracy, promoting anything but “sex-control.” And we’re talking about controlling guns?

            In those days churches were basically strong in faith, believing that the Bible was indeed the Word of God. These factors made a difference in the training and philosophy of younger generations. Sorry to say, these precious factors are all but absent in today’s society, and we are reaping the terrible results.

            President Obama is simply taking advantage of this horrendous demise of Constitutional and Biblical precepts. His “revolutionary,” socialistic agenda is gaining momentum because the moral bankruptcy of our nation is on the increase. With decreasing evidence of self control and personal responsibility, the Obama regime is having a heyday. Personal freedom is being lost by those who will not use their liberty to preserve their liberty. If you don’t “use it you lose it.” The entitlement mentality has already taken over 50% of our population, who depends on government handouts in varying degrees. Why work, even if jobs are made available, when the government honors those who don’t work. Yes, there’s a need for welfare, helping those who have a legitimate need; but that was to be a temporary assistance, until a job could be gained. It was never to become a lifestyle. But human nature, being what it is, will gravitate to the Santa Clause mentality, and our President is certainly becoming the “Santa Messiah.”

            He didn’t just walk into the White House, the people elected him. Knowing now what he really is, revealed by his national addresses, who are the fools who put him into office? The real issue is that we are losing our country to the younger set who have been brainwashed on “Obama-economics,” thanks to liberal college professors and the media.  This scenario did not happen overnight, and it should not be a surprise that we’re being led by Chicago type “thugs,” who are simply “cashing in” on a lawless, selfish, and out-of-control society.

            We are paying a terrible price for the lack of self-control, and abandonment of moral principles. Our forefathers, although very imperfect, were men of character and restraint. We are disregarding their wisdom captured by the Constitution, which is understandable seeing that we have already thrown out the Bible from the public domain. We are reaping what we’ve sown, and God is not the blame. Personal repentance and faith are in order if God is ever to have mercy on this land again. We are pushing the envelope, getting near the point of no return. We had better get a grip on ourselves personally, trusting that a God-fearing, spiritual “awakening” may flood our land. But let it be known, that this will not begin in the White House; the Bible says that “judgment must begin at the house of God!” If so-called churches don’t renounce their unbelief and apostasy, getting back to God’s Word, we are destined for political, economic and spiritual destruction.

Comments Welcome   Bilfinn1@yahoo.com

The Fear of the LORD is 'Bottom Line'

            The following is an excerpt from my commentary on Proverbs. I will use them from time to time, trusting that they will be helpful and edifying.

Prov. 1:7---The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.   

             The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge – Since the LORD is the Author of all knowledge, our relationship to Him is all important if there is to be understanding. Thus, the “fear of the LORD” is the essential ingredient in the fruitful understanding of God’s truth.           

            "The fear of the LORD" is the key verse of Proverbs and the prerequisite to godliness. A holy reverence and respect for Jehovah ("The Great I AM"-Ex.3:14) is the essence of salvation in Christ. (2Cor.7:1) Practically speaking, fearing God is taking Him seriously. This is the great need in the Church today. Not professing one thing and living another. Someone said: "If the Holy Spirit left the world, 95% of so-called Christian work would still continue as is"! He blesses and uses those who fear Him.

            "Beginning of knowledge..." The word for "beginning" has the meaning of "first place, chief part, principle thing, or best"; no one really "knows" anything apart from the fear of God. It is this particular fear that is the chief part of all knowledge, i.e. awareness of the facts. The ABC's are the principle part of our language; one never gets past these no matter how educated he may be. All words from "cat" to "trigonometry" are but combinations of those basic letters. So no one ever gets past the fear of God.

            It's been said that no doctor has ever really seen a body unless he has a sense of the fear of God; because we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." Without that fear, an astronomer is yet to see the wonder of a star in the universe. O, LORD, my God, how Great Thou Art!

            But fools despise wisdom and instruction - Only fools (silly ones) despise (hold in disdain, of no importance) the wisdom (skill) and instruction (discipline) that results from walking in the fear of God. O, what the world, and even the Church, is missing by ignoring the One who made them and bought them with a price!

Your comments are welcome  Bilfinn1@yahoo.com

The Gospel and the Casino Dealer

            About two decades ago it was my privilege to meet Peter Corkhill. He visited our church in New Jersey, not far from Atlantic City. Pete, as we called him, was gainfully employed in a major casino as a gamer or card dealer. His role was to represent the establishment by engaging the gambling customers in various card games. He seemed enthusiastic about the work, and evidently made a good wage.

            He began attending church on Sunday mornings, before heading out to work at the casino. He was a bright man, well-groomed, with a pleasant personality. You could say that he was well fitted for his vocation, seeing that he was able to mix well with all kinds of people. His outgoing demeanor was “catching,” and he became very proficient in his job, not to mention the many pit-falls facing him. It was interesting to watch his response to God’s Word, as he began to warm up to the truth of the Gospel (“Good News”) of salvation.

            It wasn’t long before Pete surrendered to Christ, and began testifying of the things that were changing in his life. He began attending our Men’s meeting on Saturday mornings, sharing with us his new found faith. Some of us were waiting for Pete to tell us he was “convicted” about working as a card dealer, and needed to get a “legitimate” job. But that never happened for a long time! Instead, he related how he began talking to customers about Jesus, but was taken back by their lack of interest. He said, “I don’t understand why these people won’t listen to me.”  It was almost amusing to witness his innocent simplicity, as he continued to share his faith, not realizing his own inconsistency. How some of us “religionists” wanted to “set him straight” on this issue, letting him know that he was in the wrong job! But we kept our mouths shut, and rightly so.

            How beautiful was the day when he came to the Men’s gathering and shared how God had been talking to him about something. He then blurted out, “Do you guys think that maybe I’m working in the wrong place?” He continued, “I believe I need to get out of that casino and consider another career.” That’s exactly what he did, and became a man of integrity, using his God-given talents. We were thrilled to witness what God had shown Pete, without any “help” from us! This radical change in Pete’s life bore a powerful testimony to those around him, including church folks. His self-centered life was now broken, and a new, unselfish and godly man emerged by God’s grace.

            There were some good lessons learned from Pete’s experience. First, only God’s Word can transform a life from within; second, a real Christian has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and new direction; third, although well-meaning, other people cannot dictate what a believer must do; fourth, through the Word and prayer, God “leads His dear children along;” and fifth, He (God) makes all things beautiful in His time.

            Pete served the Lord faithfully for many years. He eventually contracted throat cancer, which was used to take him Home to Heaven. He left a real life testimony to the fact that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.” (The Bible). This world could sure use some more Pete Corkhills!

Comments are welcome – Bilfinn@yahoo.com