Psalm 143:4
February 27th Devotional
On this day in 1854, the renowned German composer and pianist Robert Schumann attempted to take his life by jumping off a bridge into the freezing water of the Rhine River. Schumann was considered by many to be one of the most gifted musicians of the Romantic era. His pieces are still regarded as some of the most remarkable ever created. Despite Schumann’s gifting he still suffered greatly from depression. Robert first started to battle depression in 1833 and it continued to assault his mental and spiritual life for over twenty years. Days before his suicide attempt Schumann started to go into an elongated, unending period of depression. He was unable to sleep and his wife, Clara, who was six months pregnant with their eighth child at the time was unable to console him. On the morning of February 27th, he rushed from the house leaving his jacket and boots behind. The city streets of Düsseldorf were crowded with Mardi Gras revelers as he jumped into the icy cold water of the Rhine. It was a very public spectacle. A group of unnamed boatmen rescued Robert from the water but his life was forever changed. He was committed to an insane asylum and is forbidden to communicate with his wife. Before being taken away to be treated he asked that a doctor give a carnation to his wife. She kept the carnation, pressed it into a book, and kept it for decades. Despite non-stop treatment, Robert was unable to find victory over his depression. Tragically after two years of care, Robert Schumann succumbed and died at the age of 46. He left a wife alone with eight children, the youngest of which was never able to meet his father. His wife was naturally distraught. She would remain single for the next forty years, suffering from her own sorrows and agonies, and would forever miss the love of her life. His wife was also extremely gifted musically and would go on tour to share the gift of his music with thousands of others.
No one is exempt from suffering through seasons of depression. Even the most seasoned believer goes through seasons of drought. Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers would often be assaulted by long periods of depression that would keep him out of the pulpit. There is no inoculation against being depressed. The Bible mentions great people who went through seasons of darkness. In Psalm 143:4 David wrote, “Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart is appalled within me.” We aren’t sure of the exact context of David’s writing but many believers that David wrote this was hiding from King Saul in the caves of En Gedi. It was there that David was left alone, fearful, and depressed. David began to question God’s faithfulness, to question God’s power, and to question God’s presence. Depression does that from time to time. The internal struggle with mental illness can cause us to question God. David found aid as he conversed with God. His situation didn’t change but his heart attitude did. Sometimes can cause a misalignment spiritually in our life, praying to God though helps to realign our life spiritually. Depression at times can be overbearing and can cause a believer shame. We don’t like to admit it. We treat it like leprosy. But depression doesn’t attack the weak, it attacks all. Spiritually you need to get into the Word and prayer. Maybe you even need to see a medical doctor to be treated with medication or counseling. Depression is not something we should ever make light of. We need proper physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional help. Don’t ignore it, friend. Get to God, get some help.
No comments:
Post a Comment