In the Midst of Darkness

"When you are depressed, because it feels like everything is going against you, you are almost always unable to see signs of hope... God has ordained that hard times are to come into your life, and your emotions are sinking lower and lower, your vision is becoming very impaired. Naomi could not see signs of hope... that's what happens to you, by the way, which is one reason why you need each other, why being together in ministry is so crucial. You try to go off by yourself and do ministry you're gonna crash... if you don't have somebody coming in your darkness, and just gently, not in a cavalier way, saying 'Praise God anyhow,' but in a deep, strong, earnest, biblical way, take you by the neck and say, 'I know you can't see hope right now, but I can, and I am with you, you will see it soon.' That's what has to happen." --J.Piper, Ruth: Sweet and Bitter Providence