Castles were built with moats and high walls for defense. For the most part, they depended on height, breadth, strength, power, stability, etc., and sometimes even built an extra layer of protection by building walled cities, supposedly unassailable. But then came catapults and other devices which ramped up the need for defenses even stronger.

Warfare has changed drastically. Now with electronic surveillance, drones, and other highly sophisticated weaponry, is anywhere safe from attack? Even in our homes, we are defiled…..

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So, I’ve been thinking, and becoming depressed, about depression lately.

I have known depression twice in my life, but I didn’t recognize it as depression until reflecting upon it later. Thankfully, I do not live in that dark place often.

Prompted by the death of Robin Williams this week, we are all thinking about the topic.

I think depression is one of those self-centered maladies which enters our existence when we get overwhelmed by circumstances outside our control, and internalize…..

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Recall with me this hymn for such a time as this. Written in 1822, James Mongomery wrote the words, and Rowland Prichard set it to beautiful music in 1855. I can hear in my head the loud organ at Hope College, in the stone Dimnent Chapel, while hundred reaffirm Jeremiah’s words: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anythig too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32: 27)

“Call Jehovah thy Salvation, rest beneath th’ Almighty’s shade, In His…..

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I read the end of Psalm 32 this morning. I needed that. A few friends and I gathered for prayer earlier, holding up several mutual friends and family members who are hurting right now, or who have decisions, or need healing. I believe in prayer. I believe God indeed numbers every hair on our heads and cares for every cell in our bodies, every decision we make, every pressing worry which robs us of peace and sleep at night.

That…..

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