Discouragement should be recognized as an evil, tending to retard growth in character and check righteous activity. Certainly one who is floundering in the quagmire of despondency is not advancing along the highway to heaven, nor serving as a useful member of society. In the last analysis, what is this mental attitude but belief in a power opposed to God? Being such, it is to be overcome and destroyed. If one is subjected to this error, let him not regard his case as unique. Many Christian workers and warriors have known depression, dismal and deep, but have risen above it; and others can do the same.
For example, there was the Psalmist who, at one time, immersed in gloom, uttered his mournful queries: "Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? ... Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?" The outlook no doubt seemed dark and difficult, but in his extremity the Psalmist did a very wise thing: he resolved to use his memory aright. He declared: "I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old." He began to meditate upon the power of God and to recall His marvelous deeds. And, since God is unchangeable, he knew that His invincible might, so evident in the past, is constantly available for His children. We may be sure that this true knowing was an effectual help in lifting the Psalmist above the clouds of doubt; and as such it can be proved today.
Are we cast down, dismayed? Let us think of the ever present, almighty Father, revealed to us through Christian Science. Let us remember His tender mercy in forgiving our sins and His redemptive love for us; His healing, regenerating grace, experienced by us and an ever growing multitude. Let us recollect that, since God, good, is omnipotent, evil is powerless, so that there is never any actual reason to be dejected. Let us employ the simple plan of counting our blessings, and note the result. If the gratitude thus awakened does not suffice to dispel the shadows, we may go a step farther and talk of God's doings, as did the Psalmist. Could there be a more uplifting subject for conversation? As wisdom points the way, let us tell what divine Love has done for us. In the midweek meeting of Christian Science churches opportunity is provided to talk of God's doings, and testimonies thankfully given serve to cure severe attacks of melancholy.
