November 7, 2019 (Thursday)
In recent years several well-known ministers of the gospel have taken their own lives. I do not know why, but it is possible that mental depression overwhelmed them. If I could speak to ministers everywhere, I would urge them to seek help if they are experiencing such depression.
There are many, however, who are not clinically depressed, but are experiencing burnout and fatigue. Perhaps Ira Stanphill was experiencing those feelings when he wrote about feelings of loneliness and weariness in the Lord’s work. We all are tempted from time to time to have a little “pity party” of our own, feeling sorry for ourselves. This song, popular a while back, encourages us to look to Jesus for inspiration to keep on doing our best against all odds.
Follow Me
Ira Stanphill1 I traveled down a lonely road And no one seemed to care;
The burden on my weary back Had bowed me to despair,
I oft complained to Jesus How folks were treating me,
And then I heard Him say so tenderly,
“My feet were also weary, Upon the Calv’ry road;
The cross became so heavy, I fell beneath the load,
Be faithful weary pilgrim, The morning I can see,
Just lift your cross and follow close to me.”2. “I work so hard for Jesus” I often boast and say,
“I’ve sacrificed a lot of things To walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune, I’m worth a lot to Thee,”
And then I hear Him gently say to me.
“I left the throne of glory And counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger Upon a cruel cross,
But now we’ll make the journey With your hand safe in mine,
So lift your cross and follow close to me.3. Oh, Jesus if I die upon A foreign field some day,
‘Twould be no more than love demands No less could I repay,
“No greater love hath mortal man Than for a friend to die”
These are the words He gently spoke to me,
“If just a cup of water I place within your hand
Then just a cup of water Is all that I demand,”
But if by death to living They can thy glory see,
I’ll take my cross and follow close to thee.