Back In The Land Of The Living

Back In The Land Of The Living

I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

“Everything in this world seems broken,” Harvey said, “like it’s all upside down from what it should be.”

I’d known Harvey and various members of his family for years. But I had never heard him sound so despondent, and I was concerned.

“Tell me what’s going on.”

“In the last two years, I’ve lost ten of my closest family members. It’s like God doesn’t even care.”

Harvey wasn’t exaggerating. Most of the deaths had been expected—several were of relatives in their seventies and eighties. But at least one death had happened unexpectedly: a beloved niece who had died in a car accident on a rainy night.

“I’m guessing you feel as if God isn’t listening to your prayers right now,” I said.

Harvey started to cry.

“I understand your pain because I’ve felt that way too.”

I told Harvey about the personal loss I had experienced when my close friends were murdered. “From what I went through, I know that grief isn’t always a short journey. It’s hard to navigate, and it can be difficult to find a spiritual oasis where you can reconnect with God.”

Harvey nodded. I could see he was relieved that someone understood what he was going through. I encouraged him and prayed with him. But as his doctor, I also recognized that depression had set in, and he would need medication to restore his brain chemistry. “I’m going to prescribe something to help you, but you’ll need to come back frequently so I can monitor your progress.”

For weeks, nothing seemed to change. Harvey was as despondent as ever. But as time went on, I noticed that the doom and gloom weren’t quite as prevalent as before. A few months later, when I walked into the exam room, he had a smile on his face—the first I had seen from him in a long time.

“I’ve been trying to get back into the swing of things, Doc. And you know what? It’s not so bad out there.”

That’s when I knew for sure that Harvey had rejoined us in the land of the living.

TODAY’S RX

If your glass is half empty and you can’t lift it on your own, see a doctor for help.

God, so often the darkness of this world overshadows the light. I pray that you make yourself present to me today and to those around me who are hurting. Bring healing to us, God, and help us to recognize your light.