To the Rear

Scripture References: Jeremiah 10:19; 2 Corinthians 11:29

A major fighting in Normandy during World War II said that he was being mauled by “the manic-depressive atmosphere of war.” He knew he had to conquer his feeling, or be destroyed by it; while he had seen soldiers advance under many conditions, he had never seen them “follow gloom in any direction other than to the rear.” His appraisal reflected what happened to the American leadership in both the North African and Anzio campaigns. The American general who led the attack in each battle was later replaced and sent home due to “fatigue.” The term indicated his inability to motivate himself, leading to a deadly malaise among the troops and an inability to reach military objectives.

Gloom never leads a life in any direction but to the rear. Depression is a silent assassin because it often masquerades as other illnesses. It can also be caused by illness or medication taken for illness. Those overwhelmed by depression need the understanding and active involvement of family and friends. Christians burdened by it need the support network of their local congregation. The depressed need, above all, active association with people whose zeal for living offers an alternative to their gloom-filled impasse.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.