The answer is emphatically, yes!  God’s word tells us that our path as Christians will be filled with trials, sorrows, and valleys, but the Bible also denotes that believers will experience great victories, delights, and peaks along their journey.  According to John Piper, William Cowper’s life is a clear example of a Christian who suffered greatly, yet maintained his faith and reverence for the Lord.  Despite years of intense depression that led to multiple suicide attempts, Cowper pursued the Lord and invigorated others through his writings.  Alongside his pastor, John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace”, Cowper utilized his skill for poetry to create a plethora of hymns.  In the midst of working on the hymns, Cowper experienced a vivid dream that led to another bout of intense depression.  During this time frame, Newton frequently visited, prayed with, encouraged, and supported Cowper.  Newton and Cowper’s beautiful partnership harkens to the Biblical story of the relationship that Ruth and Naomi had throughout their lifetime.  By all accounts, Naomi had a multitude of reasons to pull away from God and give in to her sorrows.  Due to Ruth’s perseverance and the providence of God, Naomi was able to endure her anguish and proceed to have a fruitful life.  Just like Ruth and Naomi, Newton’s connection with Cowper validates the purpose of Christian fellowship.  Cowper struggled immensely, but through Newton’s constant presence infusing the word of God, Cowper didn’t fully succumb to his depression.  William Cowper’s walk with the Lord was complicated by his persistent emotional turmoil, but as a result of Cowper’s relationship with Newton and the Lord, Cowper’s life has had an incredible impact on Christians for hundreds of years.

Our faith in the Lord does not preclude believers from mental health struggles, but it does provide us with hope throughout our pain and a Father that guides us through our difficulties.  Each and every challenge we encounter can contribute to our growth as a Christian and present opportunities for us to disciple others.  

Article written by Shea Spainhoward on a portion of The Hidden Smile of God by John Piper