Today I want to cover a topic which is probably affecting everyone in this room. I’m not a psychiatrist or therapist, but have experienced deep depression personally. This is not an expected cure-all for clinical depression—although, never count out what God will do—but a wakeup call that there is a way out and that depression does its best work in darkness alone. And for the countless others who may hear this message who are not fighting clinical depression but a disorder: you are darkened, weakened, stopped in your tracks almost daily with a constant cloud of private misery—understand you are not alone. One in three of all Americans suffer from Anxiety and Depression Disorder. Almost 50% of young adults (18-24) suffer from Anxiety and Depression Disorder. Since the increase during the pandemic: suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those 10 to 34/ 1 in every 4 young adults (18-24) have seriously considered taking their own life. Those that don't get to the point of suicidal contemplation still suffer from relationship problems and divorce; loneliness and isolation; a lack of any joy or purpose in life. And when you do have a moment of joy, one wrong thought instantly takes you to a private place of dread and hopelessness again.

We are living in a world 5hat screams racism at every turn, and yet many of the same people are calling for the annihilation of the entire Jewish race. We are living in a world that screams "follow the science" when we discuss vaccine mandates and evolution over creation, and yet many of the same people will socially and even legally persecute you for teaching simple, scientific human biology. We are living in a world that is beginning to openly hate Jesus Christ, laughing and smirking at His outdated ways, claiming to have wiser, more modern lives while their narcissism, hate, entitlement, and depravity bring suffering, division, depression and mental health issues galore. And mass confusion about who they are, why they are here and why anything matters in life. We are living in a world where holding true Christian values is increasingly labeled as bigoted, hateful, and even dangerous until many are afraid to even speak their beliefs openly. We are living in a world on the brink of complete moral disintegration globally, swiftly moving towards unprecedented governmental control. We are watching our world be literally torn apart at the seams while many of us on a local level leave our heads stuck in the sand and continue chasing the American Dream and our Christian blessings. In these unparalleled times within the life of our generation, and based upon the Words and Ministry of Jesus Christ Himself, I feel justified in saying I have grown weary of catering to soft, scared Christians; weary of trying to please and protect delicate believers so they can live secure and comfortable lives in their faith while the world goes to hell around them. Nowhere do the Scriptures call us to such a life, but quite honestly just the opposite. There has been no moment in our lifetimes which has called for more courage, action, and awakening than right now.

It's time to leave the worries and cares of all of the mess our world is in right now and focus anew on the most amazing, impacting, life-changing Words of Jesus concerning His Love and Plan for every one of us. Please open your hearts today and let Him speak fresh hope to your very soul. We have heard this verse spoken, and displayed more than any other verse of God's Word in the Scriptures—and with good reason. Because this verse tells so much about the depth of God's Love and His eternal plan for mankind. It is practically the Bible in a nutshell all on its own. But when we read this verse, we often miss an even greater message from our unfathomable God—because—notice something important at the start of the verse: it begins with, "For,” meaning that it is attached to an ongoing conversation. This incredible declaration is a summary (an answer, a climax) to a larger, previous conversation.
Let's explore this well-known verse by first seeing the context leading up to its truth.