Alan Noble describes an experience many of us have but don’t want to talk about: the struggle to go on living life amid deep suffering. Some of us experience quiet anguish simply from the demands of continuing to exist.
That’s not to say all of us, each and every day, have to drag ourselves out of bed to keep moving forward. But we all go through seasons of what Noble calls “mental affliction”: the deep, powerful weight that calls into question life itself and dampens the drive to keep on living.
We all go through seasons of what Noble calls ‘mental affliction’: the deep, powerful weight that calls into question life itself and dampens the drive to keep on living.
Noble is associate professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He has previously written on ways modernity distorts our understanding of the world. On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living draws from his own experience with depression and anxiety to help readers find a way to continue to be faithful despite their struggles.
As Noble points out, we often assume when we see a smiling face or a productive adult that all must be right with his or her life. I’d venture that many of us could say of ourselves: on the outside everything looks fine, but inside it’s a different story.
For some, the struggle is due to an underlying illness or inexplicable chronic pain. For others, it’s more generally due to the ups and downs of life in a broken world. But no struggle is simple.
Choices in Mental Suffering
At the beginning of the book, Noble reveals he used to believe anyone who struggled with mental affliction, in its many forms, did something to bring it about. They made choices and were reaping consequences. Before I entered my own season of suffering several years back, I operated out of the same framework. I may not have articulated it in that way, but, even as a counselor, that was my view of suffering.
Experience has taught him, as it has me, that this belief isn’t true. Usually, those who suffer mental anguish did absolutely nothing to bring it about. If they did, their actions are often only loosely connected to the result. Or the suffering is disproportionate to whatever started it.
Regardless of our mental state, Noble argues, each of us has a choice to make. Whether we’re debilitated by such extreme anxiety that we can barely function or we’re simply tired, each day brings with it a choice. Each and every day, we have to choose to live. For those with mental affliction, making that choice can be grueling.
Helpful Truths for Sufferers
Noble’s book highlights five key truths all of us need to hear, particularly those who are struggling.
1. Knowing the reason doesn’t mean knowing the cure.
As a counselor, I’ve sat with suffering brothers and sisters from all walks of life, going through all sorts of difficult times. Even when we find a “reason,” which may be a formal diagnosis, that doesn’t equate to a cure. We can work hard to solve the presenting problem, walking in obedience and praying for the Lord to do the work only he can do, but it’s not a simple solution.
2. To exist in the world is a witness that matters.
Though we can’t always control what happens to us, the pain we feel, or who witnesses our suffering, simply being matters. It matters to those who see what we do and don’t do. It matters that we press on and continue to do the next right thing. As Noble puts it, your courage speaks loudly.
3. Mental affliction does not excuse sin.
Suffering is a heavy burden, one that deserves great compassion from those walking alongside the sufferer. However, it does not give the right to hurt, neglect, or abuse others. Nor does it provide permission for self-harm. Sufferers must be careful not to overlook their own sin while undergoing mental anguish. Persevering matters, even when suicide feels like the only way out. Continuing to live serves as an example that may save the life of others who are suffering.
4. Sometimes we press on simply because we have to.
We may have to go to work even when we don’t feel right. Parents still have to care for their children amid suffering. Such examples come back to the truth that there are times we keep going because we have no other viable option. Is this the greatest reason? Of course not. But sometimes it has to be enough.
5. God’s Word has much to say to the suffering saint.
Noble ends by reminding the reader of necessary truths from Scripture: You’re seen. You’re loved. God desires your good. He sent his Spirit and his people to walk beside you. You are not your own and you are not alone.
Hopeful Resource
As I read Noble’s book, I tabbed pages to come back to. By the end, easily a third of the pages were marked. This speaks to the poetic power of Noble’s writing.
Anyone walking through a season of suffering, particularly mental affliction, will benefit from this book. Noble puts into words what many of us already know but desperately need to be reminded of. The book is both a comfort in trials and an encouragement to choose to go on living.
The Gospel Coalition