“Want to talk?” says the advertisement in the telephone box here in Kaitaia in Commerce Street. Underneath I read, “These numbers might help.”

Seven numbers are given, including the Depression helpline number.

The other numbers are the Lifeline number, the Suicide Crisis Helpline number, the Youthline number, the Kidsline number, the Whatsup number and finally the Samaritans number. Almost all of them are 0800 numbers and available 24/7.

Recently I read about depression in our local paper. Someone who is suffering from depression says that depression has been taboo for too long, and the best way to help people who are suffering from depression is to talk about it. There is not only strength in talking about it, but there is also strength in admitting that you need help.

The telephone numbers in the telephone box might help, and I hope that they do; but I know for sure that the promises in the Bible help. There are a good number of them in the Psalms. Here is one of them. In Psalm 50:14,15 we read:

“‘Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.'”

Pray to the Lord Jesus Christ. Talking with the Lord Jesus Christ is prayer.

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein

PUKEKO at the Stone Store in Kerikeri. Pukekos are wading birds and brightly colored.

“If Christians spent as much time praying as they do grumbling, they would soon have nothing to grumble about.” – Anonymous

This book is a real page turner. Get hold of a copy and read it. We bought it second-hand.

“But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.” – Galatians 3:22

“If I have seen a little further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton

“Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalm 141:3