The following essay, written by Lutheran High North senior Clara Brown, won first place in the Lutherans For Life of Michigan 2026 Essay Contest and was originally published in the Aug/Sept/Oct 2026 edition of Lifelines.
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, The Return of the King, the character Samwise says, “Though here at journey’s end I lie in darkness buried deep… above all shadows rides the Sun and Stars forever well: I will not say the Day is done, nor bid the Stars farewell.” Samwise must fight against the darkness, even when it seems easier to give in, because he believes he has a greater purpose His words reflect the truth that many young adults face today. There is darkness in the world, and it is hard not to succumb to it. In today’s culture, people experience depression when they base their worth on scholarships, wealth, jobs, and achievements. When these pursuits fail, people are left feeling broken and empty. However, suffering through depression does not change the sanctity of life, and hope is not meant to rest on temporary sources of joy. The world teaches that worth is based on success, but the Gospel teaches that even in depression, the value of life and hope are found in the sacrifice of Christ.
Depression has many causes, but one source of despair is the pressure to build identity on achievement. Young adults are influenced by the cultural norm that worth and happiness are found in relationships, careers, and wealth. Consequently, “College campuses and workplaces are seeing an increase in students and young professionals reaching out for counseling, often reporting feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and overwhelming anxiety” (Galdo). Many young people struggle emotionally and mentally and experience anxiety and exhaustion. They begin to think that their lives do not matter because life feels overwhelming and burdensome. As the pressure increases, it becomes unbearable, and the young adult becomes depressed, hopeless, and unhappy.
Depression can lead a person to feel numb and worthless. It is like swimming in an ocean so cold that the skin becomes numb to the chill, while the waves pull the swimmer down. Yet, just as there is comfort for the swimmer when the light from the lighthouse shines through the darkness, there is comfort in the Word of God for the depressed. God’s Word proclaims that they may have life despite their suffering—a life full of purpose and worth through Christ. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The thief, the devil, wants to destroy hope and peace. He tempts people to seek fame, achievements, and success for their value, but Christ has given everlasting worth that is not dependent on success. People long for something to give their lives meaning, not realizing that Christ has already done so. The Scriptures teach that no matter the suffering, there is hope, life, and worth through Christ. God gives everyone a purpose to love Him and share His Word, so that others may know His grace. Depression may try to pull people into the deep, numbing waters, but the light of God always shines. There is always hope and value because Christ has died for all. The fact that the Son of God came down from Heaven to bear the sin of the world to the cross shows how much worth every person has and how deeply Christ loves His children.
In my own life, I often feel exhausted and discouraged, but I know my worth does not come from success or emotions. My value comes from the sacrifice of Christ, and despite this exhaustion, I still have value. I also must be reminded that this exhausting day-to-day life will not be solved in a few seconds. However, with every negative thought, I can shift my mindset by turning to the Word. In Christ, I have abundant life on earth and in eternity and my life is worth living. God has provided His Word to bring comfort and assurance that everyone is made in the image of God and is loved and chosen by Him.
The world teaches that the value of life comes from wealth and achievements, but Christ teaches that each person has value because He has redeemed every human by His blood. Whether it is the struggling student or the depressed adult, no life lacks worth. If Christ deemed all lives worthy to die for, then each life is worthy to live. Christ has overcome the pain and suffering of the world so that all may have life. With Him, all have value, hope, joy, and a life that no darkness can overcome.
Works Cited
- ESV: Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, Ill., Crossway Bibles, 2016.
- Galdo, Jason. “Depression in Young Adults: How Common Is It and Why — Early Warning Signs.” Atlanta Center for Mental Health, 6 Oct. 2025, https://www.atlmentalhealth.com/post/depression-in-young-adults-how-common-is-it-and-why-early-warning-signs
- Tolkien, J.RR. The Return of the King. 1955. Harper Collins, 2011.
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