EASTER is rapidly approaching and although the weather is still very varied with bursts of snow periodically, spring is just upon the horizon.

I know that by my garden. The bulbs are peeping through and it is beginning to feel like the long haul of winter with its dark nights are behind us.

But before we get to Easter, Christians have a hard journey to take, the walk through Holy Week. In many of the church services there is an air of solemnity and as you come close to the cross of Good Friday things feel very bleak, and we know the outcome!

Many of us in our lives have a period of time that feels like our own Holy Week. Daily events seem to conspire against us. We seem to be losing control and things are spiralling in such a way that we are at a loss as to know what to do. We hope one thing and the reverse seems to happen.

A few years ago I suffered from a bout of depression. Everything I tried would not lift me, the world seemed bleak and it felt like I was not managing big time. I longed for signs of spring but all I could see was the barren waste of winter. I eventually sought help and with the love and support of those around me I found the green shoots of spring and hope re-emerged.

For my faith to be real, I need to believe that as Jesus walked through the darkest moments of his life towards the cross he too felt the dark days crowding in. Jesus'[ humanity means that he understands.

So if for you at the moment things feel a little tough, please seek help both physical and spiritual. Prayer is a good place to begin, you can say anything to God, and words don’t even need to be spoken. Just be and offer everything you feel to the one who understands. It won’t be a miracle cure overnight but conversation with a friend who understands is always a good place to start.

The Rev Ruth Crompton

Methodist minister in the Airedale Methodist Circuit