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Later, he speaks of how the Spirit of Christ sustains daily:
16We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger [renewed] each day.
Yes, we are "clay jars," so we can face discouragement in our lives, and even in our intimacy with the Trinity. Paul gives us some advice through his example:
1) The real power is from God. In discouragement turn to God and pray for divine energy. If you struggle to pray, and this often happens in difficult times, just say what you feel, and ask for help. "Have mercy" or "Help" is a fit prayer. Keep it simple, be direct, and admit your need.
2) God is with us. Sometimes, especially when under a lot of stress or undergoing deep disappointment, we do not feel the Presence of God. We may ache for a return of the sense of God near. Again, despite feelings, affirm God is near.
3) We are renewed daily. Is this possible? This is the Divine Will, ideally. Yet, you and I have gone through times when we were not renewed daily, not consciously. Possibly, "not consciously" is the key. Even when more surface aspects of our self, like mind and emotions and body, seem to lose strength daily, untouched by Grace's vitality, we can trust that God is doing a deeper work of renewal.
Of course, we must include in life experience the possibility of matters like depression. I have experienced this a number of times in my life, and suffered a bout with suicidal thoughts many years ago.
Christians like anyone else are open to experiencing mental pain and mental illness. Even as a leg can be broken under stress, the mind and emotions can be bent or broken, too.
When we are suffering deeply, and a suffering seems out of control, hope is vital. However, we need to seek the professional help called for. But, at times, professional help is not what we need. We might need a supportive community or a close friend to hold us in closer companionship and in prayer.
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