An Evening with David Powlison

What can I say? He is one of the most humble, gracious, kind, and genuine human beings I have ever met. Add to that the fact that he offers some of the richest insight into the human soul shaped purely by scripture, that one’s encounter with him is sure to be nothing short of awe and inspiration. Dr. David Powlison is one of those guys whose every word contains a myriad of nuances. The depth of wisdom contained in each sentence he utters forces deep contemplation, and opens the mind to a foreign, seldom considered landscape of thought and conceptualization regarding God, mankind, and the struggles of being human. 

On this particular evening, Dr. Powlison tackled the enormous and very delicate issue of depression. Citing the accuracy and richness of Dante and the decent into hell, Powlison painted a vivid portrait of the intense hues of gray and black that cloud the canvas of the melancholy mind. Tackling questions such as “Is depression a sin” and “Should depressed people take medication”, Dr. Powlison exemplified thoughtfulness and skill in offering gentle yet potentially provocative answers. With uncanny form, he illustrated the simplicity of viewing depression as a mere “medical” or “social” or “cognitive-behavioral” issue, and pointed to the “glass floor” by which all forms of therapy are limited in reaching the depths of the human heart. Pointing the God and His Word, Powlison offered true, helpful answers.

The Association of Biblical Counselors wants to thank Dr. Powlison for stretching his busy day into the late hours of the evening. We were honored to feature him for this forum, and pray for continued health and wisdom as he proclaims the precious message of the Gospel to a culture in great need. You are a blessing to all!

Sincerely,

Jeremy Lelek