Defeating Depression

We’ve all wrestled with depression. Everyone experiences their “dark days” and “blue moods”. Each of us has felt “down” at various points in our lives. But, depression is not inevitable.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Though all of us have a vague understanding of what depression is, most of us would have some difficulty in defining it.  

Depression comes from the word “de­pressed”. Simply stated, it is a feeling of hav­ing been pressed low in our spirits. It is a condi­tion of feeling dejection and heaviness in our heart. It has been described as feeling down, feeling blue, or feeling dis­heartened. It is often a state of desperation which gives a person the feeling of hopelessness. It is a close relative of despair, despondency, and discouragement.

WHO SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION?

Depression is so common and widespread that everyone experiences it in some form at some point in their life. It cuts across every conceivable boundary. It is considered to be the most common mental and emotional problem affecting mankind. In fact, it is claimed that more human suffering has resulted from depression than from any other single disease!

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Though the word “depression” is not mentioned in the Bible, the scriptures contain many references to this common problem. The Bible points to many incidents of depression­ in the lives of godly men. As we have stated, it is not a problem which just affects the ungodly.

It appears that Job, Moses, David, Elijah, Jonah, Peter, Paul, and the entire nation of Israel suffered from depression. Jeremiah even expressed his deep depression in a book entitled, Lamentations. PAUL stated that he “despaired even of life” because of the intense pressures he experienced [See Job 3; Num. 11:10-15; Psa. 42, 43; 1 Ki. 19:4; Jonah 4:1-3; Matt. 26:75; 2 Cor. 1:8; and Ex. 6:9].

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

The most common cause of depression is stress. Life is filled with pressing difficulties, delays, disappointments, setbacks, and tragedies. If we do not deal with the problems of life properly, they can gradually wear us down, weaken us, and create a growing sense of depression.

Often, these pressures are beyond our control. The loss of a job, health, an opportunity, possessions, or a loved one can all contribute to a state of depression. When it appears that we have no real control over the problems we experience, depression and discouragement are often the result. Sometimes it seems we have no say concerning the events which crowd into our lives. Occasionally, we feel like we’ve lost control and become a helpless victim of circumstances. At times like this, we may feel like we’ve reached a dead-end with no way out. When we feel like we are unable to do anything to change our situation, a sense of hopelessness and frustration sets in.      

When we encounter circumstances over which we have no control, we may assume that our actions are useless, no matter how hard we try. When it seems that we’ve run out of answers for our problems, we begin to sink beneath the waves of depression.

NEGATIVE THINKING

Depression can usually be traced to negative thinking. Negativity is so strongly rooted in the thought life of some people that it adversely affects every area of their life.

Our thinking patterns have a great influ­ence upon our emotions, our attitudes, and our will. Depression and discouragement are often a result of wrong thinking. Depressed people see only the dark side of life. They usually have a pessimistic outlook. Life to them is an endless succession of burdens, obstacles, and disappointments. They have convinced themselves that life is hopeless. Having painted a picture of despair in their own minds, they reinforce their feelings of despondency.

Many who suffer from depression also have a negative view of themselves. They have little or no self-esteem. They often feel deficient, inadequate, and useless. They constantly minister self-doubt and criticism to themselves. This negative feeling of failure inevitably breeds self-pity and a deep sense of depression.

Negative thinking not only affects the way we think about ourselves, but it also causes us to view the future pessimistically. All the future holds is continuing failure, hardship, and frustration.

This common tendency to think negatively is an extremely destructive pattern. Negative thinking only encourages despair and self-pity. It is a mental rut which many people have fallen into. It is a habit which must be broken.

SIN AND GUILT

A person can experience depression because of unresolved sin in his life. He may become despondent because of guilt from a particular sin which has not been properly dealt with.

Depression is often the result of ignoring sin or failing to deal with it promptly. Occasionally, we may try to conceal sin rather than face up to it honestly. When we try to cover up sin, it inevitably takes its toll. A spirit of heaviness and condemnation can develop as a consequence of sin which has been allowed to stubbornly remain in our life.

Often the sin of self-pity is a common cause of depression. Pent up resentment, lingering anger, unforgiveness, a critical spirit, or a tendency to murmur and complain can all be contributing factors to depression.

PRESSURES OF RESPONSIBILITY

Sometimes the trials, deadlines, and respon­sibilities that we face can create pressures which contribute to depression.

Occasionally, we all fall short. At times, we don’t quite measure up. We fail to meet dead­lines, achieve goals, or fulfill expectations. The many demands of life can overwhelm us and produce depression and discouragement.

When facing the responsibilities of entering Canaan land, the Israelites were overwhelmed by the challenge and sank into discouragement (Numbers 13, 14). When we sometimes face our own formidable giants of responsibility, we can also sink into depression.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Physical factors can, and often do, contribute to depression. No matter how good our philosophy, no matter how well adjusted we are, and no matter how ideal our environment may be, if we don’t take care of ourselves properly we can pay the price in depression. When we allow our physical health to “run down”, we begin to prepare ourselves for possible depression.

Sometimes we suffer depression not because of sin, stress, or negative think­ing, but simply because we have neglected our bodies. Physical health con­tributes to mental and emotional well-being. A healthy body is less suscepti­ble to mental and physical illness. A lack of sleep, improper diet, or a lack of exercise can all contribute to depression.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION?

There are not only many causes of depression, but depression produces many symptoms and manifests itself in a variety of ways, as well. This can include sadness, pessimism, fear, apathy, weariness, fatigue, a loss of energy, a lack of enthusiasm, an inability to make decisions, a desire to withdraw from life, self-criticism, a sense of worthlessness, helplessness, a loss of interest in work, sex, and normal activities, a difficulty in concentrating, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. As we can see, depression has many side effects, all of which can be very destructive.

WHAT IS THE ROOT PROBLEM?

The root problem is sin. Depression is not always sin, but our failure to deal with the problem is. “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Though we may not always be responsible for the circumstances which contribute to depression and discouragement, we are responsible for handling the problem in God’s way. We must recognize that we are not helpless, but responsible and accountable to God.

When we don’t seek God for answers, we assume the burden ourselves and inevitably fail. Depression is often the result. The first step to victory is in focusing upon Christ, rather than ourselves. This requires confessing our faults to God, and asking Him for grace and guidance.

IS THERE A SOLUTION?

*Yes! One of the greatest lies of Satan is that there is no hope for those suffering depression. This is a lie because God has the answers. Even though our circumstances may look dreary, we don’t have to give in to depression. Many times a depressed person is overcome by a sense of hopelessness, but God understands our pain and offers com­passion. He is here to help if we will not shut Him out of our lives.

Christians must recognize that there are no hopeless situations in Christ. People allow themselves to become hopeless because they haven’t looked to Jesus. Our situation doesn’t have to look bleak if we will bring Christ into the picture.

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO DEPRESSION?

*In God’s way – not ours. Many Christians sink into a pit of despondency simply because they have not responded to their problems scripturally.

King David probably suffered from depression more than any other Bible character. He experienced great depths of prolonged depression, yet he learned some vital lessons for dealing with this problem. The Psalms are filled with examples of his suffering:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?” (Psa. 42:5; see also Psa. 42, 43, 69, 88, and 102).

Though he had many bouts with depression, he discovered some impor­tant keys for finding victory. We will examine the seven keys to overcoming depression.

I.                   TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION.

One of the most important things we can do is to deal with the problem of depression immediately.

Depression must be challenged promptly. If you allow it to remain, it will spread like a cancer and corrupt every area of your life. A common tendency is to brood over our problems and quietly nurse our depression, rather than taking decisive steps against it. Many sink into depression simply because they do nothing about it – instead they dwell upon self-pity and reinforce their despondency. David recognized this important first step and responded by forcefully challenging himself and his depression: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God!” (Psa. 43:5) Take action now!

II.                WE MUST DISCIPLINE OUR THOUGHTS.

“ . . . bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). Christians must discipline their negative thoughts by submitting them to the Lordship of Christ. If we don’t, they can become very destructive. This involves submitting our thoughts to the reality of God’s Word. Christians must guard their thought life. We must not yield to corrupt thinking or indulge in negative confessions. The Word exhorts us to “meditate on” whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report (Phil. 4:8). We must look at our life, our situations, and our future from God’s point of view. We need to fix our thoughts obediently upon the reality of God’s Word, meditate upon the scriptures, and cleanse our minds with the cleansing water of God’s Word.

III.               HOPE IN THE LORD.

David challenged his soul to “HOPE IN GOD!” (Psa. 42:5). In 1 Peter 1:3 we see that God has called us to a “living hope.” Our hope is not dead but alive because it is fixed upon a living God. It is a hope that is never disappointed because of God’s loving commitment to us. When we get our attention off of our problems and upon the power of God, we have access to confidence, courage, and strength. David affirmed this in Psalms 31:24: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

IV.             STAND ON THE PROMISES OF GOD.

Christians must stand upon the reality of God’s Word. We must recognize that “ALL THINGS” are working together for our good. When we receive this truth, we can accept our circumstances realizing that God has not forsaken us in them. There are no hopeless situations in Christ because God is in the midst of our circumstances. This is the absolute guarantee of God’s Word!

When we trust in the reality of God’s Word, we have great hope. The scriptures contain all of the answers to life’s problems. They sustain us and encourage us in every way. The counsel of scripture can minister genuine hope in spite of our circumstances. David confirmed this when he wrote: Psalm 119:81.

V.                REJOICE IN THE LORD.

Philippians 4:4, “REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS. AGAIN I WILL SAY, REJOICE” This is the Christian’s way to escape depres­sion. The answer is not in running from our circumstances or withdrawing from life, but in rising above them through praise. We don’t rejoice just when everything is going smoothly. Paul said we are to rejoice always. He also said “Rejoice evermore … in everything give thanks” (1 Thes. 5:16, 18, KJV). We don’t rejoice because we feel like it, but as an act of obedient faith, realizing that “in the Lord” we have grounds for confidence and rejoicing. We know that the Lord is bigger than our problems, and is working everything for our eventual good!

VI.        CONFESS OUR FAULTS TO THE LORD (1 John 1:9).

Sin can be both a cause of depression and a product of depression. Often, when we have unresolved sin in our life, it produces guilt and self­-condemnation which lead to despair. When we harbor bitterness, resent­ment, anger, ill-will, jealousy, or any other sin in our hearts, it affects us nega­tively. Often, we fall into the pit of despair because of the sin of self-pity, murmur­ing, and complaining. Sin defiles our conscience and perverts our walk. If we have been concealing our sin or failing to deal with it promptly, we need to confess our sin to the Lord and seek His cleansing power. Often, when the weight of sin is removed from our shoulders, we are released from the burden of depression.

VII.          WE MUST WATCH OUR HEALTH.

We not only have a responsibility to care for ourselves spiritually, but physically as well, because our bodies belong to the Lord (1 Cor. 6:19). When we abuse or neglect the temple of God, depression is often the consequence.           

Written by:  William R. Kimball 
Copyright © 1984 CHRISTIAN EQUIPPERS INTERNATIONAL

Single & Satisfied

Since when did the world dictate that all women had to be married by a certain age and have kids by this age?  Why do they get to dictate if you are normal or not by your marital status?

I walked into a restaurant the other day and  told the hostess, "table for 1".    She took me behind this wall where I noticed there were other single people eating as well.    I was so offended,  I told the lady that I was going to sit in the open room.  she just looked at me funny. 

There is nothing wrong with being single.  There is nothing wrong with not wanting children.  Has everyone  been brainwashed to believe that someone cannot be happy if they don't have a child or a significant other?    Yes, there are times where there is loneliness, just like in any relationship. For even Jesus was lonely at times.    Maybe I wasn't called to be a Mother or a wife.  But God has called me for a specific purpose that does not include the distractions of a family. So don't feel sorry for me.  I don't need your pity.  Do you know what God's purpose for your life is?

Who Promised That?

Are blessings we’re expecting the ones God guarantees?

Why hills? Often we act as though they don’t even exist. Indeed, sometimes when we present to people the promise of new life in Christ, we describe such smooth, level roads, that we advertise more than God promises to deliver.

We may quote verses such as Prov­erbs 3:5, 6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowl­edge Him, and He will make your paths straight,” implying to them that the life of faith will be trouble-free.

In a baptism service, I heard a new believer in his early 30s give his testi­mony: “My wife and I have had a lot of troubles in our marriage — the pres­sures of starting a new business, begin­ning our family long hours of work, and disagreements. Then my wife began coming to church. She became a Christian and a changed person. Now I have become a Christian, and our worries are over.”

This man had a wonderful salvation story. And it fits what we preach. We speak of discovering God’s wonderful plan for one’s life.

In the midst of a world that is broken and colorless, we present life in the Savior as mended and beautiful. If one confesses faith in Christ, we urge, life will come together. Then life will have meaning.

And it is true! To know Christ is to know the meaning of life. To know the Savior is to understand purpose in life. To belong to God is to validate sense in life.

But this is not the full truth. There are also the hills.

A woman next to me in that baptism service nearly snorted when she heard what the young believer said. She leaned over and whispered, “It may be that now his worries will really begin!”

The government demands that warn­ings be printed on cigarette packages. Perhaps we should add stickers on Christian tracts as well: Warning — Your new life in Christ may include many hills.

There are times when believers find their lives in shambles. They may have gained heaven but, it seems, lost earth!

We need to face reality. Christians get sick. Believers suffer financially. The righteous may be persecuted.

Even mature believers may face a crisis that is beyond their expectations. A pastor’s child may die in a car accident on the way home from a football game. A prayer-warrior’s daughter may be raped at knife point on her way home from work. A deeply committed Chris­tian may be slandered by a best friend. A missionary couple may find their mar­riage ending in divorce.

There are hills all over God’s world.

My Friend, ‘Professor K’

This happened a few years ago among the faculty at the seminary where I teach. “Professor K” had taught Greek for 40 years. He knew the Bible intimately.

He was a tall, strong man whom stu­dents affectionately called “Mr. Up-So-High.” Certainly someone with his strong jaw would not have troubles!

But he did. His wife had been an inva­lid for years. He had managed to care for her while teaching his courses and discipling his students. When his wife grew worse, he moved her to a nearby home where she had constant care.

He visited her, but he was lonely. And he hurt deeply.

I didn’t know it then, but he said goodbye to me one Friday during a lunch break in the faculty lounge. Ordi­narily, Professor K would sit ramrod straight, tie neat, jacket sharp, and fea­tures serious. That day he seemed to be slumping in his chair. He gave me an uncharacteristic, unusual smile.

That weekend I took my younger son, Bruce, to a parent-child horseman­ship camp in northern Washington. On the drive home Sunday night, with Bruce asleep in the back seat, I pon­dered Professor K’s strange smile. I decided to ask him about it.

But Monday he called in sick.  Monday night, he took his life.

Having planned out many details and leaving numerous notes, my friend end­ed his life with a gunshot to his head. That smile was his goodbye. Only after­ward did I understand.

I cannot relate the shock that his death caused in our seminary communi­ty and in our church. Godly, seasoned, learned men do not sink to such levels of depression!

But Professor K did just that.  It can happen to anyone.  So why did God make hills when He has made so many promises?

No Promises

The fact is, God makes no promises that once people come to faith in Jesus Christ there will be no trouble in their lives.

The promises that God makes are not like the promises we sometimes make in His name.

A new believer may sing, “Zip-A­-Dee-Doo-Dah,” in the first days of faith, just as a bride and groom may find inde­scribable rapture in the freshness of their love. But new believers, like the newly married, finally enter life as it is. And hills face both.

Blows may come into the believer’s life, as they did in the life of Job, be­cause of the working of the enemy. Troubles may come into the believer’s life, as they did in the life of Abraham, because of divine testing. Persecution may come into the believer’s life, as they did in the lives of the apostles, for mysterious reasons caught up in the glory of Christ.

Preachers who proclaim that the Christian life is a smooth path may not only be misrepresenting life as it is, but also may be distorting the purpose of God in the lives of His people.

Only in America would we trivialize the gospel in this manner. I doubt if be­lievers in Romania, China, or Albania peddle a gospel of ease and comfort.

Rather, in these countries, the gos­pel is presented as it is: new life in Christ in spite of the context of earthly circumstances.

People need to know these things as they enter the world of faith. Coming to Christ is coming to God. Coming to Christ is coming to forgiveness from sin. Coming to Christ is God’s promise of heaven. Coming to Christ is wonder­ful! But coming to Christ does not mean a path without hills.

The promises of God to His people are not for health and wealth, but for His presence and comfort.

The promises of God are not for free­dom from pain, but for an ultimate meaning that defies analogy.

The promises of God are not for a life of unending pleasure, but for eternal life in the presence of the Savior.

Some Christians do live lives of con­tentment, prosperity, and significance. They have great reason to be grateful.

But not all believers live that way, and not simply because they lack the faith to claim better things.

Not even the Savior was free from pain.  Not even the Savior lived in ease.  Not even the Savior claimed prom­ises that God has not made.

The Guarantees?

Perhaps you recall the Proverb that seems to promise a blissful long life:

“My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you” (Prov. 3:1, 2 NKJV).

These verses seem to present a guarantee or a contract, if you will, for a fulfilled life. If the believer does his part, this text seems to promise that God will do His part to provide health, wealth, and happiness.

The issue is that the Proverbs do not present promises. They are proverbs! They are generalizations, not guaran­tees. In the ordinary course of things, there are certain expectations that fol­low certain actions. The proverbs pres­ent the basic patterns in the world that God has made.

One who sows wheat, expects to reap wheat. Yet any farmer knows that just because he has sown a certain seed, this does not mean he will auto­matically reap the crop. He will not find rutabagas, but he may not get wheat ei­ther. There may be drought, disease, or disaster that will not allow him to reap anything at all.  So it is with life.

If there were ever any person who fulfilled entirely the demands of Proverbs 3:1, 2, certainly this would be Jesus the Savior.

None kept the law of God as He did. None has ever ob­served the com­mandments of the Father as Jesus did.  But His life was cut off in the midst of His years.  He did not enjoy peace, but constant struggle.  He had no wealth. His only possession was His garment, something that His executioners cast dice to obtain.

If Proverbs 3:1, 2 is an automatic prom­ise of God on a faith­ful life, it was a promise broken in the life of the Savior.

The point is, God does not make promises for our life in terms of ease and outer contentment. The proverbs are not promises, merely proverbs. That is, they are the general expecta­tion in ordinary times. We need to know what the general expectations are. But we also need to know that there may still be hills.

God is free to do the most unusual things in extraordinary times.

This is why He made hills.

The promises of God are for the spir­it.  The promises of God are for eternity.  The promises of God are wrapped in His wisdom, caught in His wonder, bound in His pleasure.

And the work of God is done in His time.

Silly Questions

Why did God make hills?

After stopping alongside the road on the way to the retreat, I was ready for the next big push. I had gotten my breath under control. I had taken an­other sip from the water bottle. I had prayed again for strength to continue.

But before I pedaled off, I looked again at the one across the fence and asked her, “Why did God make hills?”

She still hadn’t answered. I hadn’t really expected much. If you are going to ask a silly question, you might do as I did. I’d been speaking to a cow.

God made the hills because He is God.

We can fight the hills. We can curse them. We may try to ignore them. Or fi­nally, with biblical faith, we may ask for renewed strength to surmount them.

God has made the hills. In the same way, they are a part of His glory.

Dr. Allen is professor of Hebrew Scripture at Western Baptist Seminary in Portland, Ore.

MOODY, July/August 1991, pp. 16, 17.