Christian Pitfalls: Depression
I am sick at heart….
I am worn out from sobbing.
All night I flood my bed with weeping,
drenching it with my tears.
My vision is blurred by grief.
Psalm 6:3, 6-7 (NLT)
I’ve known depression, where shadowed rooms were my familiar home. I’ve known listlessness, where brushing my teeth was a major move. I’ve known hopelessness, where thinking about dying was frequent.
I’ve known counselors, whose words and advice were inadequate. I’ve known family, whose love had grown cold and ties didn’t hold. I’ve known friends, whose smiles and loyalty were illusions.
BUT… Job and David faced SO MUCH MORE. Whatever I had, they had it far worse... and rose to the greatest heights of their times.
Job described his depression vividly:
'My complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find Him... Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him' (Job 23:2-3, 8-9). Even so, Job continued to trust God:
'He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold' (v.10).
Ditto David:
'The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer' (Psalm 18:2).
Both David (and Job) tried to understand the reasons for their grievous depression. David said it was…
'Because of grief' (Psalm 6:7),
'Because of evildoers' (Psalm 37:1),
'Because of my sin' (Psalm 38:3),
'Because of my foolishness' (Psalm 38:5),
'Because of the turmoil of my heart' (Psalm 38:8),
‘Because of the enemy' (Psalm 44:16),
'Because of affliction' (Psalm 88:9), and
'Because of trouble' (Psalm 107:26).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
When you consider the BIG troubles of Job, David (and every Bible hero), the reasons, rhymes, and roots vary (like ours).
I believe the WHY(s) of our depressions are less significant than HOW we’re saved. THE HOW IS JESUS!… (and He WILL reveal our WHY(s) in due time.) So don’t forget: God always delivers! Also…
Even the holiest Christians stumble. So when you do (not if), keep your chin up. You're in good company. It won't last long:
'Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His Hand' (Psalm 37:24).
In the meantime, consider some “treatments” to help depression:
Discipline yourself to read the Bible (including David’s Psalms)— and keep praying.
Find a wise Christian. DO share your sorrow. You’re smart (not weak or wrong) to open up.
Avoid negative places or people, but DO get out of your home and go forth.
Know this: counseling and medications aren’t evil. God can work through one- or both.
Know this also: Hope does not disappoint. Continue to hope. God will NOT fail you.*
A wonderful breakthrough is on the way!
'Before any great achievement, some measure of depression is very usual' (Charles Spurgeon).
Christian Pitfalls: Depression (Part 16)
* 'The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit' (Psalm 34:17-18).
* 'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28).
* 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope' (Jeremiah 29:11).
* 'You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness' (Psalm 30:11).
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.