Dealing with Depression

Depression is a mental disorder that can affect all people, ultimately leading to anguish in both attitude and action. However, the believer in Christ has power and cognitive strength from God's Word to counteract depression. Life events happen (some good and some bad) and it is our responsibility and decision to choose how we will react to any given situation.  Depression is not necessarily an illness or disease, but rather a state of mind which can have paramount consequences to one's mental and physical well-being. The medical and mental health experts of the world are quick to issue medicine which they tout as a cure in order to make life more pleasant (possibly only more tolerable). However, is taking a pill or putting a band-aid on the problem really the best solution?  The Christian should first consider what the Bible has to say on any and every subject.

You see, some physical problem (injury or ailment), or a mental problem (relationship/financial issues, etc. which cause your mind to stress) might make it harder for you to be joyful. However, God’s Word says that these problems (or circumstances) do not have to cause you to spiral into depression which is ultimately steering you away from joy. Depression is essentially straying you away from doing God's will, and I believe the Scriptures can help you get back to a mind set on God.

Christians are often times being prescribed pills to deal with spiritual problems. The Word of God is active and living (Heb. 4:12). Therefore, prayer mixed with faith, and fervent meditation (study) of the Scriptures can help in beginning to bring healing. As believers, we must base our understanding of depression on God’s Word while looking for the remedy. We know that God gave us His Word to equip us for “every good work.“  (see 2 Cor. 9:8, Eph. 2:10, Col. 1:10, 2 Tim. 2:21, Heb. 13:20-21). God has shown us in His Word how to dig ourselves out of depression so that we might climb up into a life of joyful obedience.

The best medicine for depression is in Proverbs. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” - Proverbs 17:22 Joy is really the opposite of depression.  As a believer, you must strive for joy; you must work at being joyful. Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10. The primary thief we battle in this world is the devil and he wants to rob the believer of joy; he seeks to steal our joy, kill our joy, and destroy us completely as a Christian servant for the Lord. Paul says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:21

Heroes of the Bible dealt with depression at points in their life just the same as we struggle today.  King David feared for his life many times, and his own people even turned against him; but how did he respond to depression and fear?  "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” - 1 Samuel 30:6 Notice, David relied on God for strength to endure.

The reality is that we live in a fallen and sinful world. Everyone has problems and will face struggles in this physical life. The Christian is not taken out of this world when he trusts on Christ as Savior.  Rather, the believer is left in this world to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit to endure the trials and tribulations he or she will go through.  Struggles with sin and the effects of living in a sin cursed world will remain until the believer dies and goes to Heaven. Depression is a real threat, and the believer must lay hold of God's promises and authority to overcome and defeat. We must fight against depression by stoking the fires of our love for God so that they burn higher and brighter than our desire to forsake His will.

Our God is sovereign and omniscient which means He knows what will happen before it ever takes place; nothing takes God by surprise.  Since we know God is aware of what we are dealing with or going through, why do we hesitate to rely on Him?  Why do we hesitate to trust Him or seek His care and wisdom?  Whatever God does, whatever He says, whatever He allows, whenever He does it, whosoever He does it to, He is always right.

As we work through difficult times and situations in life, we must remember that God is aware of all of them. Are you bitter, angry or depressed over situations in your life? Whatever difficulty you are facing which is making you feel depressed, know that God is aware and cares! God loves you immensely because God is love! (1 John 4:8 & 16)

What is the remedy for your depression and anxiety? Notice these amazing Scripture passages below for the answers. Counteract the sin of unbelief by believing and knowing God will help you overcome any and all emotional and mental hardships.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care (anxiety/worry) upon him (the Lord God); for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant (stay alert); because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (notice the devil is looking to steer you away from God at all times): Whom resist stedfast in the faith (you can counter the devil's antics by placing your faith in God), knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world (notice we all go through trials and tribulations). But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect (complete or mature), stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:6-11

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation (mild and patient spirit) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication (petition/request to God) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:4-8

Notice in the above passage, if we will pray to God and rely heavily upon Him, we can be content with the peace He will provide. (see Rom. 8:28).  Paul said, "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:11

Who keeps us in perfect peace? Isaiah tells us God keeps us in perfect peace. “Thou (God) wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” - Isaiah 26:3 We can take part in the cure from depression by using the therapy of giving thanks. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 A person cannot wallow in depression and be thankful or joyful at the same time.  Choose to set your mind free from the bondage of depression and lay hold of joy instead.  Trust God with your thoughts, emotions, and trials of life which haunt you. The Lord will be your refuge and guide as you trust Him. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3: 5-6 

To counteract depression, give yourself several doses of reading Scriptures daily (see Matt. 4:4 and Luke 4:4). The depressed person needs to be transformed by the renewing of their mind in order to get it in line with the thoughts and actions of Jesus Christ.  As believers, we have a service to do for God which doesn't wait for depression and anxiety to drag us down. Paul says, "I beseech (beg and plead) you therefore, brethren, by the mercies (compassion) of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly (have a sound mind), according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." - Romans 12:1-3

A depressed individual needs to understand the spiritual danger they are in!  They are reacting to their present situation and feelings which ultimately leads to shutting themselves down to life. The Bible equips us with what we can do spiritually to please God while suppressing depression. As we have looked at multiple references, I hope these Scriptures have revealed how we can begin to fight against depression while fighting for our joy in embracing the Abundant Christian Life. (this life is available to Christians as promised by Jesus in John 10:10) 

You are powerful enough to conquer depression with God's help! Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13. This passage does not exclude depression.  Don't let your negative emotions and mental state prevent you from trusting Christ's strength and power to overcome!