Depression is not something unique to any one individual, for it is an experience which is common, and incidental to us mortals, living in a sinful world. If we were to ask most persons, they would be able to point to one, or several occasions in their lives when they experienced depression. From David to John, and from Job to the twelve disciples, and even Jesus Christ who knew no sin, all of us have suffered some form of depression.
The onset of depression takes place for different, and varying reasons, such as the death of a loved one, insurmountable debt, regret for a sinful course of action, or divorce proceedings, where a husband, wife and children are torn apart. With others, it may be disappointment with unfulfilled hopes, or it may be addiction to some soul-destroying habit that just won’t go away.
Again, the fear of the unknown, or the prospect of a grave, looming, difficulty may engulf our thoughts, and may take its toll on our minds and may begin to sap our energies to the point where it consumes us. Discouragement, self-pity, or an inferiority complex can also lead to depression, as well as the highs and lows experienced by those who use narcotics. Thus, whatever the reason or the cause, depression is one of the problems with which most persons are in one way or another affected.
While there are different triggering mechanisms for depression, the infusion of negative thoughts into a person’s mind is the tactic most often employed by the enemy of souls, for one purpose only, to get the person in question to give up on life, and to change course. Thereafter, the reaction often ranges from abandonment, taking of unnecessary risk, a loss of
faith, consuming large quantities of alcohol, and suicidal thoughts, among others.
With Christians however, depression is usually the result of a feeling that God has turned His back on us, or somehow has forgotten about us. This is the sentiment which was echoed by Christ when in His depression He cried out “My God My God, why has thou forsaken me?” In fact, God is always nearer to us at the times when we are weakest, even though it may not seem to be this way.
Here is where our faith must lay hold of the invisible arm of omnipotence, and trust God even though we cannot trace Him. One thing we all must remember, is that the ways in which God sees fit to bring about victory will not always align with our personal ideas and preferences, since in most instances we cannot see the end result from the beginning.
Another consideration we should bear in mind is that all things work together for the good of those who love God. All things, in and of themselves may not be good, but cumulatively, as a whole, they are pieces of a greater puzzle, which when put together produce a picture-perfect outcome. Patience, faith, obedience and trust in God are not usually developed when we are flying high on the mountain top.
These qualities are usually developed when we are in the valley, where the heat of the furnace is used to remove dross from our characters, to prepare us for some greater good which God has in mind. And therefore, like Christ, we must decide, during those times of perplexity, doubt and adversity that we will not let go our hold on God, for it is only He who can bring us forth victoriously on the other side.
Thus, for purposes of this study it is necessary for us to document from the scriptures, a few instances of depression, as experienced by God-fearing persons, so that we would understand that we are not alone in our individual situation.
[1] Joseph.
In the prime of his youth, Joseph seemed to have everything going for him, for he was his father’s favorite child, he was given a coat of many bright colors, and God gifted him with visions of future greatness. But then one day, without any warning, things took a turn for the worse, as far as he could see, for his brothers sold him into slavery, the most dreaded form of existence for a once-favored son. Few situations can be worse than being a slave in a land where one does not speak the language.
And as Joseph saw the tents of his father growing dim in the distance, he gave himself up to despair, and grief for in his mind, the sentiment uttered by Christ came alive, “My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me”. Yet, according to the Biblical record, God had not forsaken Joseph even for one moment, but was instead taking him through those necessary paces that were essential for Christian maturity. Let’s read:
Genesis 39:2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
If God through His providences did not separate him from his parents, they would have spoiled him, and could have prevented the very greatness God had prepared for him. Yet, no one saw this at that time, and if we were to ask anyone what they thought of God’s providence in Joseph then, most of us would be sure to dismiss it as being unnecessary.
God’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways, and were it left up to us, we will spoil most of the good God has intended for us. Joseph needed a lesson in humility, because the coat of many bright colors, as well as the visions God had given him, had been causing him to display an air of superiority in his interactions with his brothers, and even though he may not have been aware of it, had triggered the hatred and covetousness they then displayed. Let’s read:
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 213] With a trembling heart he looked forward to the future. What a change in situation—from the tenderly cherished son to the despised and helpless slave! For a time Joseph gave himself up to uncontrolled grief and terror. But, in the providence of God, even this experience was to be a blessing to him. His father, strong and tender as his love had been, had done him wrong by his partiality and indulgence.
This unwise preference had angered his brothers and provoked them to the cruel deed that had separated him from his home. Its effects were manifest also in his own character. Faults had been encouraged that were now to be corrected. He was becoming self-sufficient and exacting. He felt that he was unprepared to cope with the difficulties before him in the bitter life of a stranger and slave. Then his thoughts turned to his father's God.
[2] David.
David also was called by God to do a great work and to rule as king. God’s providences had guided him in his earlier years, with blessings and favors too many to mention. Yet, David too, experienced depression, when suddenly he became the most wanted man in the country, with king Saul hunting him relentlessly.
Negative thoughts were infused into his mind, fear for his life caused thoughts of certain death to take root and in his depression, he penned the following passages. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 20:3 And David said, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.
Psalms 22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
2 O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season and am not silent.
[3] Job.
Job too had his bout with depression. The scripture describes him as a perfect man, one who feared The Lord and hated evil. The experience of Job shows us that even a praying person may not be immune to depression, for it was when things were going well, that he had lost most of his family and possessions. Then, in his despair he utters the sentiment: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me”. Let’s read:
Job 3:1 After this opened Job his mouth and cursed his day.
2 And Job spake, and said,
3 Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.
4 Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.
5 Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.
11 Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
13 For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest.
Job 9:6 If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.
17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.
18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.
[4] John.
John also had his experience with depression, for he was removed from active duty in his service for God and was cast into prison for doing the right thing, as was Joseph. Added to this, John could not fathom why Jesus would not come to look for Him, being his cousin, and The Messiah. Thus, many negative thoughts and unanswerable questions pervaded his mind, and severely shook his faith. Let’s read:
Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
[The Desire of Ages. pp 215>216] In his mission the Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity, both in high places and in low. He had not counted his life dear unto himself, that he might fulfill his appointed work. And now from his dungeon he watched for the Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor, and to deliver the poor and him that cried.
But Jesus seemed to content Himself with gathering disciples about Him, and healing and teaching the people. He was eating at the tables of the publicans, while every day the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel, while King Herod and his vile paramour worked their will, and the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven. To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming.
There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? How short the time since the Baptist had pointed to Jesus, and proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” If John, the faithful forerunner failed to discern Christ's mission, what could be expected from the self-seeking multitude?
[5] Jesus.
Even Jesus was not immune to depression, for it was in the garden of gethsemane that He trembled on the brink, as he faced a life or death question for a sinful world, that for the most part, wouldn’t even appreciate the magnitude of His sacrifice. Satan also came in for the kill with his temptations, that it was all a set-up by the Father to get rid of Jesus.
God, The Father had revealed to Jesus that He had power to come from the grave, the only problem is that Christ would have to die first to exercise that power. But, in every instance where someone was to be resurrected, the one doing the miracle would be alive. But in this instance the miracle would be performed by the dead. Therefore, according to the devil’s logical reasoning, this must be a set-up. Let’s read:
John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
[The Desire of Ages. pp 753] Satan with his fierce temptations wrung the heart of Jesus. The Savior could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, or tell Him of the Father's acceptance of the sacrifice. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal.
Thus, the way in which Christ dealt with the infusion of negative thoughts and depression, is noteworthy, for we are to follow in His footsteps. Jesus clung to God in prayer until the final decision was made to move ahead with the plan of salvation. And it was only after he had surrendered fully to The Father’s will that His depression left Him. The following texts should be studied very closely. Let’s read:
Matthew 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
[The Desire of Ages pp 693] God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Savior's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption.
Very important question: What were they watching for? Answer: They were watching for Christ’s final decision, for until His decision was made irrevocably He would continue to be depressed. He must decide for Himself that He will trust in God, The Father no matter what, and then He could let go and let God.
When as Christians, we too may be experiencing a bout of depression, our firm decision must also be made to trust in God no matter what, and then we will be given the grace and fortitude to come forth as conquerors on the other side. Let’s read:
[The Desire of ages pp 690 & 693] The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life, and He will not turn from His mission. His prayer now breathes only submission: “If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”
[The Desire of Ages pp 694] Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face.
Thus, from the instances we have reviewed, it is obvious that depression is not unique to any one person, whatever the reason or cause may be, but how we handle it makes all the difference. Thus, we are given several pointers in the Bible, to help us overcome depression, and if we were to follow the instructions as best we can, God will grant us grace to weather the storm. Let’s read:
[1] Pray without ceasing:
When we don’t feel like praying to God anymore, is when we need to pray even more. The devil will try to discourage us with logic and alternative plan B’s, and he will tempt us to think that it makes no sense to continue in prayer, but God’s instruction is for us to continue pressing on in faith, even if it seems as if no headway is being made. This first instruction is of critical importance for victory. Let’s read:
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit
Luke 18:1 And he spoke unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
[2] Sing a Song.
The right type of spiritual songs go a long way in relieving the feelings of depression. In fact, we are told in the scriptures that songs of praise have the ability to drive away evil spirits and lighten moods. Therefore, spiritual songs of praise and thanksgiving should be sung or played whenever we are feeling down and out. Let’s read:
Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1st Samuel 16:15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold, an evil spirit troubles thee.
16 Let thy servants, seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to
pass, when the evil spirit is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
[3] Bring to mind the many blessings and favors God has shown us during the sunny days of our Christian experience. Every Christian should have a diary, or a clear recollection of the many mercies and miracles God has done in our behalf in times past. When we are feeling depressed, or discouraged, it is good to bring such instances to memory, for by so doing the blessings of God are seen to vastly outweigh all the present difficulties. Let’s read:
Psalms 42:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
Psalms 77:9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?
10 And I said, I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.
11 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
[4] Speak often with “Certain” friends.
Avoid withdrawal; instead, speak with friends who exude positive energy and thoughts, those friends who will encourage faith, hope and trust, instead of magnifying the problem. There are folks who dwell more on the darker side of life; some are prone to focus on curses, more than on blessings. Conversing with such friends in times of depression most often pulls down one’s spirit, instead of lifting up; but to speak with those of faith imparts positive energy. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 20:1 And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?
2 And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: it is not so.
4 Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
[5] Make a firm decision to trust in God, no matter what. In most instances, the reason why we may go through highs and lows during depression is that we may not have yet fully decided to stay the course with Jesus, regardless. The invisible intelligences of earth and heaven, both good and evil, are usually aware of this by close observation or watching, and until this is done, a resolute formidable mindset will continue to evade us. Let’s read:
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.
Psalm 56:2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
In closing, let no Christian say, think or believe that depression cannot be overcome, for the grace of God is given to us not to fight and lose, but to fight and win. Temptation and despair may take its toll, and we may shudder on the brink like Christ, but let it be known that faith is the victory that overcomes every trying and difficult challenge we may face. We therefore close with a passage which should be put to memory by all. Let’s read:
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God bless!