Depression and faith are in direct opposition to each other. Like many people, I struggle with depression and in the past, there have been times when it has gotten the best of me. We all have experienced family, friends, and even pastors make comments that are well-meaning but ill-received. I’m not writing this as psychological advice or for medical treatment purposes, but as a Christian man simply sharing what the Lord has laid upon my heart. For the last couple of days I have been struggling on how to share what the Lord has laid on my heart because I do understand how hurtful even some of the best intended advice can be when you’re dealing with depression. I’d like to share what I have learned about the real spiritual battle behind depression.
Defining depression and the medical definition
According to the website maintained by the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is defined as:
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. People with depressed mood can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, ashamed or restless. They may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience overeating or loss of appetite, have problems concentrating, remembering details or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, aches, pains, digestive problems or reduced energy may also be present. (NIMH – Depression)
Everyone has, at some time or another, suffered from depression. For many, it may be a temporary state that was the result of a single experience, event, or other trigger. For some, depression is a life-long battle. For nearly a century, there have been a variety of treatments used that includes everything from medications to electroshock therapy. Some are able to talk about their depression with others while some seem to be buried underneath it. As a Christian, the struggle becomes compounded when we hear from other Christians the platitudes of “it will pass” and “you’ll be ok” because at the depths of depression, it doesn’t feel temporary nor does it feel we will ever be the same again. In my own walk, I’ve struggled with depression and have tried to understand the relationship between depression and faith.
Whether it’s caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain or is the result of PTSD, depression and the extent of its effects differ from person to person. Some people have seasonal depression, others have severe chronic depression, and still others will slip into and out of depression on what seems like a cyclic pattern. With all this said, depression is a powerful emotion that can be managed through our faith in the Lord.
Biblical guidance to a better outlook
As regular readers know, 2006 was a major turning point in my life. I quit running and decided to fully accept Jesus as my personal savior and Lord. I also decided to study the Bible as seriously as I was studying the materials for my graduate degree. Like many people, I didn’t know what to expect nor did I realize how applicable the Bible is in today’s world. I was not raised in a Christian family and because of the various public schools, was a bit of a skeptic. What I began to realize was that the Bible is relevant and the advice contained within its scriptures is life-changing. Christianity is not merely a religion but an all-encompassing philosophy. Once I began to understand and accept that as fact, I really began to understand the beauty of the Lord’s advice.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus told his disciples, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). About three weeks ago, while facing depression, I came across that verse during my morning reading of the Bible. On that particular day I was feeling incredibly low, and as I read that verse I began to see it from a different perspective. For those who suffer with depression, it can be a time of great tribulation – and here’s my Lord and Savior telling me that not only does He want me to have peace but be of good cheer. Jesus overcame the battle with depression; when He overcame the world, He overcame everything that the world could throw at Him, including depression.
