Mental health, and specifically depression, have long been taboo topics in American culture, and even more so within the Church. Many reasons contribute to this reality, most notably the fact that depression is difficult to define and even more difficult to treat.
That said, without a doubt, Christians can (and do!) battle depression. Some of the most notable examples of Christians who publicly addressed their battles with depression include Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther.
Certainly, if strong Christian leaders are capable of feeling depressed, any believer should assume he or she is not exempt from facing depression.
Depression Defined
Mayo Clinic defines depression as “a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.”
While many sincere Christians have alternated between condemning depression as a sinful choice or responding to depression with cheerful Christian cliches, few people seem to really stop and look at whether or not God addresses depression in His Word.
What God Says About Depression
The good news? The Bible is not silent about depression. Some Christians may be quick to argue that the Bible never actually uses the word “depression,” and they would be correct. However, the Bible never uses the word “trinity,” either, and yet few Christians would argue that the Word is silent as it pertains to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If Mayo’s definition of depression is accurate, the Bible has plenty to say.
Here are 5 examples where depression was addressed—
1. “I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord (Psalm 40:1-3).
2. “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:11).
3. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
4. “In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from Your sight!’ Yet You heard my cry for mercy when I called to You for help. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:22, 24).
5. “Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in You” (Psalm 143:7-9).
The Christian’s Response to Depression
Based on the fact that the Bible never condemns people for experiencing inner turmoil, and the reality that God hears the cry of His wounded child, and the certainty that He comforts those who are in affliction, it is safe to assume that feeling deep and painful emotions (whether as a result of circumstance or biology) is not a sin. The sin is or isn’t committed based on the believer’s response to the depression. When a child of God reacts to depression in a sinful manner, repentance and restoration are required.
So what should the response be for the Christian who is experiencing depression? Among other good choices including getting help, being honest, and praying often is this biblical directive: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
And the Christian’s response to someone battling depression should be what? In the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “…encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
~ Christian Patriot Daily
