In Scripture, depressed means “to be in distress of mind.” Christians often suffer depression related to some physical deficiency or bodily malfunction. In such cases, a physician should be consulted in order that proper medication or a remedy might be found (Matt. 9:1212But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. (Matthew 9:12)).
I write to help in those cases where depression has resulted from other causes that are not medical in nature.
Depression Need Not Be Shameful
What carried our Lord through this deep depression was that He knew the Father’s will had brought Him into these circumstances. This too can help us should we come into times of depression in our lives. The great difference between the depression we may have and the Lord’s depression is that His was from doing His Father’s will. Ours often comes from not doing His will.
But even in our circumstances we can know that while the Father did not lead us into them, He did allow them. We can profit if we see His purpose for us in it all (Heb. 12:1111Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)). Let us look at some in the Word of God who experienced sorrow and depression in their lives. Some could not prevent the circumstances that caused it, others could have, and some suffered by entering into the circumstances of others.
Innocent Victims
Man, being fallen and a servant of sin, often takes advantage of those who are weaker, bringing shame and hurt into the lives of their victims. The victimized are often scarred for life and this may lead to periods of deep depression. Think how Amnon sinned against Tamar (2 Sam. 13), devastating her. “Tamar . . . rent her garment of divers colors that was on her . . . and went on crying.” She had been violated by a force over which she had no power. Sometimes things happen to children (or to other weaker vessels) where the stronger inflict scars, destroying the beautiful garments of purity and innocence. Such tragic events may have lifelong effects, leading to deep depression in the victims.
Overcoming Hurt
Can such effects be overcome? Consider Timothy. “His father was a Greek.” He had not been circumcised in childhood and was no doubt rejected by his mother’s family, who were Jews. Perhaps even the Greeks looked down on him. Yet Timothy, who had no control over the circumstances of his family life, later followed Paul, who was also rejected.
This dear man of God had his lot cast in a time when Christianity was looked at as “a great house.” It was a house of mixtures, much like the house in which he was raised. Timothy needed to determine which vessels to separate from. He followed the path his grandmother and mother had walked. The confusion of his childhood was similar to conditions he would later minister among.
We can often see that, in the sovereign will of God in our lives, even before we knew Him as our Father, He allowed influences to prepare us to fulfill His purposes for us. Such instances often are the result of other people sinning against us, which require the necessity of our forgiving them from the heart (Matt. 18:3535So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18:35)).
When we are able to do this, instead of depressing us, such circumstances can actually become a means by which we learn great principles of Christianity—God’s sovereignty and forgiveness.
When We Are the Cause
Perhaps more common causes of depression are the results of our own sins and failures. These may be more difficult to overcome. What were Peter’s thoughts when he went out and “wept bitterly” (Matt. 26:7575And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75))? Was he depressed? We must consider both the sovereignty and forgiveness of God, for later the Lord was going to use Peter to pen these words: “Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd” (1 Peter 2:2525For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)), and, “Whom having not seen, ye love” (1 Peter 1:88Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8)).
By means of his fall, Peter learned practically both about the need of “returning” and the realization that he did not love the Lord more than others, as he had thought. From his fall, Peter learned both restoration and humility of mind.
The Lord never can cause or tempt us to sin. But when we do, it is important to go to Him and receive His forgiveness—for ourselves. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Cleansing removes the sense of guilt.
Failing Faith and Lost Confidence
The Lord prayed that Peter’s faith fail not and when he was restored to “strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:3232But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:32)). When our faith fails, we lose confidence in our Father, and then the “fiery darts of the wicked [one]” are not quenched. The “shield of faith” is missing (Eph. 68For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:8)), Satan accuses, and we lose faith in God. Let’s believe the Word of God.
He is not only a forgiving God, but a forgiving Father as well. We should never be indifferent to sin. But we ought to see that He has something for us to learn, and that it has been allowed for our good. Accepting His forgiveness for ourselves and seeing His purposes in these things will help to overcome depression when we are to blame for its cause.
When Others Are the Cause
Sometimes a person may become depressed because of others. One that we love—spouse, fiancé or a wayward child—may leave us. Sickness or death may deprive us of a loved one. These things—out of our control—are very painful.
It reminds me of Joseph, who suffered so much in this kind of thing. And in the midst of all, it appeared that the Lord had forgotten him. “Whose feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in iron: . . . the Word of the Lord tried him” (Psa. 105). Yet he was able to say, “As for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”
Bringing the Lord into our thoughts—learning His thoughts and ways—is very important in overcoming depression. Once the heart trusts Him and sees that He has allowed our circumstances, then the peace of God can be known (Phil. 4).
H. Short
Ed Note: The above excerpts are adapted from a pamphlet available free of charge from the author.