"Depression"

In a world that seems to abound in material possessions and a bounty of wealth, more and more people are facing the challenge of dealing with depression.

Depression is "a state of feeling sad: dejection; a psychoneurotic or pyschotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies" (Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary).

We are not about to launch into the field of physchiatry or physcology, but rather want to address this topic from the standpoint of general observation and insight from the Scriptures.

Everyone Has "Down" Days

It's little consolation to someone who is deeply enmeshed in depression to suggest that they are not alone. Yet, if we are honest we will realize that everyone goes through what we might call the "dark" or "down" days of their life.

Some seem better able to cope with what they experience than do others. What makes the difference? Is there a way to escape the "blahs" and to rise to the "hurrahs" again? What can I do to change my situation in an given day?

Some Bible People Who Had Reason To Be Depressed And To Despair Of Life Itself

A. Jacob (Genesis 29)

Jacob had agreed to serve Laban for seven years, as a form of dowry for Laban's youngest daughter. The Bible relates that those seven years "seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her" (Genesis 29:20). On his wedding night, Laban brought in under the veil of darkness his eldest daughter. It was only in the morning that Jacob discovered what had happened. Did he have reason to be depressed? Yes. What did he do? He went and petitioned his father-in-law and found a solution to his problem. Instead of allowing this event to cause him long distress, he sought a solution. He demonstrates one of the ways of overcoming depression and discouragement, and that is by talking with another, especially one who may be able to provide a solution to our situation. Sometimes we just need a listening ear, someone who will objectively view our situation and advise us or help us find a way or direction. Keeping something bottled up within us, will not help us overcome it.

B. Joseph (Genesis 37)

This favorite son of Jacob (the first of two sons from his beloved Rachel) is also a man who had reason to be depressed and disheartened. His brothers in the flesh despised him. They were not only jealous of his father's love for him, but also provoked because through dreams God had revealed that he would rule over them. When he was sent to carry them supplies, they cast him into a pit and eventually sold him to traveling merchants. Joseph was sold as a household servant to a man name Potiphar. Joseph was just a young man at the time, and this was not exactly the kind of journey away from home a young man of his age might imagine.

After refusing to yield to Potiphar's wife, Joseph was falsely accused and thrown into prison. If ever a young man had reason to be disheartened, downtrodden and discouraged, this man truly did. But, what did he do? It appears that he did what he was able to do. He directed his attention to being the best prisoner he could be, and with God's help he was exalted even in prison (Genesis 39:21-23).The balance of his story is revealed in Genesis 40-50. When you follow the "up's and down's" of this man, our own pathway seems pretty smooth. After properly interpreting the butler's and the baker's dreams, Joseph spent another two years in prison before the butler (who was now restored to his former office) remembered what Joseph had done (Genesis 41:1). Joseph had made special request to be remembered before Pharoah (Genesis 40:14) and for two years this man (the butler) had forgotten all about Joseph. Have you ever continued in prison for two years wondering if such a man would remember you, or if your situation might ever change?

What did Joseph do when his circumstances turned against him? He trusted in God. At no time was he willing to let God's will fall by the wayside. That same promise is there for us (see James 4:7-8). Many of our greatest struggles in life could be lessened if we, like Joseph, would just confidently trust in God. We don't have to handle it alone, there is Someone who cares, Who is there for us, and Who knows what we are facing. You are never alone! You are never unloved! God is concerned about you, and is ready, willing and able to help you.

C. Paul (Philippian Epistle)

Cast into prison for preaching the gospel, the apostle had good reason to be disappointed and discouraged. His enemies were doing what they could to increase his disfavor in the eyes of the authorities, his dearest friends were bewailing his suffering. Yet, Paul did not grow despondent or indifferent. He kept himself busy. He put his mind on other things.

From his imprisonment, he wrote several epistles or letters, including the epistle to the Philippians. It shows that Paul did not allow discouragement or depression to hinder his effectiveness. Paul kept his spirits up by thinking about God's people, God's cause, and God's care. In fact, he looked upon his situation as a blessing. Imagine being tossed in prison for preaching the truth, and still managing to keep your spirits up. How could that be done? How could a man in trying circumstances begin to conceive an epistle of joy and rejoicing, much less pen it by inspiration?

Even in the chains of a prisoner, he was able to share what he knew with others (see Philippians 4:22). Here is Paul's key, and the key to many of life's problems that we face. He advises, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9).

Paul got his mind off his own problems and devoted his attention to more important things. Rather than thinking about whether anyone likes me, or if I am popular, or will people think that I am successful, or a host of similar things, Paul turned his thinking to what he was able to do, from where he was at. He knew that if he continued to hold God at the center of his life, he could continue to be of value to him (and others) regardless of his physical confinement. Paul's solution to depression, or discouragement is found in the words, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ" (Philippians 4:7-8).

Paul's Solution Will Work For Us

Consider with me Paul's three-fold solution to problems.

First, get your mind off your troubles. Stewing and fretting doesn't make them better.
Second, raise "prayer and supplication" (the latter being more intense than the first) to God.
Third, along with your requests offer thanksgiving to God.

This allows you to begin to take inventory of what you do have and not what you don't have. It reminds us, that whatever we have comes from God (James 1:17) and that is where our help will come from. The result of this approach will be that "peace of God" which "surpasses understanding". It is first and foremost a peace with God (because our sin is removed). Then, it is a peace with our fellow-man (because we are wanting the best for them, and are concerned about their spiritual well-being). Finally, it is a peace with self (because we know that God loves us and cares for us and that we are His child and He is Our Father). Don't let depression hold you down. You are important, God knows of you and knows about you, through Jesus His Son He can give you reason to live, to rejoice, and to hope for a brighter tomorrow.