The word depression is a newer psychological term and sometimes it tends to be misunderstood from a Biblical perspective. As doctors began to learn more about it, it is a disorder that has come up in ancient texts, including the Bible. Proverbs 12:25 talks about “anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” The Hebrew word for “weighs down” is “schachan,” which translates to “bow down” or “depress.”
The scripture is more realistic and kind to us in acknowledging depression and clearly shows that it is possible for Christians to be depressed. The biographies of some of the saints who have dealt with depression clearly state how they felt. Quotes from John Wesley’s great Aldersgate conversion experience spoke about depression, doubt and dejection. Samuel Logan Brengle wrote “my nerves were ragged, frazzled, exhausted and such gloom and depression fell upon me as I have never known, although depression is an old acquaintance of mine“. Brengle’s classic works on holiness have been translated into scores of languages that have been means of leading millions of believers into a deeper life in Christ.
Understanding depression:
According to the American psychiatric association one in fifteen adults experience the chemical imbalance of depression. Depression is different from typical feelings of sadness or grief. It is a mood disorder with both mental and physical impacts. It can be persistent, invading melancholy that does not go away. It is a worldwide condition and can affect Christians and Non-Christians alike. Christians who are taught to tackle life’s problems through faith, prayer and spiritual truths often wrestle hard with how to understand their battle with depression. Before a person can deal with depression, it is important to acknowledge it. Denying it leads to more trouble, adds guilt and sometimes shame to their problems. It would be wrong to assume that because you don’t suffer from depression you are more spiritual. C.S Lewis once said that about half the times when we credit ourselves with virtue, it is just a matter of temperament and constitution, and not of spirituality.
Depression can be triggered by life circumstances, and when it is situational, it can be remedied by God’s gift of prayer, Bible application, support groups, and fellowship among believers, confession, forgiveness and counseling.
Clinical depression on the other hand is a physical disorder that needs to be treated with medication and / or counseling. Yes, God is able to cure any disease or disorder. Seeing a doctor for clinical depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an injury or health condition.
Depression is not necessarily a sign of spiritual failure. In scripture, some of the greatest depressions came as an emotional letdown following the greatest spiritual successes. This was true for Elijah, after the greatest moment of triumph over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, the next time we see him sitting under the juniper tree, asking God to take his life (1 king 19: 1-8). Abraham had a similar experience of deep sleep, horror and darkness in genesis 15.
Bible characters who struggled with depression
- David - troubled / battled deep despair - 2 Samuel 12:15-23
- Elijah - discouraged/ weary/ afraid - 1 Kings 19:4
- Jonah - angry / wanted to run away - Jonah 4:3-9
- Job - suffered great loss/ devastation/ physical illness - Job 2:9, 3:11,26, 10:1
- Moses - faced opposition, complaints, and rejection from his people - Numbers 11:14-15
- Jeremiah - wrestled great loneness/ feeling of defeat/ insecurity - Jeremiah 20:14,18
- Jesus – anguished over what lay before him – Isaiah 53:3, Mark 14:34-35, Luke 22:44
Common symptoms of depression:
- deep sadness or emptiness
- apathy, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- sleep disturbances
- weight or appetite disturbances
- agitation or restlessness, physical hyperactivity or inactivity
- diminished ability to focus, think or concentrate
- feelings or excessive guilt, self-reproach or worthlessness
- feelings of fatigue or loss of energy
- morbid thoughts of death or suicide
Treating depression:
As with all problems, we should bring them to God. Jesus acknowledged the weight of our troubles, whether emotional or physical, promising us, “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
He is our healer, redeemer, restorer and friend, yet it is important to understand that putting our faith and hope in God does not mean all our problems will go away. Like having diabetes, cancer, kidney failure or any other diseases, sometimes we will have to deal with it for the rest of our earthly life. We trust and believe that God cares and shows us compassion, offers mercy, brings hope and instills purpose. Jesus in his life and ministry, made it clear that healing and seeking help is a good thing. He acknowledged that the sick need help to alleviate their illness. Don’t feel the need to hide your pain or struggle on your own, talk to a friend, pastor or counselor. Seek treatment and care.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning: “Great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion says my soul, therefore will I hope in him” (Lam. 3:23-24).
Notes:
- Textbook of Natural Medicine, 2nd edition, J. Pizzorno, ND & M. Murray, ND, Bastyr University
- Overcoming Depression Biblically and Naturally by Stephan Shober
- Interview : Dr. Kathryn Butler on how depression can “distort our view of God” – The weary Christian
