Biblical perspective on Depression

Depression is a condition in life where all fronts seem to be blocked. It is often a signal that directs our attention to our way or style of life that needs to be changed. It is a painful emotional & spiritual condition out of which significant growth can come. Depression can be compared to a wilderness journey – the experience of being lost in desert place, lonely with out the water of life and in danger from thorns and beasts.

Scripture uses many words to describe the mental anguish, sorrow, and depression that can oppress us in this life. Depression can take a lifetime to overcome, if we do not understand how to take control over our own emotions. Many live their entire lives in bondage; unaware they can be victorious over depression.

Words used in the Scriptures to denote depression: Following are words used in Scripture to describe feelings of depression, and instances of their use in the Bible. ‘thlibo’ (v) – “to press; to distress; to trouble”. ‘We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair’ (2 Cor. 4:8). ‘adeimonia’ – “in great distress or anguish”. ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful…’ (Matt. 27:38). ‘stenochoria’ – “narrowness of place, a trapped feeling”.

‘Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong’ (2 Cor. 12:10). ‘kataroneo’ (v) – “to wear out with toil or suffering”. ‘And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian’ ( Acts 7:24). ‘tarasso’ (v) – “to stir up, to disturb; to trouble the mind; to alarm; to frighten; to throw into disorder”.

‘When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled…’ ( Matt 2:3). Suggestions from the Scriptures to overcome depression: Worship God: Nothing puts everything into perspective like gazing upon the majesty of the Almighty. Make melody to God, or listen to some anointed music; that’s what Saul did, when depressed. He called for David, the minstrel, and the anointing on David’s music caused the evil spirit that depressed and harassed him to depart.

As the psalmist said: “Magnify the Lord.” When He is magnified, our perspective changes. Everything else seems smaller, less significant. Read Scripture: The Word of God is powerful in changing our perspective on earthly things. It comforts us. ‘This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me’ (Ps.119:50). ‘Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?’ (Ps. 119:81, 82). Pray: Express your feelings to God. Prayer strengthens us (Ps. 27:14; 138:3; Isa. 30:15) and gives us peace (Phil 4:6, 7; Isa. 26:3). Serve: ‘Occupy till I come’ (Luke 19:13). In other words: keep busy.

As the saying goes, “Idleness is the devil’s workshop.” There is another old saying that says, “I complained that I didn’t have new shoes, till I saw someone with no feet.” There’s always someone worse off than we are. Focusing on others’ needs will keep your eyes off your own problems. Control your thoughts: ‘Set your affection on things above, not things on the earth’ (Col 3:1). Realize that Jesus redeemed us entirely: spirit, soul and body (Isa. 53). Worrying can’t change the situation anyway. Trust in His infinite wisdom, that he has everything under control.

Walk in the Spirit: Don’t give the enemy a foothold. Confess any known sin. Avoid places or people that tend to bring you down. ‘Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in songs and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord’ (Eph 5:18). Practical Implications Rendering care to the depressed can be a very difficult as well as a challenging task.

The following ways would help us practically to help the depressed.

Be there & invest your time: The most important thing we can do for a depressed person is to be present when he needs us. He needs you to save him from his self-destructive emotions. The Bible teaches that the first characteristic of love is patience, meaning endurance. If you really love a person confirm that love when he is depressed by spending time with him, affording reassurance that someone really loves him.

Share words of hope & encouragement: The depressed person universally projects hopelessness and despair as his goals have been destroyed. Therefore any kindly and gentle whisper of hope in the face of his present circumstances will be beneficial. Be gentle and understanding.

Get him to think beyond himself: Self-occupation is a hallmark of the depressed; get him to think of something beside himself. Whenever possible, guide his thinking toward others. Try to engage him in an activity. Emotional exhaustion leaves us spent, whereas activity tends to clean out the system.

Get him into the Word of God: Nothing relieves a depressed person more than rehearsing the promises of God. Suggest also that he read some good book that you can personally recommend.

Pray with him: Even the depressed will rarely refuse prayer, which they usually recognize as their last hope. Let the Holy Spirit do the work of conviction, and also pray with thanksgiving for what God has done and is able to do in his life. Just hearing your prayer of thanksgiving and understanding can be therapeutic.

Help him to gradually assume his responsibilities: Everyone faces responsibilities in life, and sooner or later one must take up his /her responsibilities. Be careful that you do not dump the full load on him at first, because the heavy weight of responsibility may have be the original cause for depression. A depressed person doesn’t need any thing more than a listening ear, a caring hand, a supporting shoulder and a person to share his burden. Medicines drugs can help the physical aspect but the Saviour can help the mental, emotional and spiritual aspect of the person.