Have you watched the news lately? Scrolled through your news feed? Spent some time on social media? Take just a moment to look at what’s going on in the world, what’s going on in our country, and you’ll find yourself thinking… we live in depressing times!
Of course, we shouldn’t be surprised at the depressing news and the depressing state of affairs in our world today. Scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1 that “in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” So we should expect troubling times in the world around us.
But what about your own world? Not something coming from the outside, but something that’s coming from the inside as a result of circumstances or crises in your life. A child rebels, a marriage splits up, a beloved spouse dies, you lose your job, you get a bad diagnosis, your health declines.
All of these can lead to depression. Depression is breakdown, it is burnout, it is a tiredness that you can hardly describe.
Depression can leave you asking, “Am I going to make it? Am I going to get through this?”
And if that’s you today, know that you are not alone.
Depression has been called the common cold of emotional illness. It affects 20 million adults right now in America. And this doesn’t include teenagers and children.
No one is exempt from the threat of depression, not even Christians.
Of course, you and I know that depression is nothing new. Scripture offers many examples of those who faced depression and looked to the Lord for help. Moses dealt with depression (Numbers 11). So did Jonah (Jonah 4:3), and David (Psalm 13:1-5), the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:8), and the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19), who gives us a classic example of depression.
After a major victory against Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal, Elijah found himself a hunted man. There was a price on his head, and he ran for his life into the wilderness.
In 1 Kings 19:4 he cries out “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life.”
Elijah was afraid and anxious. He was isolated, alienated, and just flat worn-out. He was full of self-pity, thinking nobody cared, not even God. And he was angry. Do these circumstances sound familiar? All of these things can and do lead to depression.
So when we, like Elijah, are depressed, afraid, and anxious, how we can recover? I want to give you some words of biblical wisdom that will help.
Time – Give it time. It’s a process of healing, and this can be a struggle in our quick-fix world. When I dealt with depression following my prostate cancer in 2009, I struggled with this. I didn’t give it enough time. But I found that you can’t push yourself out of this on your own.
One thing you learn in depression is that in our weakness, God is made stronger in us. Remember what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9. The Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Learn to depend upon God and His grace and power. You can do it, but it takes time.
Truth – Remember that depression is a lie. So exchange the lies for the truth. When Satan comes against you, when you start talking yourself crazy, saying and thinking things that are silly, that aren’t true about yourself, counteract it using the Word of God and what God says about you. You are a child of God! So many people during times of depression feel worthless and weak. But you’re not worthless and weak! You’re stronger than you think! Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Trust – Trust in God. I mean really trust Him all the way. Trust that He’s working all things together for good. Psalm 23 was probably written in a depressive period of David’s life. He said, in verse 4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
Touch – Get in touch with others. Don’t remain isolated as Elijah did. You need support and encouragement. Call someone who cares. Reach out.
Thanksgiving – This can be so hard when we’re depressed. But it’s so important. During my own bout with depression, I learned to journal and simply write down my thanksgiving to God. Just write down three things every day. Name three blessings of God upon your life. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Therapy – Yes, I mean professional therapy. See a doctor. If you find yourself in a depressive state that won’t relent, you need to go see a doctor. Find a Christian counselor, or a psychologist or psychiatrist. You may need medication to address physiological issues going on in your brain. This is a grace from God. It’s entirely appropriate. What is not appropriate is to medicate yourself with alcohol, drugs, or destructive behavior! So, get the therapy you need, and that includes conversations, not just medication.
Testimony – After Elijah emerged from his depression, he was reassigned a new work and a new calling. And he got up from that desert, depressed experience, and he returned. God said, “What are you doing here, Elijah? There’s more work for you to do.” You may just need a new calling, a new challenge in your life. You need to get going again! You’re stuck! So put one foot in front of another and listen for God’s direction. He has plans for you!
For some, depression can come and go like a chronic disease. But you never have to give up because there’s hope and healing in the Lord Jesus Christ.
And as you experience the healing available in Jesus, you’ll discover that you now have hope to offer others facing the same struggles. As the apostle Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 1:4, God “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.”
When you are healed, you want to help others. When you are broken, you want to help other people put the pieces back together; to pray for people, to love people, to serve people.
Today, by God’s grace carrying me through the dark valley of depression, I’m a better comforter, counselor, encourager, and friend. Not because of my gifts or talents, but because I experienced God’s presence when I needed Him most. And the same will be true of you.
