Thinking biblically about depression

If our depression stems from overwhelming circumstances, we must think biblically. 

Learning to respond biblically to our trials is a very hard lesson to learn as a Christian, but it's one of the most important ones. God has given us the resources to be conquerors - overwhelming victors - in even the most desperate of situations. Living by faith means choosing to trust God and His Word more than what we see around us.

There are some questions that we must ask ourselves when in the midst of depression from overwhelming circumstances. First, are our circumstances due to any known sin on our part? If we recall from our other studies, David experienced sadness due to his past sins. If we are aware of any disobedience to the Lord, we must confess it, and then turn away from it. We can ask Him and He will provide His grace and forgiveness. If we search our hearts and are not aware of any sin, then we need to be very careful to continue walking with the Lord. The thing we DON'T want to do is begin to think or even verbalize a complaint against the Lord. There is a very big difference between talking to the Lord in a submissive manner, and shaking our fist in His face!

The psalmist doesn't mention any sin on his part. He is clearly confused, and he even is wondering if God has rejected him. He is telling God about his feelings. But we can tell from these verses that he had taken a stand - it's obvious that he had testified to his enemies about the Lord.

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? (Psalm 42:3)

They were throwing it back in his face, asking him, "Where is your God?" This added to his discomfort, even made him feel despair, because he didn't want to bring reproach to the name of the Lord. He says he wants to follow God's light:

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:2)

So, his suffering wasn't due to his sin.

Next, to think biblically about our depression, we need to ask ourselves, does God want me to do anything to change these circumstances? Or are we closed up in the corral until He acts? Do we have any options?

Sometimes the Lord wants us to take steps to get out of our circumstances. Some examples? It may be time for us to write or update our resume. We may need to call for job interviews. Are we lonely, and we are looking for a godly mate? Godly friends? We must put ourselves in places where we may meet likely candidates. It may be time to search for a godly counselor or therapist to help us think things through.

Or it may be time to wait upon the Lord, as we last studied. To wait intentionally. To pray fervently, to count our blessings, to be obedient. Here is a link to our posts on waiting intentionally, instead of passively. Here is one, and here is another.

When I have struggled, it has helped me to re-read the passages in Genesis about Joseph being in the prison in Egypt (Genesis 40 and 41). God can change things drastically when He is ready!

We'll continue this study tomorrow......