KEYS TO FREEDOM FROM DEPRESSION
Is depression a sin? Many have heard and believe that depression is caused by our own sin and by rejecting God in our life, that a depressed person is in sin. That’s both correct and wrong at the same time. Depression can have multiple sources yet it’s resolution, although not easy, is not complicated.
When someone is depressed, they are wrestling with hopelessness in one or more areas of their life. Their hopes and expectations have been dashed. While in depression it can be very difficult to differentiate between truth and lies from the enemy. Remember the enemy’s goal (John 10:10a) is to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants to take away our joy, contentment and hope. When multiple things in our lives are falling apart those lies seem to ring true.
Further, different personalities will respond to the same situations differently. More dominant personalities will tend to push back and fight against the negative thoughts and struggles, often attacking those close to them who are triggering the negative emotions. They tend to want others to change in order to improve their own situation. More submissive personalities will try to solve the trials by looking inward, blaming themselves for any and every negative emotion they feel. They try to change themselves so things will be better. Neither way is a completely healthy way to handle life.
The Bible gives us many illustrations of people who were depressed. In fact, many of our spiritual heroes have gone through depression: Abraham, Moses, David, and Elijah to name a few. Even Jesus went through a very dark time in Gethsemane as he struggled with his eminent betrayal and excruciating death. Each of these men eventually processed the depression in a healthy way by continuing to trust God. This doesn’t mean the negative emotions automatically left. It does mean that over time the sense of hopelessness no longer overrode all their other emotions.
In addition to trusting God, another key to freedom is found is Phil. 4:6-8 and in 1Thess. 5:18. Both verses point to having a grateful heart. To walk with integrity through difficult times with a grateful heart doesn’t mean disconnecting from reality and “fake it until we make it”. Instead, we obey until we see Truth win over the lies. 1Thess. 5:18 encourages us to give thanks in everything. I see it as giving God thanks for what He can do in the midst of our struggles and not necessarily for the struggle itself.
God uses these struggles to refine us if we maintain our trust and hope in Him. Yes, it takes faith. Not faith in empty space but faith in God, who is bigger than the struggles and trials. In hindsight I can see many of the most difficult seasons of my life were actually God’s work, taking me through a refiner’s fire to temper in me more of His character. I didn’t like the process, but so appreciate the growth that was produced in my life. I can understand Paul’s message to the Roman church to actually rejoice in the trials (Rom. 5:2-5) as it brings about perseverance, and perseverance proven character, and proven character hope. This hope doesn’t disappoint because His love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit whom He gave us. He loves us enough to allow trials for us to “grow” through.
Please know this, if you are going through depression at any level, it doesn’t mean God is punishing you for something you did in the past. But if you feel convicted, take it to the Lord, confess it and leave it there. Our God isn’t waiting in heaven for us to fail so He can pound on us. He loves you more than you can ever imagine. It’s like He’s rooting for you and ready for you to take His outstretched hand and get pulled up. (Romans 8:1-2) He came to us so that we might have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10b)
Anyone going through depression will struggle. It is never easy! By definition there is heaviness and hopelessness. Our world seems upside down and emotions run dangerously unrestrained. Depression can come with changes in our biology and hormone balance. Its causes can be multiple and with overlapping reasons. Remember God isn’t punishing you. He allows hard times but He is always there to catch us as we fall on Him, even when we don’t sense His presence. As we choose to give thanks we find our hearts changing. There is hope and growing trust that God is bigger than our circumstances. He is who He says He is.
In our pursuit of emotional health, which seems so distant when depressed, we have to trust God to be who He says He is. It takes faith in a big God to give Him thanks for what He can do with our difficult situations. We first choose to give thanks, more out of obedience, according to what He commands in His word. Then we can reap the change in our hearts, finding new hope and growing in trust that God is bigger than our lives or circumstances.
We are here if you or someone you know is struggling with depression. There is no need to travel this road alone.
Bob Hardin
Director – NWBCC
Testimonies
· From a Wife: The Lord revealed to me that I’m His. That He loves me no matter what. He showed me that my past does not have to define me. He defines me. He revealed Himself as my Good, Good Father and I as His precious child. This is something I’ve struggled with believing and seeing for a long time.
Prayer Needs
· We continue to give God praise for touching hearts and lives with His truth and grace. It is always amazing to be part of what He is doing in many lives.
· Front Row Seat: (Friday October 19th) 2 weeks away! Pray for many to attend and share in what God has done. We are praying for a net gain of around $30k to offset needs for the coming year. Invite your friends and come have a front row seat to hear what God is doing in the lives of individuals, couples and families through NWBCC. If you are unable to attend you may still support the ministry through a one time or monthly donation.
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can
Helen Keller
the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”