Millions of people around the world suffer from depression in some capacity. In some cases, depression may present as a period of sadness, while other cases of depression are debilitating, leaving the person suffering unable to get out of bed and function in their daily lives. While the Bible never comes out and discusses mental health and mental illnesses directly, there are several pieces of Scripture that we can look to in order to find some level of relief.
Depression is a very real mental illness that plagues millions of people. Whether you attend a large megachurch or you’re a part of a small congregation of believers, there’s a good chance that at least one person who you worship with every week is suffering from depression. In some cases, a person’s depression may present as a short moment of intense sadness. However, there are other cases where depression can become so intense that the person suffering is barely able to get out of bed and complete their daily tasks. Depression is not restricted by any lines such as race, gender, or economic status. It is truly an equal opportunity issue that does not discriminate.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please, seek professional help. Doing so is in no way an indication of a lack of faith or trust in God’s ability to help with this issue. Instead, taking advantage of the professionals who specialize in mental health is simply a means of using the resources that God has blessed you with. He has given men and women in the medical field the gifts they have and access to the information and the medications that millions of people need in order to combat the issues that stem from their depression.
However, we can also look to Scripture as a source of help in the times of trouble. Many people acknowledge that the Bible never blatantly discusses mental health, and therefore believe that the Bible doesn’t provide any insight on how to effectively deal with depression. That’s simply not the case. Instead, we understand that all of life’s problems, including those that deal with mental health. Even if Scripture never blatantly states a method of dealing with depression, we know that the answers to all of life’s questions are found in the Bible.
Clearing Up the Misconception
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (TPT)
All praises belong to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort. He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us. And just as we experience the abundance of Christ’s own sufferings, even more of God’s comfort will cascade upon us through our union with Christ.
Many people have heard the message that if they will simply believe in Jesus Christ, life will be free of troubles and pain. We know that God loves us and wants us to be happy, so we quickly assume that if we entrust our lives to Him, there will be no space for issues like depression to become a reality. That’s simply not the case.
First of all, depression is a mental health issue, not a trial and tribulation. While it may not present with symptoms like the flu or a cold, it is a disease that stems from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Trusting in God does not mean that the chemicals in our brains suddenly come into balance. Instead, it means that we have access to a Helper when the symptoms of depression make themselves evident.
Additionally, this verse disputes the idea that being a Christian allows you to be exempt from trouble. Paul, while writing to the Corinthian Church said that God “comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering.” If we never experienced suffering, how would God “come alongside us” in times of suffering?
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, it is not a sign of a lack of faith. Depression does not mean that someone’s relationship with God isn’t where it needs to be. Instead, the suffering associated with depression is a chance for God to come alongside us, so that we can then come alongside others who we see fighting the same battles. The Bible never promises that the child of God will not face pain and suffering. However, we have the assurance that in the face of those difficulties, we have a God who rushes to our side and brings us comfort and peace.
Why Do I Have Depression?
Romans 8:28 (TPT)
So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.
We’ve already established that one reason for suffering is so we can comfort others who are facing their own suffering. However, that’s not the only reason. Before we go on, let’s clear up one possible misconception: in no way does this verse indicate that depression is good or that you should view it as a positive in your life. You don’t have to embrace your depression in order to trust in God. Instead, this verse promises us that God is able to use our depression and any other issues that we may face in order to produce something beautiful in our lives.
Many of us like to know how things are going to work out in our lives, even when we’re in the middle of something painful. We would be much more likely to accept the suffering that we’re facing if we could see the beauty at the end of the story. That’s simply not how things work. Instead, we are called to trust God completely, even when we’re suffering in the moment.
Have you ever read the story of Job? The story opens with a man who lives a righteous life and was blessed with abundant riches. Over the course of the story, Job lost everything. If anyone had a right to be depressed, it was Job. However, at the end of the story, God gave Job twice as much as he had before because Job continued to trust God in the face of his depression.
There is no answer as to why you’re suffering from depression. However, if you keep your faith, trust, and hope rooted in Him, He will bless you with something beautiful later on.
Is Depression Sinful?
1 Kings 19:4 (ESV)
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
Finally, let’s discuss another misconception surrounding depression. Many people wrongly assume that being depressed is somehow sinful, as they see it as a sign of spiritual weakness. After all, if we truly trust in God, what do we have to be depressed about? Again, this perspective ignores the fact that depression is a medical disorder, and is not just an emotional reaction to a problem in life.
In the verse we just read, Elijah was depressed. He was scared for his life after Queen Jezebel had vowed to kill him within the next 24 hours. With little hope, Elijah ran for a day into the wilderness, fell down under a tree, and asked God to take his life. Elijah may not have truly wanted to die, but he didn’t want to live anymore.
God didn’t admonish Elijah. Instead, He came to him, encouraged him, and allowed him to continue in his ministry. Elijah’s depression wasn’t sinful, and yours isn’t either.
A Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You are fully aware of the depression that I suffer from. Help me. Help me to navigate life while facing this disease. I know that You can do something powerful in my life, and I can help others. In Christ’s name, Amen.