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What is depression?
With all these definitions, is there another source that we could trust to lead us into better understanding of this widespread malady? Does God have anything to say about it? We will attempt to investigate that question throughout this study. Come along and see! Is "depression" a disease or illness? There are some organic malfunctions or other factors that may trigger feelings of depression, but depression is not a disease or illness, a belief held by the medical profession. Some of these contributing organic malfunctions or other factors are:
Are some people immune to depression? No one is completely immune to feelings of depression. We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that: "no temptation (or trial) has seized you except what is common to man."Many godly and ungodly people experienced periods of depression in the Bible. You may check out a few in the following texts: Cain – Genesis 4:7 David – Psalm 38:3-17 Elijah – 1 Kings 19:1-5 Jonah – Jonah 4:1-11 Peter – Matthew 26:69-75 Judas – Matthew 27:1-5
You may have noticed by now that we’ve been speaking of ‘emotions’ and ‘feelings of depression’ in the above statements. This would indicate that depression is primarily focused on feelings. God’s Word never commands us to change our feelings, but we are commanded to change our deeds (thoughts, words and actions). Let me take just a minute to discuss the above statement concerning feelings. You may be someone who defines your spirit or conscience (some people call this your intuition) as feelings. In actuality, they lie very closely together. We are told in the Bible, God’s Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are His children. After we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, His Spirit takes up residence with our spirit, helping us recognize right from wrong and guiding us as we are willing to follow. (See Romans 8:9-6 and Ephesians 1:13-14)
Most symptoms and maladies defined as a cause for depression are rather a result of the unbiblical way a person responds to situations such as:
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SPECIAL
NOTE
Many people define "depression" as a condition
marked by feelings of dejection and/or guilt, with the result
being hopelessness and cessation of activity.
It’s important to remember that just because these examples were in
the Bible doesn’t justify the depression these people experienced.
Please note how God dealt with each of these individuals and where the
choice to disregard His advice led two of them. The experience of David in
Psalm 38 shows his seeking the Lord’s mercy and Psalm 40 demonstrates
the result.
I will try to give you a personal example. When I was impressed to
write this website, my feelings rebelled and I did not want to do
it. I had no understanding of or care for the Internet. But my spirit
knew that God was calling me to this mission and I have received perfect
peace as I have been willing to do what God asked me to do. Feelings have
been given us as a barometer of our thoughts and habits, but we must never
make decisions based on feelings.|
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If you are (or know of someone who is) struggling with the ugliness of
depression and you are seeking a way through the darkness, let me
encourage you in the fact that God understands your situation. He is the
great Healer, so let's take a look at His 'view' of your challenge.
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