Luke 24:17 “He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces.”
Depression seems to be at an epidemic proportion today. According to the ADAA (anxiety & depression association of America), 40 million people are affected by anxiety disorders each year, 17.3 million have had one major depressive episode, 1 in 20 children have been found to experience anxiety or depression each year, and these are only those being reported.
Depression is the leading cause of disability in the workplace in America. From my experience, I would guess that those numbers would probably double if every case were reported.
What brings on depression? Is it avoidable? Is there a remedy for depression that doesn’t involve some form of expensive drug or counseling treatment?
I have experienced depression and I can say from personal experience that it is a dangerous state to be in. The world looks different from that position, darkness seems to surround you, hopelessness seems to be knocking at the door, waiting for you to let it in. What I’ve found is the deeper you go into a depressive state, the more debilitating it becomes. Depending on how good you hide the depression often determines how long it takes for others to step in and help.
Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
If you’re a member of a church, it is important to share with others all that you’re going through. Allowing others to pray with and encourage you is just one function of the church.
Recurring Depression
According to the Mayo Clinic, recurrent depression can include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress. Increasingly, research suggests these factors may cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.
The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.
All of these symptoms I experienced when I was a young man. The times of change in my life brought trouble but I learned to wait upon the Lord.
That times of waiting upon the Lord were difficult but necessary for growth and strength in my walk with Christ. The moments come for a time and then they go, the Lord leads us through them, changes our course, and directs us in the way He has set before us. We can’t lose patience and despair in the midst of change, if our focus is on trusting the Lord, He will show the way.
Proverbs 4:10-13 “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.
Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.”
Pseudo-Hopelessness
I once asked a friend who has recurring depression what the causes of it typically come from, and he told me how one of them was a sense of despair regarding the world.
When examining this world and all that it represents, I would have to concur with my friend that it can be a depressing place to live in, particularly if all hope is placed in how this world is progressing. When I take into consideration my citizenship, my home is not of this world, nor is it for all believers in Christ. A godly perspective changes your outlook regarding everything.
John 18:36 “Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
Just as Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, every believer also lives beyond the temporal and invests into eternity. This world may be collapsing all around us and yet we can rejoice in knowing that true hope resides in a different land, a place where the curse of sin has been vanquished, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Hopelessness is not a reality when death has been swallowed up by victory in Christ. Hope is never far for the one who walks in the Spirit and keeps their eyes on their Savior.
Our Hope
True hope is found in Christ because He reigns. He made the world in perfection and it was corrupted by sin. He plans to make all things new once again, and believers have that deposit today.
2 Peter 1:10,11 “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The deposit is the gift of the Holy Spirit. When a believer walks in the Spirit, it is the Lord directing their path—they do not fear. The Lord equips His people for the journey and supplies their needs as they go, whatever happens the Lord confirms His love for them.
Vs. 5-7 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”
When our focus is placed upon that which is established by God, our focus is on things above, not on this earth. If we walk in godliness, we find ourselves walking in accordance with God’s purposes and it boosts our spirit, gives us strength, and our joy is made complete in Him.
Our Future
Regardless of what happens in life, the future of every believer is secure in Christ.
*For those who lose their life for the gospel—they are secure in Christ.
*For those who are persecuted for their faith—they also are secure in Christ.
No matter what happens, the joy of the Lord is the strength of everyone who places their trust in Christ alone and they are secure in Him.
Proverbs 23:17,18 “Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day;
For surely there is a hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.”
Why would a believer envy those who live for this world? Even if the world grows rich and powerful, all they have is what is here and now, nothing they have will last. As sons and daughters of the King, each believer has an eternity of gladness to look forward to, untold things to see and experience one day, and to dwell in the presence of the Lord Himself will be an experience unlike any other—it is this future that simply has no equal.
Live Faithfully
There are ways we can help others out, particularly when it comes to chemical depression. Many drugs and alcohol are depressants and many of the drugs that aren’t true depressants leave people in a state of despair that results in devastation. Addiction leads to loss of friendships, loss of honor, and it warps the mind and corrupts the body. If substance abuse is currently a part of your life, breaking that pattern must take priority, it is not something that can wait.
Habitual sin leads down a path of darkness and despair. The darkness tries to hide the light, but true light shines in the darkness—it cannot overcome it. It is up to God’s people to shine their light in others darkness, this is the duty of all who call upon the name of the Lord.
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Make your devotions in God’s Word a priority each day. Pray and present to the Lord all the things that are going on in your life and trust Him to lead you in them. You’ll find that a majority of the reasons for depression will subside with just a few changes in practice and godly point of view.
Finally, find good friends who are believers and reach out to them, especially whenever the trials seem to be too much. This is what the church is for, strengthening and upholding one another in love.
Know this, you are not alone. There are many people who love you and understand what you are going through, allow them to be your strength.
U.T. 