In my last post I mentioned that I wanted to share what both the Word of God and observation teach about the source of “depression.” When I speak of depression I am not meaning the temporary or occasional discouragement, or disappointment at the normal frustrations of life that we all endure but which soon pass within a reasonable amount of time. By “depression” I refer to a continued and overwhelming feeling of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness. There may be persistent feelings of dejection, fears, anxiety, fatigue, or lack of energy. There is little desire for friends or companionship. Often there is a tendency to cry over little things, irritability, difficult concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, and possibly, thoughts of suicide. Of course any possible hormonal or chemical cause should be investigated. But when a medical cause is ruled out, then in practically every case of a Christian with depression one of the following is the source. First, there may be an event or loss that is catastrophic. This includes things like the death of loss of a loved one, bankruptcy, or an unwanted divorce. Sometimes the source may be a chronic and devastating illness or injury. Another possibility is that you might be a special target of Satanic buffeting. However, mostly when depression afflicts the Christian, the root of the problem is to be found in “SELF.” Depression brought on by our choices are always destructive and difficult to cure. It is not until the afflicted is willing to allow the Holy Spirit to search his/her heart and then humbly admit and repent of the sin or attitude, that healing can come. If a Christian is depressed, we must honestly consider if we are hiding some unresolved guilt. This is the consequence of some ongoing disobedience or transgression…a willful rebellion against the Lord. Such things as an unforgiving spirit or unsanctified thought life are not trivial matters. Is there a deeply held discontent or disappointment with life or our circumstances and status? Depressed Christians often think that God has mistreated them or been unfair to them, and thus, are angry or dissatisfied with God. Prayer degrades to a religious technique for trying to get God to go along with our schemes. There is an unspoken but persistent demand that God let us have our own way and anger and resentment when he doesn’t. This is nothing more than a denial of God’s sovereignty—a rejection of faith in God with faith in “self.” Such an attitude is nothing more than self-serving. The “spirit” of the day is one of self-exaltation and we love to be flattered and praised, and if it doesn’t happen then we are sad. There has never been a time when so many claim to love God, yet are determined to not submit to God’s word. Is there any wonder our conscience is violated and so many are depressed? WEN 7/2/13
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:31:48 +0000
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