OMA Dealing with DEPRESSION:

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An LGBTIQ Christian's viewpoint on ANXIETY

PART 2

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You won't find the term "depression" in the Bible, except in the New Living Translation. Instead, the Bible uses words such as downcast, sad, forlorn, discourged, downhearted, mourning, troubled, miserable, despairing, and brokenhearted.

You will, however, find many Bible people showing the symptoms of this disease: Hagar, Moses, Naomi, Hannah, Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Nehemiah, Job, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Judas Iscariot, and Paul.

No One Is Immune From Depression

The Bible shows that depression can strike anyone. Poor people like Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth, and very rich people, like King Solomon, suffered from depression. Young people, like David, and older people, like Job, were also afflicted.

Depression strikes both women, like Hannah, who was barren, and men, like Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet." Understandably, depression can come after a defeat:

Discouragement and depression are normal parts of being human. They can be triggered by the death of a loved one, illness, loss of a job or status, divorce, leaving home, or many other traumatic events. The Bible does not show God punishing his people for their sadness.

Rather, he acts as a loving Father:

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6, NIV)

Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him." (1 Samuel 1:19-20, NIV)

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn-conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. (2 Corinthians 7:5-7, NIV)

God Is Our Hope in the Midst of Depression

One of the great truths of the Bible is that God is our hope when we are in trouble, including depression. The message is clear. When depression hits, fix your eyes on God, his power, and his love for you:

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." (Jeremiah 29:11-12, NIV)

And I will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16, KJV)

(Jesus said) "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20, NIV)

For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians, 5:7, NIV)

 

[Editor's Note: This article aims only to answer the question: "What does the Bible say about depression?" It is not designed to diagnose symptoms and discuss treatment options for depression. If you are experiencing severe, debilitating or prolonged depression, we recommend seeking advice from a counselor or medical professional.]

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