Overcoming Depression (Part Two): Prolonged Sadness

Two people looking at the same summer day may either delight in the sunshine or complain that we need rain. Your view of “sun” (or the world in general) comes from the way your thinking has been conditioned. Likewise someone who sees man as primarily organic may see symptoms in an individual and interpret them very differently than a person with a biblical worldview. Proposed root causes and solutions will therefore greatly differ. The introductory article on this topic detailed the nine outward symptoms that can lead to a clinical depression diagnosis. Does the Bible say anything about these symptoms? The following entries will briefly consider all nine, seeking to use biblical language.

The first symptom of depression listed in the DSM IV is prolonged Sadness. Many people without explanation feel great sorrow for extended periods of time. Biblically you should know that it is not sinful to feel sad any more than it is sinful to feel giddy (although I confess I’ve never had someone seek counseling because they felt giddy).

Sorrow and joy should be put into their proper places. For instance, Jesus pronounced a blessedness on mourners[1]. Mourners are in a unique position to find God’s comfort. Solomon said it is better to go to a house of mourning than a house of feasting[2]. This is a world under the curse of sin, which leaves us plenty to grieve over. When you feel the weight of your own sin, sorrow is particularly healthy[3]. Even though we are commanded in Philippians 4:4 to rejoice in Lord, we are not commanded to feel happy (the context contrasts rejoicing in the flesh with rejoicing in the Lord). It is consistent with the commands of the Bible to feel grief over things explained or unexplained and still maintain the joy of the Lord.

Your conscience and your emotions are good because, like your nervous system, they alert you when something is not right[4]. Is it possible you are troubled because you are hiding from something you know you need to do? Someone who cries all the time does not have damaged emotions, but emotions that are doing what they were designed to do. It is a compassionate friend who asks you to carefully examine your life to make sure the sorrow is not simply the result of avoiding an unpleasant responsibility.

As in the opening illustration of two people interpreting the same day differently, new ways of thinking may change the way you feel[5]. One question to ask yourself is this: “Can I still live a productive life for Jesus and others if this bad feeling never goes away?” When you realize and embrace your chief end as bringing God glory and enjoying Him, hard times take on a new face. Knowing that the hardness you are enduring is not random but purposeful[6] will not make the feeling go away but it will point you to sufficient grace[7].

Ten articles in this series:

1  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

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[1] Matthew 5:4

[2] Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

[3] 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

[4] Genesis 3:6-10; Romans 2:14-16

[5] Philippians 4:8

[6] Romans 8:29

[7] 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Letter to a Young Single Man

Lanny:

I have been thinking about you and putting myself in your shoes. You need to know how similar our backgrounds and personalities are. There is hope in learning your problem is a sin identified in the Bible because then you have a solution. Jesus died to rescue us from sin. I do think the primary reason for the conflict with your parents and depression is because of your undisciplined personal life. God designed you with a conscience in your soul that works like the nerves in your body. There is a warning signal when things are not right.

It is this idea of discipline that I want to address with you. Generally speaking, this is the time of your life that you become what you will be for the rest of your life. That is why the way you respond to the biblical counsel you get now is vital.

I know all too well that sexual temptation is intense when a man is 19. I want to help you fight that battle. I think the combination of unfulfilled desires and a lot of disposable time is dangerous. The abundance of impure images available to your eyes or already in your mind are like gas on the fire.

Paul warned Timothy: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” He also said, “train yourself to be godly.”

In those areas where you have behaved sinfully you need to humbly repent before God and those you have wronged. Then you need to establish some good habits to keep you from going back down the same road. Paul calls it "putting off" and "putting on." Would you consider a challenge to let me help you set some goals during this year you are taking off of school?

Some ideas to consider:

1. Beyond your regular (and indispensable) devotional time, develop a list of Christian non-fiction books you know would be a challenge to read, but also good for you. Set aside twenty minutes each day (even during lunch breaks) to work that goal. It might even make people ask questions if you are reading a Christian book. I recommend you start with Desiring God by John Piper and Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot.
2. Talk to your pastor about finding a place of ministry at your church to pour many hours into (college ministry, teaching kids, doing research for your pastor, starting something new or making something old better). Whether you realize it or not, you have a lot of valuable time on your hands because you are single and not in school. To use it for selfish ends primarily playing video games or watching movies is a tragic waste of a precious gift God gave you. Jesus died to rescue us from selfish living.
3. Develop goals for your money (like saving for a house or land) and get yourself on a disciplined budget. My forced savings plan I started when I was in my twenties is why my wife and I were able to come up with a significant down payment for our house.
4. Find recreation that requires something of you. When it does not consume you, recreation can be productive. I have observed that men who are passive in their free time are typically passive with the rest of their lives. Working hard is good, but so is playing hard. Hunting, fishing, running, weight lifting, and making things with your hands are worthy things to keep you engaged during free time.
5. Make out 3x5 cards with Scripture verses pertinent to your current temptations. Take a few minutes every day to review them all. You will be surprised how quickly you start calling to mind what God says when you need it most. Start with 1 Corinthians 10:13, 31; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-12.
   

Every one of these pieces of homework could be simply an outward diversion unless they are driven by the highest motivation: a love for your Master. He is worthy of a disciplined life.