It is important to look at what the Bible says about depression. As new covenant believers, we must understand and apply these scriptures from the vantage point of Christ’s finished work on the cross because they offer the very best hope for freedom.
Are you bound up in depression and frustrated at the lack of victory in your life? Have you tried everything within in your power and knowledge and are still stuck?
This is a compelling topic for us as Christian counselors because we see many tormented with this affliction. The overwhelming majority of our clients recognize the futility of medications for curing them. These present temporary and limited relief at best and most understand deep down that their issues are spiritually rather than chemically-rooted.
- Many Bible Characters Had Depression
Biblical characters that we know and love had their fair share of flaws, wrinkles, shortcomings and tormenting sin. This knowledge should provide comfort for us all as we sometimes might be led to conclude that they were somehow different than we are!
If you do a word study, you will find many who are affected by depression. The list includes, but is not limited to, Cain, David, Solomon, Naomi and many more.
We can also reasonably conclude that Jesus experienced sadness and depression when, in Matthew 14:13, he withdrew by boat private to a solitary place immediately upon hearing that his good friend and cousin, John the Baptist, had been beheaded.
He was fully God and fully man and was tempted in every way like we were.Let’s take a brief look at David. The book of Psalms contains many laments detailing the sadness and darkness David was facing.Psalm 38 is one long outpouring from a depressed and sad man!
v8: I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.
- God Does Not Want Us Depressed
God does not put depression upon us. He does not want us depressed. Depression is not payback for past sins or His judgment upon us.Jesus took up our infirmities and our diseases (Isaiah 53:4 and Matthew 8:17). Who would not argue that debilitating and chronic depression is an infirmity?
The torment begins in a person’s soul but also affects us physically.Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). He took up our infirmities and defeated the demonic realm.He is our hope, not only for the life to come but for this life! If you have any doubts, read Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 15:13. God purposes that joy and peace abound in our life!
- We Must Take Depressing Thoughts Captive in Our Soul Mind
There are two significant battlegrounds where we must wage war. One is between our ears: the mind. We cannot stop thoughts from coming in, but we can stop them from staying (2 Cor 10:5). Many who battle depressing thoughts need help to wage that battle more effectively.The demonic realm can put thoughts in our mind, and they will stir up memories of past losses, abuses and failures to send our thought life spiraling downward.
They will also raise negative “what-if” scenarios about the future to stir up depressing thoughts and the resultant feelings that will follow.As a person matures in the Lord, as they know more of the bible and develop a stronger relationship with Christ, these mind battles become easier.
Our emotions flow out of what we are thinking, so the ability to capture and replace negative thoughts with positive, uplifting thoughts (Philippians 4:8) is crucial. As we are able to do this, we are better able bring our emotions in line so peace and joy can come forth.
- We Can Be Delivered From Spirits of Depression
Jesus came to set the captives free! He preached the good news; he healed people, and he delivered (or drove demons out of) people.Jesus told the church to do what he had been doing and said that driving out demons was one of the signs to follow believers.Many people afflicted by depression having been battling depressing thoughts for a long time.They have had prayer, counsel, fasted, and many have tried medications.
Jesus drove demons of mental illness out of the Gadarene demoniac (Luke 8:26-39). Demon spirits can torment Christians and this manifest in mental illness, anger, fear, lusts, addictions and even depression.There are not demons behind every problem in a person’s life but if they are resident in a person, no measure of counseling or medication will secure the victory.
God Wants You Free From the Stronghold of Depression!
If you are battling depression, take hope. God doesn’t want you like that. Pick up the word, memorize Scriptures, pray, become a regular attender of a Spirit-filled, Bible-believing, Word-preaching church and press ahead.
I encourage you to research and find a competent Christian counselor in your area so you can get some professional help. If you have tried that route consider deliverance ministry as the next step. We encourage you research reputable centers where you live. We help people worldwide also and suggest you check out our website for information and client testimonials to see if God would have you contact us.
I repeat: get help! Do not stay stuck where you are. The demonic kingdom is working to keep you fulfilling the fullness of your destiny, and God wants you to have it all!
Watch the YouTube video on this same topic! YouTube: 4 Things The Bible Reveals About Depression
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