Depression

Depression
Psalm 46:1–3 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

With the passing of Robin Williams there has been questions regarding depression, what God says about it, why, and how to deal with it. Many people still look at depression as a safe guard, not real, or believe a person can just “get over it,” or is looking for attention. All is false. The worst thing you can say to a person suffering from depression is to get over it. Many men will not admit they have or have suffered from depression in fear believing it shows weakness. In reality, hiding it and not seeking help is far weaker than getting help and admitting it. Because when someone is depressed, it not only affects him or her, but those who are around them. If you are depressed, seek help, that way you get better and then those around you will be better.
There are many debates among the Christian community whether doctors and medicine’s has any values in helping people overcome depression. While many may differ, my view is simple, all doctors and medicine’s has value because God has given them the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses. Now, with that being said, that alone cannot fully help or heal someone from depression. There needs to be a balance between the physical help and our spiritual help in Christ.
Now, what does the Bible say about depression? We discover the root cause in Proverbs 18:14, & 13:12 “A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Depression is the lack of hope, seeing no way out. The devil takes advantage of this illness and places it on anyone and everyone he can (Eph 6:11-12), but let me tell you there is HOPE. Hope in Jesus Christ. The first place we go when we are depressed is to Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 tells us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Furthermore we go to our fellow brother and sisters as Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
What else can we do ourselves? Philippians 4:8, Paul tells us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Remember, once we accept Christ into our heart, God remembers nothing of our past and if it is not important for our Creator to remember then why should we. When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!
There are many worldly situations that cause us to fall into depression, financial, health, family issues, and our past. You may be having those issues today but God tells us what He wants us to do in Psalm 27:13-14, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Depression is real and it is not of God. If you know of someone who suffers from depression and they are not seeking help, step up and help them. If you are depressed today, seek help. Call upon Jesus and see a doctor. Do not allow the devil to win and keep you from blessing others.
-Pastor Robb

Lord, if there is one who is reading this today, I ask that you wrap your loving arms around them, let them know that you love them and that you will help them defeat this illness. Give them the courage to step forward and seek help. If there is one today that knows of someone who is depressed I ask that you give them the words and knowledge needed to help that person.
In your name I pray, Amen.