 |
1999-08-29 - Passages about Depression
Depression -- it's something many of us struggle with -- yes, even Christians.
Being depressed does not mean you are "not a good Christian." In fact, some
of the "heroes of our faith" went through periods of what used to be called
"melancholy." Sometimes depression is a result of sin, but at other times,
it is as Christian psychiatrist Frank Meier says, simply "...the result of
life stresses." Here is a bit of what God's word has to say about it.
Biblical Examples of Depression
Neh 1:3-4 (NNAS) They said to me, "The remnant there in
the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach,
and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire.
When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I
was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Psa 13:1-3 (NNAS) How long, O LORD? Will You forget me
forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take
counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will
my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten
my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death.
Psa 102:9-11 (NNAS) For I have eaten ashes like bread
and mingled my drink with weeping. Because of Your indignation and Your wrath,
For You have lifted me up and cast me away.My days are like a lengthened
shadow, And I wither away like grass.
Prov 14:13 (NNAS) Even in laughter the heart may be in
pain, And the end of joy may be grief.
What We Are to Do About Depression
We should follow Nehemiah's and the Psalmist's examples, pouring our hearts
out to God:
Neh 1:6-7 (NNAS) Let Your ear now be attentive and Your
eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You
now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing
the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my
father's house have sinned.We have acted very corruptly against You and have
not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You
commanded Your servant Moses.
James 4:8-10 (NNAS) Draw near to God and He will draw
near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you
double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned
into mourning and your joy to gloom.. Humble yourselves in the presence of
the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Find things to be thankful for, even in the most painful times. God will
honor that.
1 Th 5:18 (NNAS) In everything give thanks; for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Share with a trustworthy friend. Let him minister to you.
Rom 12:15 (NNAS) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep
with those who weep.
Jan
cfdevcfpray@yahoo.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org |
 |