Depression

[Shammu]

We all get depressed at times, these help me out alot.

Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit--depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].

2 Chronicles 20:17 You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.

Psalms 30:2-5 2 O Lord my God, I cried to You and You have healed me.  3 O Lord, You have brought my life up from Sheol (the place of the dead); You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit (the grave). 4 Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.  5 For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psalms 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

Colossians 3:1-4 1 IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.

1 John 4:16-19  16 And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him. 17 In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. 19 We love Him, because He first loved us.

Please feel free to add another portion of Scripture for the Bible Prescription for depression

[Sower]

The Antidote for Depression -- God Himself

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore will not we fear..." (Ps. 46:1).

Christians need to remind themselves daily that God -- the Lord God Almighty, the Creator of the ends of the earth -- is their refuge and their strength. Therfore they have nothing to fear.

Depression is essentially Fear. Fear paralyzes many Christians. The fear of man paralyzes many of us. The fear of circumstances paralyzes many of us. The fear of failure paralyzes many of us. The fear of sickness, disease, and death paralyzes many of us.

Yet the antidote is within us -- God within us, Christ within us, the Holy Spirit within us. So why do we fear? Because of unbelief. We would sooner believe the lies of the enemy than the truth of God's Word.

If we are to truly trust God, we must take Him at His Word. He says He is our Refuge, our Fortress, our Strength, our Deliverer, our Rock, our Hiding Place, our Shepherd, our Redeemer. How should we respond? By simply believing that this is so, and simply trusting Him to deliver us.

Is it really that simple? Yes it is. The moment we try to complicate it, we begin to doubt and to fear, and Satan begins to control our minds and our lives. So trust God, trust His Word, and ignore the Devil. God is indeed our Refuge and our Strength. A very present Help in trouble.

[Allinall]

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Phillipians 4:10-13

Another passage that I think of is this one.  Namely, because for me, depression is more of a discontentment.  I face this financially.  When I don't have what I think I should, I run the risk of being depressed, sometimes, even being depressed and uncaring.  It's then that I have to learn how to be brought low, and have need.  More over, it's then that I need to trust in Him Who knows of what I have need before I do, will meet my needs according to His will, and will never leave me through the lessons He's teaching me at the time.

For example, last month, we were eeking by in the finances.  We had a few bills due that we weren't going to be able to pay, one of which was a school bill for my 2 girls.  To make a long, but blessed story short, someone paid that months bill for us unbeknownst to us.  We've been asking God for help.  He chose to give us some right then, and we praise Him for it.

Sometimes our depression is an improper response to the God Who put us in the circumstance to begin with.  Sometimes, it's not.  At all times, it is a response that leaves God out of the picture.  But, it's one that God can and does use to bring us back under His wing.   

[jesusisthelight]

King David -- "I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. ...I groan because of the turmoil of my heart."
-Psalm 38:6,8 (NKJV) (read David's prayer)
 

Depression due to guilt

CAIN, son of Adam (having disobeyed God)
"Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.'"
     -Genesis 4:6-7 (NIV)
DAVID, King of Israel (having committed adultery was depressed until he confessed his sin)
"When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
-Psalm 32:3-4

Release from depression caused by guilt came from confession and seeking God's forgiveness...

"For I said in my haste, 'I am cut off from before Your eyes'; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried out to You. Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. ...I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
     -Psalm 31:22 - 32:2, 32:5 (NKJV)


"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
      -1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
 


David's humble prayer for forgiveness (an example for us all)
"Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight; That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. ...For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart; These, O God, You will not despise."
     -Psalm 51:1-13, 16-17 (NKJV)


When you're depressed, place your hope in God.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. ...For You are the God of my strength..."
     -Psalm 42:5, 43:2 (NKJV)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
      -Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
 


"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
     -Romans 15:13 (NKJV)
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things.
     -Philippians 4:4-8 (NKJV)

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
     -1 Peter 5:6-7


Although things may be difficult, Christians can avoid deep depression.

"We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed... Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

-2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18 (NIV)

Remember what Jesus Christ went through for us. Remember what the apostle Paul experienced, yet remained focused on the eternal rather than the temporary. When we maintain faith and keep our focus on God's love and the hope He has given us for eternity, Christians can weather the storms of life. It can be done.

Paul -- "...I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."
     -2 Corinthians 11:23b-28 (NIV)

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
      -Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
 

When the Israelites were depressed, God called them to put their faith into action.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

[jesusisthelight]

What does the Bible say about suicide?

Are you feeling that life isn't worth living anymore? Do your problems seem too big to handle? Does it seem that no one cares? Sometimes these feelings of despair or apathy cause people to think about suicide. What does the Bible say?
Suicide is not a new idea. The Bible records seven suicides.

Abimelech
(Judges 9:52-54)

 Abimelech lacked personal identity.

 
Samson
(Judges 16:25-30)
 Samson died for a cause he believed in and for revenge.

 
Saul
(1 Samuel 31:4)
 Stressed out, unable to live up to certain expectations; felt rejected and a failure

 
Saul's armor-bearer
(1 Samuel 31:5)
 Impulse, he wanted to die with his boss. 40% of teenage suicide is impulse.

 
Ahithophel
(2 Samuel 17:23)
 Ahithophel was bitter because his advice was not followed

 
Zimri
(1 Kings 16:15-20)
 Rebellion; Zimri had a problem with authority

 
Judas
(Matthew 27:3-5)
 Depressed, Judas felt trapped by materialism and guilt

 


But what does the Bible say about taking your own life?


1. God has a great plan for your life. God has created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). He created us for a purpose. God has a specific plan in mind for everyone.
"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." (Jeremiah 29:11)

2. God's plan is for life, not death. The Bible teaches that both physical and spiritual death are the result of our sin and disobedience to God, but eternal life is a gift to those who receive it.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

3. Jesus taught that death and destruction are the work of "the thief" (Satan). He said, "The thief comes only to steal and destroy;" (John 10:10). John 8:44 says that Satan is a "murderer" and the "father of lies". The feelings of despair that lead to suicide are caused by some of his lies.

4. Jesus wants us to have life. He said:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
(John 10:10)

5. Life belongs to God. It is never our place to take our own life or someone else's life.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)


IF SUICIDE ISN'T THE ANSWER, WHAT IS?

1. The solution to despair and hopelessness is not suicide, but faith in God.

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalms 33:20-22)

2. Christ promises that He will give us rest from our problems.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

3. Tell someone. Tell your parents, your brother or sister, your teacher or school counselor, your pastor or youth minister that you are thinking about suicide. If a friend tells you that he or she is serious about suicide, then you need to tell someone who is responsible and can help.

4. Accept Christ's free gift of eternal life and salvation, if you haven't already. Romans 10:13 says: "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." John 1:12 says: "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

5. When we accept Christ, God gives us a brand-new life and sees us as completely holy and righteous.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

6. Because of God's salvation through the death of Jesus on the cross, we can have assurance of eternal life with God.

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)

If a Christian commits suicide, will they go to Heaven? suicide was a violation of the sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13).