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Depression:A Biblical Perspective

Psalm 34:18

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 34:18

Dealing with Depression

Psychiatrists treat depression more than any other emotional disturbance.

Introduction to Psychiatry and Counseling

The Reality of Depression

1 out of every 20 Americans has been medically diagnosed with depression.



“Millions of people are depressed and don’t even know it.” Tipper Gore


Note: If I’m depressed and don’t know it…..DON’T TELL ME!

Women are twice as likely to be depressed as women are.



Depression begins most often when individuals reach their forties and fifties.




Can godly people be depressed?

Psalm 38

- Organic

- Emotional

- Spiritual


Body

Soul

Spirit

Physical Depression

Body - Organic

Physical Depression

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine work to regulate our emotional responses. Imbalances in these can lead to emotional irregularities that are not spiritual in nature. Abnormal hormonal levels or brain injuries may have the same effect.

Medication may be helpful in these instances.

Physical Depression

While depression can truly be the result of organic causes, irresponsible physicians have a tendency to overprescribe psychiatric medications.

Physical Depression

"Researchers at the Rand Corp. in 2002 surveyed close to 700 adults who had received a prescription for an antidepressant. Of those who reported receiving the medication for depression, just 20% tested positive when screened for the disease. Fewer than 30% of those receiving the medication had any depressive symptoms at all.“

Psychologytoday.com

Physical Depression

While medication is the answer for some individuals it is not the solution for everyone or even most.

Be discerning in the use of medication to control your emotions or to quieten guilt.Some people do legitimatelyrequire medication. However, sometimes we are meant to work through the difficulties in our lives.

Physical Depression

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Physical Depression

As a pastor, I am called to give spiritual counsel but not medical advice.

“Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.” Proverbs 2:11

Ask QuestionsGet TestingDon’t AbuseChoose Your Physician Wisely

Physical Depression

Will prayer and Bible Study make a difference if your depression is based on physical imbalances?

Pray for this physical need just as you would any other with judging.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16b

Physical Depression

Treatment

Follow the counsel of a competent physician or Christian psychiatrist and apply the same biblical principles that will be examined as we discuss emotional and spiritual causes of depression.

Emotional Depression

Emotional Depression is the result of negative factors in one’s life that may be beyond one’s control and have not been properly dealt with.

• Child Abuse• Loss of a Loved One• Divorce• Loss of a Job• Financial Difficulties• Dysfunctional Home Life• Unmet Needs


These negative factors often produce negative emotions in one’s life which lead to depression.

• Anger• Resentment• Bitterness• Frustration• Self-pity• Withdrawal / Isolation• Inability to trust• Vengefulness


Although the original offence is often beyond the control of the individual our response to these factors is not.

We cannot choose all that happens to us but we can chooseHow we respond.

“A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.” Ecclesiastes 10:2


Don’t allow another’s sin cause you to sin in your own heart.

Their wrong does not justify yours.


Our carnal instincts will lead us down a self-destructive path unless they are brought under subjection.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Jeremiah 17:9


Determine to rule your heart and mind rather than be ruled by them!

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27



“ (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”2 Corinthians 10:4-5



“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7



“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. “

Philippians 4:8



“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”1 Peter 1:13-15



“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

1 Peter 1:31-32


You Have a Choice in How You Respond

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans 12:2


The key to overcoming emotional depression is to surrender your heart and mind to the Lord. Failing to do so is failing to trust Him.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Isaiah 26:3



“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



“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Psalm 27:14

Spiritual Depression

Next Week:

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