Hope For Depression
My experience of depression seemed to come out of nowhere in 2008 and reached its climax in 2012 with what we used to call a "nervous breakdown". Not only was I so depressed that I spent two out of three days in bed, I also experienced anxiety and panic attacks. At the time, I had no resources to combat the emotional upheaval, and my experiences threatened my faith. Fortunately, while I couldn't hang onto God, He hung onto me; He brought me up out of the noisy pit, setting my feet on a rock (Jesus). The process took a while, but healing did take place (I had to cooperate with God and do my own work as well). I still experience depression and anxiety (my brain knows the pathway), but not to the extent I did in the past. God has helped me learn what to do, so that it doesn't go as deep or stay as long as before.
Many of us will experience depression on some level, at some point in our lives. Much can be said about where it comes from, its effects, and how we can experience healing (hint: healing does not come from a change in circumstances). For today, however, it's important for us to see that we are not alone, and that there is hope.
In the passage below, see how David, the shepherd, king, and psalmist expresses how he feels. Look at how he experiences depression:
"Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors – even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. . . . But I am trusting You, O LORD, saying, "You are my God!" My future is in your hands. . . ." ~ Psalm 31:9-15a, NLT
At the end of this passage, David declares his belief and faith. Yes, he is a son of God who also experiences depression. His feelings do not dictate his reality, and yet he can't mentally "power through" his emotional state. He asks God for help.
Interestingly, later in the same psalm David affirms truth. He can hold truth and his felt experience at the same time without internal conflict. He may be tempted to allow his mind to dwell on his feelings, but instead he speaks truth to himself, knowing that God is bigger than his state of emergency. Here's what he says about God:
"How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of Your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the LORD, for He has shown me the wonders of HIs unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In panic I cried out, "I am cut off from the LORD!" But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Love the LORD, all you godly ones! For the LORD protects those who are loyal to Him, but He harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!" ~ Psalm 31: 19-24, NLT
Finally, David encourages us to place our trust in God, to exercise courage and strength in the face of depression, and hold onto hope. We may not avoid the experience of depression, but relying on our God who sees, cares, and protects is the next right step. It puts our depression in a proper perspective and curtails the temptation to despair. God help us to respond rightly!
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©2022 Julianne Knapp. First Published 11.15.22
Many of us will experience depression on some level, at some point in our lives. Much can be said about where it comes from, its effects, and how we can experience healing (hint: healing does not come from a change in circumstances). For today, however, it's important for us to see that we are not alone, and that there is hope.
In the passage below, see how David, the shepherd, king, and psalmist expresses how he feels. Look at how he experiences depression:
- he cries for mercy at the end of his rope
- he can't stop weeping
- he feels that he is dying on both the outside and inside
- grief and sadness overwhelm him
- he is left with no energy or motivation
- he is rejected by enemies and acquaintances
- he feels isolated from friends
- he feels invisible, ignored, worthless
"Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors – even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. . . . But I am trusting You, O LORD, saying, "You are my God!" My future is in your hands. . . ." ~ Psalm 31:9-15a, NLT
At the end of this passage, David declares his belief and faith. Yes, he is a son of God who also experiences depression. His feelings do not dictate his reality, and yet he can't mentally "power through" his emotional state. He asks God for help.
Interestingly, later in the same psalm David affirms truth. He can hold truth and his felt experience at the same time without internal conflict. He may be tempted to allow his mind to dwell on his feelings, but instead he speaks truth to himself, knowing that God is bigger than his state of emergency. Here's what he says about God:
- God is good to those who acknowledge Him
- God's goodness is abundant toward those seeking His protection
- God boldly blesses him in front of everyone
- God's presence is a safe shelter
- God shows His amazing, steadfast love no matter the circumstance
- God answered the cry for help and mercy
- God punishes the arrogant (who think they have all the answers)
"How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of Your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the LORD, for He has shown me the wonders of HIs unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In panic I cried out, "I am cut off from the LORD!" But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Love the LORD, all you godly ones! For the LORD protects those who are loyal to Him, but He harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!" ~ Psalm 31: 19-24, NLT
Finally, David encourages us to place our trust in God, to exercise courage and strength in the face of depression, and hold onto hope. We may not avoid the experience of depression, but relying on our God who sees, cares, and protects is the next right step. It puts our depression in a proper perspective and curtails the temptation to despair. God help us to respond rightly!
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)
©2022 Julianne Knapp. First Published 11.15.22