Matthew 27:3-10 Causes and Cures for Depression I hope any depression you or I experience is unlike the type Judas did! Statistics tell us, however, that depression is a big problem in our society. As the Church is a part of society, at least to some extent, depression becomes a problem with which we too must deal. I’m no psychologist, nor a psychiatrist, but I do believe the biblical promise that every temptation (or situation) has a feasible and biblical answer, 1Cor.10:13 and 2Pet.2:9.

Therefore, It becomes our duty as individual Christians to search the scriptures for answers to life’s difficulties, and then to fight being depressed, Phil.4:4! This is not mean that professional help is to be avoided, just that we ought not ignore and avoid biblical solutions to our problems in favor of medication. Professional help (and medication) is sometimes necessary, but understanding and doing the right things biblically is essential.

Some Common Causes of Depression (in no particular order) Improper View of Tribulation, Jas.1:2- 4 Perhaps “easy to say” when it’s not you encountering tribulation, but it is important to realize that many “bad” situations/events in our lives have, or can have, positive results, cf. Acts 16: In some circumstances, we may never even know of the positive results our tribulation (and how we handle it!) have had on others through enlightenment and encouragement.

Some Common Causes of Depression (in no particular order) Unfulfilled Personal Aspirations, Rom.7:19-24 First, get the context. Paul is describing the struggle that existed within himself while he was seeking to be justified through keeping the Law of Moses. As much as Paul accomplished (wrote 14 of 27 N.T. books; was responsible more than any other for the spread of the gospel in the Gentile world), he never let failures deter his outlook or activity, Phil.3:12-14.

Some Common Causes of Depression (in no particular order) Misplaced Priorities, Matt.6:19-23 If we are looking for the wrong things in life and our focused on them, even if we find them, they will not bring us the joy, peace, and happiness for which we long, Col.3:2; Phil.4:8. Self-Pity, Phil.2:3- 4 If there was ever a person who deserved the right of self-pity, it was Paul, 2Cor.11: Yet, note his attitude expressed in Gal.2:20.

Some Common Causes of Depression (in no particular order) Spiritual “Near-Sightedness,” 2Pet.1:9 That is, being unable or unwilling to see things beyond the physical present; being unable or unwilling to see the spiritual “bigger picture.” There is no surer way to loose your way in life than to keep your head down watching your feet. Watching where you step instead of where you’re going causes problems in life, and life eternal, Heb.12:1-3.

Fighting Depression Some things You can do to help: Remember/believe that true happiness is not dependent upon circumstances. Think about it: For most of us, the times in life when we’ve likely been the happiest was also when we’ve had the least materially. It was likely also when we had the most spiritually! Human happiness is more dependent on fulfilling relationships than other factors. When we have love and companionship we can usually be content regardless of circumstances. 1Tim.6:10 The trouble is, we often depend on physical rather than spiritual sources to supply these needs, Matt.5:10-12; Heb.10:34; Acts 5:40-41.

Fighting Depression Some things You can do to help: Maintain a proper view of tribulation. God has not / does not promise to rid our lives of tribulation and difficulty. Instead He promises: -to give us the information necessary to overcome, 2Pet.1:3 -to give us strength to overcome, 1Cor.10:13; 2Cor.12:7-10; and -to reward us for overcoming, Jas.1:12; Rom.5:1-11.

Fighting Depression Some things You can do to help: Maintain a proper view of this present life. Rom.8:18-25 tells us that anything and everything we endure in this life cannot compare with the glories of heaven. Always remember “this world is not my home…” Phil.3:20-21; and 2Cor.5:1-11. The whole point of this life is preparation for the next, 1Pet.1:3-9!

Fighting Depression Some things You can do to help: Set challenging, but reachable goals. “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time!” This is as true with spiritual matters as anywhere else, Phil.3:8-14. We must challenge ourselves to improve and grow. Such is necessary to be ultimately pleasing to God, 1Pet.2:2; 4:1-3a; 2Pet.3:18.

Fighting Depression Conclusions At best, life is difficult for everyone. Some seem to suffer more than their fair share. And some seem to think they are suffering greater than they are. Others, though truly suffering greatly, appear to be not burdened at all. These have learned how to live for Jesus rather than their health, wealth, or family! There is a lot in life about which we can be depressed. But for the faithful, there awaits a reward that causes even the heavy heart to rejoice, 2Tim.4:8. “Rejoice always, rejoice!”