Many believers in Scripture experienced depression, emotional pain and distress:

  • Elijah
    • “I have had enough Lord, he said. Take my life, I am not better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4
  • Job
    • “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” Job 3:11“I have no peace, no quietness, I have no rest, but only turmoil.” Job 3:26“I loathe my very life, therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” Job 10:1
  • David
    • “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.” Ps. 38:4
    •  “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11

Our times of distress and depression represent an opportunity to examine our hearts and discover what we believe about ourselves and God.  Where am I placing my trust?  What do I treasure?  What do I think I can't bear to live without?  What was I expecting?  What hope has been crushed? Is it all about me, or is it all about Christ?  God's Word is sufficient to help us grow into the knowledge and wisdom of God's truth.

Emotional Pain and Sickness:  a Gift from God

We know that physical pain is a gift from God.  When I touch a hot stove, pain helps me recognize (quickly) that something is wrong.  In the same way, emotional pain is also a gift from God...emotional pain is a signal that something is wrong so that we turn to Him for help, using the resources in His Word to address the pain.

Don't believe the lie when you are told that if you are experiencing depression and emotional pain you are not in a position to receive God's blessing.  In reality, the exact opposite is true.  God did not send His Son to die for people that are already perfect.  Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)

When we acknowledge we are sick, we come to a place where we can take our pain to the Lord and trust Him to grant us the wisdom to know what to do.  You can go to the cross and experience the healing He has for you.

You Are Clothed with the Righteousness of Christ

God does not look down at you.  You are already clothed in the righteousness of Christ.  While He can see your sin and your failure, He has decided not to hold these things against you and instead looks at you as His beloved.  As a result, you don't have to depend on your ability to approve of yourself, your own merits, etc.  Your approval has already been taken care of in and through Christ.  Don't beat yourself up over your failures.  Instead, look to the cross and God's living and active Word.  Christ is sufficient and has the power to help you overcome as you follow His Word regarding overcoming bad habits, addiction and sins that so easily beset you.  As a believer, you are clothed with Christ.

Posted in Depression