Dealing With Depression

A Sensitive Topic
Pages 204-211

We close the chapter with a lie that has to do with how women deal with the increasingly common problem of depression. The widely accepted and promoted view today -- even among Christians -- is that the answer to depression must first be sought in medication or psychotherapy.

The problem with that assumption is that in many cases, the physical and emotional symptoms of depression are the result of issues rooted within the soul or the spirit.

If that is the case, medication or therapy may temporarily treat the symptoms, but they will not bring lasting change.

Regardless of the cause of the depression, we must remember that God has not promised to provide relief from all our problems (here and now) or to make us feel good; however, He has promised to be with us and to give us grace to endure.

35. The lie: The answer to depression must first be sought in medication and/or psychotherapy.

The Truth: Physical and emotional symptoms of depression may be the fruit of issues in the spirit that need to be addressed.

Psalm 32:3-4, "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"

The Truth: If my depression did not originate as a physical problem, medication will not permanently relieve my depression.

James 5:13-16, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much

The Truth: God has given us powerful resources -- His grace, His Spirit, His Word, His promises, the body of Christ -- to minister to our emotional needs.

Romans 8:26, "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

A Prayer

Lord, You are my Light in the darkness, my Hope in times of despair, and my Helper in life's most desperate hours. You lift up my head. No matter how great the darkness I am experiencing emotionally, help me to look to You, to wait patiently for You, and to trusts that You are faithful and that Your mercy and grace will sustain me. Amen.