Depression tends to have a say in our lives. While everyone feels reasonably sad from time to time, depression’s influence is unreasonable and often merciless. Depression wants to convince us of a different narrative, a narrative that contains distortions of the truth about ourselves and the world around us. Its grasp refuses to let us go.
Some days it has more in common with a domestic abuser or a drunken and abusive spouse than it does with feelings of mere sadness. Even when its presence is distant, its narrative has more control over us than we’d like to admit. Pretending it isn’t there, drowning its influence through our addictions of choice, or simply giving in to its power sometimes feels like our only response. Fortunately, for the Christian, there is more to the story.
For the Christian, depression carries a notably different tune. First, depression does not have ultimate control over life; God does. God is just as in control of the world as He ever was, despite what depression wants to tell us. Our depression has no power over the God that loves us and died for us to be with Him. Depression only has power over our perception of His promises. This is a reason to celebrate and take joy, despite depression’s ability to steal our joy.
“Our depression has no power over the God that loves us and died for us to be with Him.”
Second, depression has a half-life; depression has an expiration date. No matter how loud and controlling your depression feels, depression’s influence will not follow you forever. As Christians, we believe that eternity is not only real, but we will be experiencing it in the presence of God, where “He will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4). This helps to remind us that even at its worst, depression is fleeting. Depression has no home in our eternity.
(With the hope of eternity’s relief, we also note that God and others value our life here and now. God has no desire for anyone to kill themselves, instead wanting to bring about hope in our long-suffering. The Apostle Paul spoke against suicide in Acts 16, where his jailor attempted suicide. Paul stopped him from doing this and instead showed him the truth of Christ. From here, despite the shame and feelings of failure (perhaps depression), the jailor lived and rejoiced with his family in a truth that was more freeing than his feelings were condemning. There is work to be done that only the most broken of us can do.)
Third, despite what depression wants to convince you is true, you are not alone. The Lord is near, here and now (Philippians 4:5). Arguably the most common command in the Bible is “Do not be afraid”. This is often followed by something like “I am with you”(Isaiah 41:10) or “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). The Lord is not distant from our depression; He does not see it from afar. He is near, here and now.
“The Lord is not distant from our depression; He does not see it from afar.”
God has provided many tools to help us in our struggle. He has given us the body to come along side in the battle against depression. You may be surprised to find how many others around you in the church suffer from depression as well; perhaps they have some hope to offer you and perhaps you have some hope to offer them. God has mercifully provided physicians and pharmacologists for those with a biological slants towards depression. God has brought about counselors to offer insight, speak hard or uncomfortable truths, and ultimately distill hope for us to move forward. There are tools available to you and you are not alone. Do not suffer alone, instead embrace the hopes that are offered to you today.
*Depression wants to lie and convince you that you are an exception, unworthy of God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice. Depression is the valley of the shadow of death and wants you to fear evil. Depression wants to take you away from biblical truth and sell you lies. This is untrue, no matter how true it feels nor how many times you’ve believed depression’s lie. The battle of depression is too brutal to fight alone. If professional counsel is something you feel can help, I encourage you to reach out for that help.