When You Face Depression

Psalms 51:12

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Depression is something that many struggle with. Yes, even many Christians have to learn to deal with this problem. Being depressed does not mean that you are not a good Christian. In fact, some of the great heroes of our faith went through periods of what we used to call being melancholy. Sometimes depression may be the result of sin, but at other times, it is simply a result of the stresses of life.

Here are some examples of depression from the Bible. When Nehemiah saw the wall of Jerusalem broken down and the city in reproach, he sat down and wept for days, with continual sorrow in his soul. (Nehemiah.1:3-4)

In Psalms 13, David had sorrow in his heart all day; because he felt that God had turned His back on him and had let his enemies have victory over him.

Elijah was in severe depression and prayed to die because Jezebel was chasing him, trying to kill him. 1 Kings 19

So, you see, depression is nothing new and it affects people of all walks of life. One of the things that can help you not get depressed is to know this; all people face it at some time or other. It is not whether or not you will ever have to face depression that is the question; it is what you will do when you do face it.

When you do face depression, remember that situations are subject to change and that the present time is not eternity. The Bible says to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you. It is good also to remember that the Joy of the Lord is your strength.