Overcoming Depression with God

Depression can be triggered by many things. Perhaps you have experienced something painful in the past. You lost someone you loved. You went through a divorce, lost your job, worried excessively, experienced deep disappointment, or your dreams did not come true. Whatever the cause, depression can disturb your mental and physical health, so it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

As Christians, we too are not free from the tendency toward depression. Life does not always run smoothly according to our expectations like a fairy tale that ends happily ever after. So then, how do we overcome depression from a biblical perspective?

When Does Depression Strike?

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. – Proverbs 12:25 

A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. – Proverbs 15:13 

Depression can strike anyone. Even though we have done our very best, there are things that happen beyond our control. A business fails, a marriage falls apart, a child gets trapped in promiscuity, a spouse is unfaithful, work is uncertain, a life partner never seems to appear. There are also worries about the future, chronic illness that never seems to heal, and much more.

What is certain is that depression strikes when you begin to worry and feel pain over the realities of life. Even though Proverbs does not refer to the word depression directly, the two verses above describe it. Depression makes you despair, lose hope, find it hard to rejoice, and remain disappointed or sad for a long time. 

Overcoming Depression: You Are Not Alone

When depression comes, you must know that you are not alone. Even the biblical figures who seem the greatest also experienced depression. 

- David

Who does not know David? The one who was called a man after God’s own heart—so pleasing to the Lord's heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Yet even a mighty hero who defeated tens of thousands of enemies (1 Samuel 18:7) experienced depression. Among those times were when he was pursued by King Saul (Psalms 35, 40, 52, 54) and fell into sin with Bathsheba (Psalms 32, 38 and 51). 

Here are some of David's heartfelt expressions:

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be silent at my tears! For I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were. – Psalm 39:12 

I am weary with my groaning; every night I flood my bed, with my tears I drench my couch. – Psalm 6:6 

- Job

Job, a righteous man, one who feared God and turned away from evil, also experienced depression.

Why did I not die at birth, or perish when I came from the womb? – Job 3:11 

When Job was tested by the devil, lost his possessions, his children, was struck with disease, and then was abandoned by his wife and friends (Job 1:13-19), he fell into depression and cursed the day of his birth. He wished he had never been born into the world.

No matter how severe David's and Job's problems were, in the end we see that they succeeded in coming out of that depression. So, depression is not a disgrace or something shameful. Anyone, from any social and economic background, can experience it. 

So then, how can we involve God in the effort to overcome depression?

God Will Not Abandon You

For the LORD, He Himself goes before you, He Himself will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not be afraid and do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8 

When an attack of depression comes, do not let yourself drown in your own thoughts. The more you worry and fear, the more brokenhearted and hopeless you will become. If you only look at the problem from your own perspective, you will be confused, feel powerless, incapable, and overwhelmed. 

Instead, direct your thoughts to God, who will guide you through problems, even the storms of life. God will never leave you and abandon you alone. His power and His strength will cover you. The storm will pass, so hold fast to Him.

How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of Your wings. – Psalm 36:7

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. – Psalm 121:5

Having Problems Is Not Proof of Failure

You will remain trapped in depression if you see every problem as proof that you have failed, that you are a loser, someone who is incapable. So, change your perspective. 

Think from the spiritual side, that problems are present not because of your mistakes or inability. Problems are a test. The situation you are facing is not your choice, but because of God's will. Perhaps God is testing you so that you will depend on Him more. Or, God is refining you in one area of life, and through this problem, you are being shaped by Him.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. – 1 Peter 4:12 

Do not exaggerate the problem you are facing either. It may be that your own fear and worry make the problem look bigger than it really is. This makes it hard for you to see solutions or closes you off to the input of others. Trust that everything happens by God's will, and there is a reason for it. Learn and draw wisdom from every matter of life.

There Is No Problem That Cannot Be Overcome

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, and because of that He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength. When you are tempted He will also provide a way out, so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Remember, no matter how great your problem is, no matter how bad your situation is right now, God promises that all of it does not exceed your strength. Everything is according to your capacity and ability. That means there is no problem that cannot be overcome. There is no problem without a way out. Include God in overcoming depression, and surely you will receive new strength. Amen!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:2 

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