DIGGING DEEP NO. 880 – APRIL 27, 2021 …I Quit

In light of happenings in the last couple of months, people committing suicide, battling depression etc., let’s reflect on the thoughts on some influential persons who have experienced this struggle:

“We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped, locked in it.” Tennessee Williams

A series of things happened to papa. So papa got depressed and started drinking a little… One blow after another, and finally something snapped. F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Depression is the most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced…It is that absence of being able to envisage that you will ever be cheerful again. The absence of hope. That very deadened feeling, which is so very different from feeling sad. Sad hurts but it’s a healthy feeling. It is a necessary thing to feel. Depression is very different.” J.K. Rowling

Confusion and frustration can grow out of the chorus of voices in the public square from people who claim to understand depression. Neuroscience and psychology offer many theories. Unfortunately, not all of them are based on facts and others are void of faith.
Depression is not simply a medical problem or a mental problem, depression is a “being human” problem.
While medical and emotional problems can and often do contribute to depression, for others, this illness has very significant spiritual components.

What Does the Bible Say About Depression?
Proverbs 12:25 mentions depression directly, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad“. That’s a good place to begin. In this little couplet, God, via the wisdom of Solomon provides both a diagnosis and prescription that can help people grow beyond depression. A heart full of anxiety is the culprit. Jesus said: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light“. Matthew 11:28-30
In broad strokes, many Christians suffering from depression can find hope in biblical foundations. You can also find stories of the Bible where certain people experienced depression: Moses (Numbers 11: 10-16), David (Psalm 51; Psalm 32: 1-5), Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18), Job, Jonah (Jonah 4:1-11), Psalmist (Psalm 73).

DISCUSSION

1. We have hope in God.
   God encourages us to “call upon [Him] in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15). Hopelessness is one of the hallmark symptoms of depression. The grace of God in Jesus Christ is the sum of all hope Colossians 1:5-6, 23, 27; 1 Timothy 1:1.
   God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
   Paul, a man who had more than his share of tribulation and suffering, proclaimed, “We have placed our hope in Him that He will deliver us again” 2 Corinthians 1:10b.
2. We have joy in salvation.
   We live in a fallen world, one in which good things may come to an end. The tragic dimension of life will be present until the kingdom of God comes fully in Jesus’ return.
   The joy of salvation comes from realizing, again and again, that our sins have been forgiven and that we will live forever with the eternally happy God, who desires that we share in His joy. We should never “get over” the gospel.
3. We should show active love for God and others.
   Love for God and others is essential because we all at some time or another find ourselves sucked into a vortex of morbid self-involvement, which keeps us from following the heavenly prescription given by the Great Physician, the medicine that many need above all else (Matthew 22:36-40). Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands. Matthew 22:36-40.

4. Your task, be there!
Many times we want to help, we really want to show we care, but sometimes, the best we can do is just be present. Here are a few words, I think might not be appropriate sometimes.
1. I understand what you are going through.
2. I have been there/here before.

CONCLUSION
When we begin to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and demonstrate love to others, we find true hope in God’s active love. Also, a good word can go a long way, watch it!!!