Overcoming Depression

You'd think this Sunday would be a downer, but it's not.  I can't wait to see what God is going to do for many people as we discover new ways to overcome depression.  Depression is a common human ailment. We all suffer bouts of depression from time to time; sadness and grief is a part of life.  And yet, for some of us, depression has become a trap of the enemy that is sucking away the good life that God has promised (John 10:10).

I've been researching depression and I want to offer a disclaimer.  There is situational depression and then there is clinical depression.  Although the two may run together or overlap, clinical depression needs the intervention of a doctor and medication.  Of course, God can work a miracle at his choosing.  Most of my comments will refer to situational depression.

The Bible has many examples of depression.  Abraham experienced the sadness of depression (Genesis 15).  Jonah knew what it meant to have a "pity-party" (Jonah 4).  Job experienced some of the greatest grief possible (Job 1-2).  Elijah fell into depression after serving God mightily (1 Kings 19).  And king Saul struggled with bouts of depression (1 Samuel 16:14-23).  The list goes on.  The point is - don't be surprised by depression.  We all face it.  Depression is the result of loss.  When we loose our job, our spouse, or life takes an un-expected turn, the result is often sadness, disappointment, frustration, or intense disillusionment or grief.  The trouble with depression is how it effects our thought life.

For too many people, episodes of situational depression lead to a permanent change in thought patterns.  If you want to check it out, google Aaron Beck and Cognitive Therapy.   Dr. Beck is the father of Cognitive Therapy.  In his view, situational depression can lead to 1) a negative schema of the world, and 2) a cognitive bias.  In other words depression, if not dealt with can lead to a permanent change in the way you look at the world and your thought processes.

If you've ever been depressed for more than a few days, you know what Dr. Beck is talking about.   When a person is going through a bout of depression, the whole world seems negative and the thoughts you begin to rehearse in your mind are negative and often not in the realm of reality.

So what can we do to overcome depression?  Let me offer a couple of thoughts.  The first thing we need to do is willfully think on good things (Philippians 4:8).  We need to remember how God loves us (John 3:16) and has a plan for our lives (Romans 8:28-29).  Secondly, we need to hope in the Lord.  I believe that the opposite of situational depression is hope.  Paul wrote these words, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

Join us Sunday as we discover new ways in Christ Jesus to overcome depression.  See you @ the ARC. Pastor Tom