The Silent Monster
WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ
Practical, Biblical Ways to Deal with Depression
Depression doesn’t always look the way you think it does. Every time you interact with someone, there’s a good chance they are fighting a silent battle with depression. They may very well look completely fine. However, looks can be deceiving.
Depression isn’t just about feeling sad. There are clinical reasons one might be depressed that stem from anything from trauma to a chemical imbalance in our brain. Even so, depression cannot be divorced from our fallen condition. We are sinners, and as such we must deal with the implications of a sinful world of which depression is only a fragment. Yet, God being wise and merciful has provided us many gifts with which we can use to battle depression in our lives.
Here are a few Biblical principles we should keep in mind:
Turn to God in Prayer
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
One symptom of depression is a feeling of disconnect – both with God and with one another. Paul understood this, and he implores us to approach prayer with a different mindset. He teaches us to treat prayer as a lifestyle – something in which we are always subsisting. This helps us to train ourselves to see prayer as a mode of existence and not just another thing we have to do.
Make Time for Reflection
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?
-Psalm 77:11-13
Life can get so hectic that we often don’t have time for prayer, meditation, and reflection. However, this is very important for our mental health that we allow ourselves the time to reflect properly on the trajectory of our life and how we want to live. Doing so can give us much-needed perspective.
Get Help
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.
-Proverbs 1:5
God knew from the very beginning that man was not complete by himself. He was created to be in relationship with others, and these relationships were to be a reflection of the love of God himself. Thus, when we are suffering, it is important that we allow ourselves to be vulnerable – to reach out our hand when we need help.
Live Under the Cross
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
-Matthew 11:28
Jesus knew first-hand about the dark cloud that can loom over us in difficult times in our lives. Today, pressures continue to mount as technology and communication continue to become more and more unrestrained. In these times we must remember our identity as redeemed children of God in Christ Jesus – the lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Rest in him, and he will give you comfort for your tired soul.
