Depression

Dear Bro. Don,

Depression is a problem I feel needs some consideration in our community. Brief comments on temptation and trial may help set the context.

Temptation

Temptation to sin arises from a cause or occasion of enticement. Believers young and old often have to contend with many serious temptations. Among them are:

  • alcoholic beverages in excess
  • illegal drugs
  • covetousness/gambling
  • fornication and adultery
  • astrology and psychics
  • humanism
  • violence
  • homosexuality

All of these temptations are alluded to in one verse: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but of the world” (I John 2:16).

A believer may feel he could never succumb to such evils. Nonetheless, since each of us has built within the tendency to do every evil thing imaginable, we must daily fight the weaknesses of the flesh. Knowing our own weaknesses, we should never despise a brother or sister who has fallen prey to temptation. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (I Cor. 10:12,13).

Trials

A trial is a test of faith, patience or stamina which arise from the difficulties of life. Examples are:

  • chronic illness/handicapped family members
  • miscarriage/birth defects/death of a child
  • loss of a loved one through death, especially when it is premature
  • abusive relationships
  • marital problems/separation/divorce
  • financial pressures through job loss/ doctors bills
  • isolation/loneliness

We also weep for others who are faced with such tribulations. There are trials, however, that seem trivial to one believer but are catastrophic to another. As God’s children, we must learn to be full of compassion, as was our Lord Jesus. Anyone who is suffering requires attention no matter how small the problem may appear to us.

As we are told, “comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (I Thess. 5:14).

Depression

Depression is a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in clear thinking and concentration, and a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping may occur. It normally includes feelings of dejection and hopelessness, sometimes leading to thoughts of suicide.

As a rule, depression stems either from a trial and/or guilt, combined with a feeling of being overwhelmed, which can result from a lack of faith. Depression deepens if our faith is not replenished. Hopefully, those who have a close relationship with someone who is under trial will recognize the warning signs of depression. This is made difficult sometimes because depression often breeds feelings of shame. Further, the suffering believer may be convinced he must solve the problem himself; and on account of his silence, deprives others of the opportunity to help.

One major trial I faced in my life was my marriage in the Truth which ended in divorce. It was heart wrenching; I felt shame and despair and remained silent with my faith shattered. The last few years before the end of my marriage I had contemplated suicide. I was able to make it, however, through God’s grace and the help of my natural and spiritual family.

There are definite signs of depression as noted above. If we know or believe that a brother or sister is depressed we should swiftly react with encouragement and consolation. Spiritual help is of primary importance. And in severe cases of depression, a physician’s care (and even hospitalization) may be required.

At times, it may seem that there is very little that can be said to a troubled brother or sister. Because we don’t know what to say, we may unfortunately distance ourselves from the situation. Yet spiritual comfort at such times of trouble is a human necessity and is essential to the sufferer’s welfare. A simple gesture of kindness such as a card, telephone call, visit to read the scriptures and offer prayers is a first step toward helping someone.

The effects of a tragedy can last many years, perhaps a lifetime. Consequently, we must give of our spiritual love at the time and continue to provide for the stricken one’s spiritual and physical needs for years to come.

Ultimately, no matter how much the brotherhood is involved with helping a believer who is being tried, the believer must also accept his loss/burden and choose to help himself by turning to God in prayer. Waiting too long to get help may cause the heart to turn bitter and faith to be lost forever. “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised by it” (Heb. 12:11).

The joy to come

To overcome temptations, to bear the trials of daily life and battle de­pression, we must build up our faith. We do so by daily scripture reading, by readiness to receive exhortation and comfort, by fellowship with our breth­ren and by calling upon our Heavenly Father for strength.

“Joy cometh! Oh that it were come. To wake the song that now is dumb; To rouse the mourner, soothe who weep, and bring again the dead who sleep” (Hymn 214).

“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22 NKJV).