Biblical Rx for Depression

Part 2

A

s noted in part 1 depression is called the spirit of heaviness in Isaiah 61:3. In Part 1 I emphasized negative thinking and sin as causes for depression of the spirit of heaviness, however there are other causes as well.

Mark 2:27 “And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath:”

Sabbath simply means rest. It was originally introduced in Genesis 2:2-3 “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he rested from all his work which God created and made.”

It is here that we discover God’s divine pattern for man, even before the fall, was that man should rest even as God himself had rested [not that God needed or needs rest]. It shows a love for the one [man] created in His own image, for no other creature, created by God, was created in the image of God, had a day designated especially for rest—only man.

Sabbath is also a day of worshipping the Lord. So, even though we don’t go to work [whatever that means to the individual] if we neglect our worship, we can also become depressed.

We live in a very fast paced society where it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of trying to make ends meet, which, in turn, eventually causes our bodies to stress out for lack of rest [violating God’s Sabbath divine pattern]. The fatigued body, in turn effects the mind, which is also fatigued from lack of proper rest, causing burn-out and burn-up, as well as affecting our rationalizing skills, which eventually leads to depression or what Isaiah 61:3 calls the spirit of heaviness. All the while our bodies are stressed from lack of rest, plus most likely we heap insult to injury by improper eating [see how leaven leavens the lump?], [leaven here is not sin but simply getting sucked up in the “rat race” without realizing it.] And yet we keep pushing ourselves more and more all the while getting more and more depressed.

The danger of depression, if left unchecked, can and will eventually lead to mental, physical, and emotional maladies, yes, even in Christians.

Psalm 127:1-2 “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for he giveth his beloved sleep.”

 Here we discover that our depression also robs us of our sleep, that precious commodity bestowed upon us by divine decree for our own good, has been taken away to further deepen the spirit of heaviness. Vicious cycle isn’t it?

Miscellaneous Causes

Eating disorders, worry, and medical conditions are among other causes for depression, and vice versa, sometimes depression may come simply because we can’t have our own way about something [it then becomes a method of control], however it is not my intent to delve into the myriad of causes. Suffice it to say that we serve a God that knows no bounds of healing, nor is He restricted by any other from displaying his awesome power. Simply trust Him!

Rx

S0, you say, ‘Now that you’ve managed to bury me deeper in depression, What’s the answer?’ I don’t believe in leaving folks without hope and in worse condition than I found them, I believe Scriptures have all we need to be victorious over-comers in all that besieges us.

RX: Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

I wish I could but snap my fingers, or kiss your skinned elbow and all the pain would instantly go away much like it did when Mommy or Daddy used to do. But, it simply does not work that way, though we wish and pray it would. It takes hard work on your part, because God wants to build up your faith in Him once again. Oh, to be sure He has the wherewithal to speak all your pain away—but He chooses not to as He knows you’d never learn, but would soon be back in the same old predicament, doing the same old things, thinking the same old negative thoughts, repeating the same old sin as before [we’re all creatures of habit and addictions].

As Psalm 127:1-2 and Isaiah 26:3 state, we are doing the exact opposite.

·         We are trying to build and keep [protect] our house instead of allowing the Lord to do his job.

·         Our minds are focused on making money, solving life’s problems, paying bills et cetra instead of focusing on the l Lord, thus robbing us of our peace.

Isn’t that just like us? I don’t know how many times I’ve found myself in the exact same situation time and again.

RX: 2Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience or Christ.”

Remember in Part 1we were admonished to cast off vain imaginations [thoughts] and replace them with Godly or Christ like thoughts? All actions, by necessity, begin with a thought, for thought begets action or behavior not vice versa. Therefore, whether we change the actual thoughts or listen to uplifting Christian music or messages we can begin to change our actions, in this case turn depression away.

Also Isaiah 61:3b tells us to praise Him for all he has done. This will drive the spirit of heaviness from us just like David played for King Saul and drove the evil spirit from him.

RX: James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Because those negative thoughts will relentlessly attack numerous times it is vital that we don’t give up, but continue to resist until we have the victory! While Jesus was being tempted, after his baptism in Matthew 4:1-11, he was tempted, as recorded three times before Satan left. However, we must understand that Jesus was tempted every day of his life, but continued to resist until the final victory at Calvary. So also must we resist until He calls us home!

Rx: prayer: there are so many passages admonishing us to pray without ceasing, for it is a hallmark of faith to continue to pray until we see the victory. In Acts 12 Peter was put in prison by King Herod for his faith in Christ, however, the church (vs.5) prayed without ceasing for him until God dispatched an angel to set him free. He will do the same for you and me no matter our malady. Read Acts 12: 1-17.

Rx: listen to what your body is telling you. Many times it will SCREAM for rest. Many times it will SCREAM for a proper diet.

To be sure, resisting is not easy, to the contrary it can in and of itself be very fatiguing, if we fail to keep our minds stayed on Him and not our cares.

Warning!

O

bedience to God’s word can become addictive if adhered to as prescribed in His word—only without the negative side effects! If you experience relief, unspeakable joy, boundless energy, renewed appetite for life, zeal, nights of restful sleep, self-control, happiness, gentleness, renewed faith in God, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, abounding love for yourself and others, longsuffering, or any other such Godly traits---by all means PLEASE notify your pastor or minister immediately, especially if you experience one or more of the above symptoms simultaneously!! It may very well be good for your spiritual health, body, mind and emotions! This in turn is extremely contagious, so never use caution!

Faith Building Practice and Review

1.    What is the Bible term for depression?

2.    Who is subject to depression?

3.    Are any exempt from depression?

4.    What is Gods remedy for depression?

5.    Have you ever been depressed?

6.    Have you ever listened to what your body is telling you?

7.    If not, why not?

8.    Start doing it now.

9.    What is the “vicious cycle” that follows when deprived of rest?

10. Name at least five causes for depression.

11. Can you name any more? Do so here.

12. List the five Rx’s for depression.

13. Start practicing them now.

14. How long are we to pray for deliverance?

15. How long have you been praying/

16. Enlist others to pray for you and don’t give up, your life may depend on it!

17. Please take heed to the warning.