Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. -I Peter 5:7
January and February are historically the months in which depression is experienced most by those in our country. The weather, no-doubt, has some to do with such, but not completely. These are the months in which, historically, the most suicides are committed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the second leading cause of death for those between 10 and 35 years old is suicide. Depression obviously plays a part in that.
I want to broach the subject again at this time of the year because I know that, with the added pandemic confining so many indoors, depression in our country is, no doubt, compounded this time of year.
Now, to be clear, we must separate those who suffer from depression because of a certain chemical imbalance in the blood or because of certain medicines they might be taking, or a chronic sickness they may be enduring. But all other depressions, in various degrees, are a result of wrong thinking or what I might call "painful thinking." Zig Ziglar used to call it, "stinking thinking," for the Christian is looking at life through the wrong set of lenses. A major theme underlying this depression and wrongful thinking is that of a real or perceived loss. It can be a loss of self-respect, love, ambition, or a relationship. Such feelings of depression are accompanied by extreme discouragement, dejection, despair, and, most of all, hopelessness.
In Numbers 11:10-16, Moses essentially said to God, "Lord, why are you treating me like this? What did I ever do to you to deserve this? Did I give birth to all these people? Am I their mother? So why dump this responsibility on me? Why are you telling me to carry these people around like a nursing mom all the way to the promise land? And these people keep whining about meat. Now, tell me Lord where am I going to get meat? This job is too much. I can't do it by myself. If this is the way you're going to treat me, just kill me now and end my miserable life!" This, of course, was a Morgan paraphrase, but I think it is true to the text and captures the emotion of the text.
Let's examine why Moses was depressed. First, physically, Moses was exhausted. Why? He had never learned the art of delegation. Moses was one of those who tried to do it all. Secondly, Moses suffered from an inferiority complex. That is no surprise because we all know what Moses' response was, when God called on him to lead God's people. Thirdly, Moses had a distorted image of God. He felt God was at a distance or had even abandoned him.
What did God do for Moses? God corrected his thinking in each area of his weakness. I believe that God can do that for you as well. Allow me to give you a list of things I believe that God would have you know in order to combat "painful thinking."
1. Be sure you are rightly related to God. Jesus said, "Come unto me all who are labored and heavy burdened (depressed) and I will give you rest." For believers, that means that you have dealt with any recent sins by confession and cleansing. Equally you are seeking to know God intimately.
2. Realize that depression is not a sin. Many of God's choice servants had moments of depression including the Apostle Paul. Depression is the red light on the physical, emotional and spiritual dashboard. But we must not give into it. That is when it becomes sin. For it is failure to trust God.
3. Reject negative thought patterns. II Corinthians 10:5b- "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." Whether we want to or not, we all talk to ourselves. How may I think rightly?
A. Recognize and identify the thoughts you express to yourself.
B. Realize that thoughts are automatic; you can reason against them.
C. Refuse to dwell on unpleasant memories of the past.
D. Guard against those subtle messages of inferiority.
E. Replace those thoughts by dwelling and meditating on a promise from God that speaks directly to your need. Commit it to memory.
4. Make sure that you have a proper image of God. Too many Christians suffer from depression because they have a distorted image of God. Dr. David Seamands said, "Most of our failure to love and trust God stems from our picture of God as unlovable and untrustworthy."
5. Make sure you have a good understanding of who you are "in Christ." The bible makes it clear that "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."
6. Make sure you have a small group or supportive friend with whom you can confide. Not to gossip, but to share your burdens and struggles and to have the others give you prayer support and accountability. Emile Durkheim said, "Less lonely and isolated people are less inclined to get depressed or to attempt suicide." Look for someone or ones who will love you but tell you the truth...not those who will only tell you what they think you want to hear. In this pandemic, call someone or set up a zoom conversation.
7. Sort out your consternation or depression. What I mean by this is, sometimes it is necessary to put down on paper (line by line) what is causing you to feel discouraged/depressed or lose hope. Then put out beside each item a promise from God's Word.
Remember God cares personally for you and wants you to experience His peace and joy.
"It is when we are out of options that we are most ready for God's surprises." -Max Lucado