Scripture and Depression
Scripture and Depression
Struggling with depression and darkness?
If you are like me, you struggle with depression. The darkness can come at you from external circumstances, such as work struggles, difficulty with children, or even marriage and family challenges. Darkness seems to mount as I wonder if the situations I face will ever change. Things become bleaker as I doubt my ability to enact positive change upon my circumstances. I despair and fall into a cycle of hopelessness. Sometimes the darkness is from within as I forget the grace that rescued me, and I begin a process of self-loathing. It is one thing to recognize our need for Jesus, and another to recognize our inability to save ourselves. I tend to move into extremes where I despise myself and feel more like a boat without an anchor or direction in the darkness of night. Where can my soul run, and to whom do I run to when I feel this way? I turn to God’s unchanging word. The Psalmist wrote about my feelings more than 2,400 years ago,
"For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave... You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths," (Psalm 88:3, 6).
Here in this beautiful, desperate prayer, I feel a deep connectedness as my soul also cries out to God.
Psalm 88 is unique because it is one of the few Psalms that conclude without a resolution or dynamic shift into praise. Other Psalms of despair or cries for assistance begin with a plea to God, then move into an awareness that God holds the future and will bring about justice and goodness even if it is unseen. In Psalm 88, there is no resolution of hope. The Psalmist instead concludes in despair,
“You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend.” (Psalm 88:18).
It is as if the ancient prayer gives the modern reader the permission to bring unvarnished grief, sorrow, and darkness before God when relief feels distant.
How does a believer manage and move forward through the dark nights of depression?
Before we move further in this article, I want to encourage someone struggling with depression to seek counselling and even medical support. I have often been asked if those who believe in Jesus should take medication for depression or seek help outside of the Holy Spirit. “Yes!” is the answer. Faith does not replace psychological support or even medical care. Part of the effect of the rebellion in the Garden of Eden is that our bodies are degraded and not as they were meant to be. Where we were designed to have a perfectly healthy mind and body functioning in harmony, the existence of sin means our bodies do not always act as they should. When the body is not producing the correct chemical balance needed to function properly, we should receive medical assistance. I believe that medication alone is not the answer. Treating the physical without the spiritual is of little value. Anyone without the truth and hope of Jesus is lacking the core component of spiritual and emotional health. A worldview that has a foundation of justice, love, hope, redemption, grace, and Heaven are the gift of reality that God has made available to each person. Apart from the hope of Jesus there is no real hope.
I also believe that just knowing Jesus might not be enough. If medication can help a person regulate the chemical imbalance within their body, we should not rely upon a miracle cure from the Holy Spirit when he has provided through medical science and godly Doctors. Depression can be as much a medical and biological condition as it is a mental. I would never dream of telling someone with diabetes or high blood pressure to pray more and it will be cured. Instead, I would say, “pray and take your medication.” Just because someone struggles with darkness, sorrow, fatigue, or hopelessness does not mean God is absent or that they lack prayer and devotion. As Psalm 88 describes, scripture frequently shows God meeting people in their lowest physical and emotional states without condemnation.
I like the analogy of a boat without an anchor or direction that I used earlier to describe how I often feel when depressed. Even last night, my wife asked me what was wrong, and my answer was, “I don’t know.” It is difficult to describe, which is usually a sign of depression. When thoughts become overwhelming or darkness takes over, we must find that anchor. What is something in life that is unchanging, true and eternal? Only God is immutable, true and eternal. So too, the word of God can anchor our soul in the darkest of moments. As the lyrics to the old hymns read,
“What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning. Safe and secure from all alarms. Leaning, leaning. Leaning on the everlasting arms,” (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. E. A. Hoffman 1887).
When we feel the darkness overcoming, we must learn to lean on the foundational promises in Scripture which can provide an anchor in the storms. When we connect with God through scripture, the Holy Spirit reminds us of the truth of God’s presence and promises. God is not distant, God is nearby. We are not alone; God is within us. We are not worthless, hopeless, or defeated, God has already won the battle for our soul, and Jesus is King.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” (Psalm 34:18)
Often in my darkest moments, my worth and value are challenged. I feel as though I am unable to contribute value to anyone. I have known people in very dark places speak of the world being better without them. This is a lie from the Devil who seeks to “Steal, kill, and destroy,” (John 10:10). Satan works to steal our joy, kill our spirit, and destroy our relationship with God. To fight against the Devil, we must speak and hold on to the truth of God. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” He said, “I have come that they may have life and life abundantly,” (John 10:10). If you are in a dark place, claim this truth. Speak it out loud. Pray to God that the Holy Spirit will help you believe the truth and overcome the lie.
Another struggle that I have, which is interconnected to my sense of value, is recognition (and at times obsession) with my failures and flaws. I am so far from being a perfect person or even the person I want to be, that it is painful to admit to myself. I get lost looking at the trail behind me, but I cannot undo the past. What I can do is learn to live by the grace of God and help others on the trail leading forward. In this, I am reminded that God’s love is not based on my ability to obey, be good, or my achievements. God’s love is unchanging and ever-present, even on my worst day. Our worth and identity are not found in our deeds or failures, but in the love of the Father. We do not get to choose our value, but the Father in Heaven who created us determines our worth. You and I are loved so deeply that Jesus left Heaven to die for us. Our identity and value rest in God's love, not in your temporary feelings or daily productivity.
Speaking of productivity, depression often strips away energy and momentum. We can feel stuck and unable to accomplish anything. Move forward anyway. Take small steps when you need to, but always move forward. Remember, our feelings lie to us. Focus on manageable, small actions rather than large expectations. Establish a routine of simple daily habits that help you progress through the day. In my worst moment of depression, just getting up and going to work was a chore. But I did it every day, and was thankful that I refused to allow depression to rob my day from me. Your small steps and victories can be simple things like taking a shower, eating lunch, going on a walk, and ensuring a regular sleep schedule. Depending on where you are in the darkness, these simple tasks can seem unmanageable. Get small victories and get the help you need to move forward.
Finally, do not isolate. Depression is not a feeling God designed us to have. It is a result of sin from the Garden, not any personal sin. The lie from Satan is that we want to isolate and be alone. While there are moments for self-reflection and alone time, we should not isolate. A routine of community interaction is essential to health and overcoming depression. Include goals of community interaction in your daily and weekly routines. Be sure to force yourself to communicate with friends. Recognize the lie of what you feel. Then, live into the truth that we were created to be in community. Isolation is one of the worst things a person struggling with depression can do. We must fight the natural urge to crawl into a hole and hide. We must summon our strength and engage the community of believers. This is where attending regular Sunday service, weekly Bible study, or small group is so important. Amid our depression, we should allow others to help carry our burden. Let trusted loved ones come near and encourage you when your own strength feels exhausted.
One of the most powerful parts of Psalm 88 is the very first line:
“O Lord, God of my salvation…” (Psalm 88:1)
Even in despair, the author knows who God is and is taking his prayer of darkness to the light of God the Father. In my mind, God hears the prayer of the Psalmist and hears you and I when we pray such prayers, and he holds us tightly. I see us on the lap of the loving father in a rocking chair by the fireplace as God whispers into our ear his eternal truth of love and grace.
May God sustain you as you move forward.
Struggling with depression and darkness?
If you are like me, you struggle with depression. The darkness can come at you from external circumstances, such as work struggles, difficulty with children, or even marriage and family challenges. Darkness seems to mount as I wonder if the situations I face will ever change. Things become bleaker as I doubt my ability to enact positive change upon my circumstances. I despair and fall into a cycle of hopelessness. Sometimes the darkness is from within as I forget the grace that rescued me, and I begin a process of self-loathing. It is one thing to recognize our need for Jesus, and another to recognize our inability to save ourselves. I tend to move into extremes where I despise myself and feel more like a boat without an anchor or direction in the darkness of night. Where can my soul run, and to whom do I run to when I feel this way? I turn to God’s unchanging word. The Psalmist wrote about my feelings more than 2,400 years ago,
"For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave... You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths," (Psalm 88:3, 6).
Here in this beautiful, desperate prayer, I feel a deep connectedness as my soul also cries out to God.
Psalm 88 is unique because it is one of the few Psalms that conclude without a resolution or dynamic shift into praise. Other Psalms of despair or cries for assistance begin with a plea to God, then move into an awareness that God holds the future and will bring about justice and goodness even if it is unseen. In Psalm 88, there is no resolution of hope. The Psalmist instead concludes in despair,
“You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend.” (Psalm 88:18).
It is as if the ancient prayer gives the modern reader the permission to bring unvarnished grief, sorrow, and darkness before God when relief feels distant.
How does a believer manage and move forward through the dark nights of depression?
Before we move further in this article, I want to encourage someone struggling with depression to seek counselling and even medical support. I have often been asked if those who believe in Jesus should take medication for depression or seek help outside of the Holy Spirit. “Yes!” is the answer. Faith does not replace psychological support or even medical care. Part of the effect of the rebellion in the Garden of Eden is that our bodies are degraded and not as they were meant to be. Where we were designed to have a perfectly healthy mind and body functioning in harmony, the existence of sin means our bodies do not always act as they should. When the body is not producing the correct chemical balance needed to function properly, we should receive medical assistance. I believe that medication alone is not the answer. Treating the physical without the spiritual is of little value. Anyone without the truth and hope of Jesus is lacking the core component of spiritual and emotional health. A worldview that has a foundation of justice, love, hope, redemption, grace, and Heaven are the gift of reality that God has made available to each person. Apart from the hope of Jesus there is no real hope.
I also believe that just knowing Jesus might not be enough. If medication can help a person regulate the chemical imbalance within their body, we should not rely upon a miracle cure from the Holy Spirit when he has provided through medical science and godly Doctors. Depression can be as much a medical and biological condition as it is a mental. I would never dream of telling someone with diabetes or high blood pressure to pray more and it will be cured. Instead, I would say, “pray and take your medication.” Just because someone struggles with darkness, sorrow, fatigue, or hopelessness does not mean God is absent or that they lack prayer and devotion. As Psalm 88 describes, scripture frequently shows God meeting people in their lowest physical and emotional states without condemnation.
I like the analogy of a boat without an anchor or direction that I used earlier to describe how I often feel when depressed. Even last night, my wife asked me what was wrong, and my answer was, “I don’t know.” It is difficult to describe, which is usually a sign of depression. When thoughts become overwhelming or darkness takes over, we must find that anchor. What is something in life that is unchanging, true and eternal? Only God is immutable, true and eternal. So too, the word of God can anchor our soul in the darkest of moments. As the lyrics to the old hymns read,
“What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning. Safe and secure from all alarms. Leaning, leaning. Leaning on the everlasting arms,” (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. E. A. Hoffman 1887).
When we feel the darkness overcoming, we must learn to lean on the foundational promises in Scripture which can provide an anchor in the storms. When we connect with God through scripture, the Holy Spirit reminds us of the truth of God’s presence and promises. God is not distant, God is nearby. We are not alone; God is within us. We are not worthless, hopeless, or defeated, God has already won the battle for our soul, and Jesus is King.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” (Psalm 34:18)
Often in my darkest moments, my worth and value are challenged. I feel as though I am unable to contribute value to anyone. I have known people in very dark places speak of the world being better without them. This is a lie from the Devil who seeks to “Steal, kill, and destroy,” (John 10:10). Satan works to steal our joy, kill our spirit, and destroy our relationship with God. To fight against the Devil, we must speak and hold on to the truth of God. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” He said, “I have come that they may have life and life abundantly,” (John 10:10). If you are in a dark place, claim this truth. Speak it out loud. Pray to God that the Holy Spirit will help you believe the truth and overcome the lie.
Another struggle that I have, which is interconnected to my sense of value, is recognition (and at times obsession) with my failures and flaws. I am so far from being a perfect person or even the person I want to be, that it is painful to admit to myself. I get lost looking at the trail behind me, but I cannot undo the past. What I can do is learn to live by the grace of God and help others on the trail leading forward. In this, I am reminded that God’s love is not based on my ability to obey, be good, or my achievements. God’s love is unchanging and ever-present, even on my worst day. Our worth and identity are not found in our deeds or failures, but in the love of the Father. We do not get to choose our value, but the Father in Heaven who created us determines our worth. You and I are loved so deeply that Jesus left Heaven to die for us. Our identity and value rest in God's love, not in your temporary feelings or daily productivity.
Speaking of productivity, depression often strips away energy and momentum. We can feel stuck and unable to accomplish anything. Move forward anyway. Take small steps when you need to, but always move forward. Remember, our feelings lie to us. Focus on manageable, small actions rather than large expectations. Establish a routine of simple daily habits that help you progress through the day. In my worst moment of depression, just getting up and going to work was a chore. But I did it every day, and was thankful that I refused to allow depression to rob my day from me. Your small steps and victories can be simple things like taking a shower, eating lunch, going on a walk, and ensuring a regular sleep schedule. Depending on where you are in the darkness, these simple tasks can seem unmanageable. Get small victories and get the help you need to move forward.
Finally, do not isolate. Depression is not a feeling God designed us to have. It is a result of sin from the Garden, not any personal sin. The lie from Satan is that we want to isolate and be alone. While there are moments for self-reflection and alone time, we should not isolate. A routine of community interaction is essential to health and overcoming depression. Include goals of community interaction in your daily and weekly routines. Be sure to force yourself to communicate with friends. Recognize the lie of what you feel. Then, live into the truth that we were created to be in community. Isolation is one of the worst things a person struggling with depression can do. We must fight the natural urge to crawl into a hole and hide. We must summon our strength and engage the community of believers. This is where attending regular Sunday service, weekly Bible study, or small group is so important. Amid our depression, we should allow others to help carry our burden. Let trusted loved ones come near and encourage you when your own strength feels exhausted.
One of the most powerful parts of Psalm 88 is the very first line:
“O Lord, God of my salvation…” (Psalm 88:1)
Even in despair, the author knows who God is and is taking his prayer of darkness to the light of God the Father. In my mind, God hears the prayer of the Psalmist and hears you and I when we pray such prayers, and he holds us tightly. I see us on the lap of the loving father in a rocking chair by the fireplace as God whispers into our ear his eternal truth of love and grace.
May God sustain you as you move forward.
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