In every area of life a Christian must fight. Every day is a battle. We are fighting enemies without as well as an a enemy within. This is also true when Christians face depression. I realize that I am stating the obvious and I am also aware that there are times when we cannot find the strength to fight and there are many times when we don't even want to fight, but nevertheless, depression involves a spiritual battle for a believer in Christ.
Many times, probably closer to every time, those diagnosed with depression are pointed to medicine to treat their problem. I am not saying that there is no place for medication when dealing with depression but I would like to say that for a Christian medical treatment for this condition should probably be considered last. I understand that there are chemical imbalances that can be treated but I think many times we fail to realize that there is a spiritual imbalance.
We are engaged in spiritual warfare and our strength comes from the Lord. By knowing our God's promises to us and understanding His sovereignty over our lives we are enabled to fight the good fight of faith. Many times our problems that we deal with on the inside, are not from thinking to much as some would say, but from thinking to little in the right direction. I am not an advocate of the power of positive thinking, but we do have a Bible that is full of promises that should shape our thinking. According to Ephesians 6, our battle is based upon the Word of God and communion with God. We are not facing enemies that we can see and lay our hands on, but again, we are in spiritual warfare. The belt of truth is to fasten us, not our wavering emotions or secular thought. We are to take the breastplate of righteousness, knowing God has declared us just in Christ. Our shoes are to be the Gospel of peace. The Gospel is needed every day by Christians. We need firm footing that only comes through the substitutionary death and victorious resurrection of Christ. Our shield is the shield of faith; faith in God's promises to work all things for our good, knowing that nothing can gain entrance into our lives apart from God's good plan. We are to take the helmet of salvation. How important it is for a Christian's mind to be trained to think Biblically when doubts are aimed for it. Our minds need to be protected by God's Word or emotions will take control. We are to take as a weapon the Sword of the Spirit, wielding God's Word at every enemy that arises. At the same times we are to be praying for ourselves and for others, showing our need of God's Spirit.
Christians are to "...be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel..." (Eph. 6:10-18).
War is not pleasant and battle is never easy, but it is necessary for survival. There may be a place for medical treatment in cases of depression, but I am afraid these medicines deal with the symptoms of depression more than the root of it. Christians can be confident in the sovereignty of their King; these conditions might find us because we need to fight this battle. There is more at stake than just "feeling normal again." God may use depression to sweep the rug of self reliance out from under our feet to cause us to depend wholly on Him and He may do this time and time again. But He knows what we need and He will bring into our lives what is necessary to conform us to the image of Christ.
There are many resources available on this subject including these books.
Spritual Depression by Martin Lloyd-Jones
When the Darkness Will Not Lift by John Piper
I have a desire for Christians to think Biblically about their problems and feelings. Too many of us are governed by fickle emotions and not by truth. Depression is real and it is hard and it takes time to get over. Some people deal with it their entire lives. I am not asking that we abandon the thought of medication entirely, only that Christian people would consider God's plan in their depression before they decide to take the easy way out which may simply deal with the symptoms. Let us fight the good fight of faith.
2 comments:
Thank you ! I have been enlightened to the grace of Calvinism over the last 5 weeks. We have now left our fellowship to start a new one with a number of reformed beleivers. Now my battles with depression begin to rear their ugly head. I feel like no one will understand in a reformed setting. I google "battling depression biblically" the first thing I get is your blog. Thank you for what you have to say.
I bookmarked this articled as I found it useful. I have been struggling with depression for years since both my parents passed away. I have two older sisters yet they barely speak to each other, and don't really speak to me either. My family, parents, used to be the source of energy for my living. Now that they're gone, i've been struggling to continue living.
I googled using words: christianity battling depression, and bumped into this article of yours. It's good that some people take time to share their positive thoughts in blogs.
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