Can the Bible help me overcome depression?

THE world today is inundated with people crawling and yielding to depression. It therefore becomes inevitable that we ignore such a pandemic, lest people perish. Remember, Hosea 4:6: “My people perish for lack of knowledge.”

We should not let humanity suffer in ignorance, yet the answers are within.

Man born of a woman will inevitably experience periods of depression. Depression can best be described as feelings of worthlessness, dejection and despondency stemming from various sources. Family conflicts, biological malfunctions, religious conflicts, tragic past experiences, negative self-concept, economic challenges and childhood mistreatment by parents are among the various factors that can contribute to a feeling of depression.

Guilt also causes depression and let us focus this article on the relationship between depression and guilty. We underestimate the severity of guilty-induced depression at our own peril. The Bible says: “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long” (Ps.32:3).

Look again at a more poignant passage of scripture: (Ps.38:3-4,6,8). The Bible clearly shows that the alternative to guilty depression is a realisation of sin and a confident acceptance of God’s forgiveness. (Ps.32:5,7: Ps. 203:2-4). You and I can’t properly handle guiltiness by denying the reality of sin. Sin is a transgression of God’s divine law (1 John 3:4: James 4:17). Confession of sin is paramount, accompanied by consistent efforts to live according to God’s Word (Ps.34:12-15).

We can’t tightly expect relief from depression as long as we are rebelling against God.

Cain’s depression (Gn. 4:57) resulted from disobedience, and God promised relief from a “donkey face”, if Cain steadfastly resisted sin. Sometimes, one’s depression is intensified when he realises his sin and tries to punish himself for it. It is needless and pointless. Christ paid the price for your depression. (Titus 2:14 : 1 John 1:7). God has provided the answer for depression through His Son.

His love towards us is unconditional. Come to Jesus as you are anytime (Rm.5:8: Mat.11:28). Sin frequently causes depression. Rather than hiding that sin or treating the symptoms rather than the source, the victorious Christian humbly repents and lives confident of his forgiveness. God says you can’t anymore live with depression (1Pt.5:8).

Having alluded all there is, God remains dedicated in seeing us live a trouble free life.

Matthew 8:11: “Come unto me all yee who are heavy burdened..”. Regardless of the nature of your quagmire, God still wants us and He made sure that a solution to all our woes is within proximity.

An astute study of the Bible will unearth solutions to our worries. Seek and search for your answer God has them clearly spelt out in the Holy Book.