What comes to your mind when you hear the word depression? Do you think of it as a psychological problem only? Medical practitioners explain depression from a natural perspective. But there’s more to this state of hopelessness than mental pressure and physical discomfort. As a believer, life is more spiritual than physical. Therefore, you ought to understand depression through the lens of the spiritual realm.
Doctors are right to think that something happens to a person’s mental health that leads to depression. However, the real problem begins with the human spirit. First, there’s a disconnection from God and a departure of the hope and joy His presence brings. This happens because of sin, doubt, or devastating circumstances that drown out your ability to perceive God.
Think about this for a moment: if people are prone to depression when out of sync with God, it means that most people are likely to get depressed. Why? Because without God, happiness and fulfillment become based on things subject to change. For instance, if a person’s fulfillment and a sense of purpose come from their family or career, losing these things will plunge them into a state of depression. The lack of a spiritual connection makes them more vulnerable.
In her book, “HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION,” Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv. said, “Spiritual depression generally refers to a loss of spiritual vitality and joy.1Depressive disorders are more than just bodily symptoms to a believer. The signs to be on the lookout for include; losing grip on your faith, “forgetting” God or attempting to make time for spiritual study, focusing on previous errors rather than making modifications to perform better in the future, and a general sense of unhappiness. Moreover, depression is not necessarily a sin but an earthly sorrow (and can lead to sin). It is something everybody, at some point, will have to fight. It is a significant contention for our souls. It may be similar to oppression or even the suffering that Jesus Himself said we would constantly face.”
A lot of people don’t know that life is spiritual. They neglect to build up their spirit man and only focus on the natural side of life, which is why the feeling of loss or grief easily consumes people. Our Lord Jesus and His disciples were in a storm that would’ve destroyed them in their boat. Despite the storm, Jesus remained calm because He had peace within Himself. In order to have this inner peace we know Jesus did not ignore the spiritual aspect of His life. He knew how to calm the storm. Depression may seem like a dark storm; however, the Bible teaches us that God will give us light even when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Psalm 18:28 says (ESV)“For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.”
Also, Habakkuk 3:17-19 (KJV)says, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”Here are verses that show the possibility of overcoming depression when the world crumbles around us. It points to spiritualsustenance and reality, which, when non-existent, will lead to depression. So, redirect your hope in man or achievements and put your faith and absolute hope in God. Let Him be your Source, and you will not be disappointed.
Do you want to learn more about how to overcome depression and live a life full of laughter and fulfillment? Then get this life-transforming book, HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION by Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv.