Tag Archives: depression

Though He Slay Me

 

Not only is all your affliction [in the path of obedience] momentary, not only is all your affliction light in comparison to eternity, and the glory there, but all of it is totally meaningful. Every millisecond of your pain…every millisecond of your misery in the path of obedience is producing a peculiar glory…I don’t care if it’s cancer or criticism. I don’t care if it was slander or sickness. It wasn’t meaningless. It’s doing something. It’s not meaningless. Of course you can’t see what it’s doing. Don’t look to what is seen. When your mom dies, when your kid dies, when you got cancer at 40, when a car careens into the sidewalk and takes her out, don’t say, “it’s meaningless!” It’s not. It’s working…an eternal…glory. Therefore…do not lose heart, but take these truths and day by day focus on them. Preach them to yourself every morning. Get alone with God and preach his word into your mind until your mind sings with confidence that you are new, that you are cared for.

–Piper

True or False: Depression is a Real Condition

true

27. What are five key areas for discussion with someone suffering from depression?

  1. The symptoms which comprise what is labeled “depression” may need to be treated medically, and may often be precipitated by sin (living to please self rather than God). Me slamming my thumb with a hammer may also need to be treated medically, and I would need to understand that just as the cause of the medical treatment was the condition of my thumb, so also the cause of my jacked-up thumb was me slamming it. While depression may require medical intervention, it may often be necessary to examine the actions leading to the symptoms/feelings.
    How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!– Psalm 32

  2. There are actions which may need to betaken in order to deal fully with depression.Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. – 1 Peter 3:10-12
  3. There is great hope in that Jesus has overcome, and he is able to work all things out for our good (though it may not make sense at the time).“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

     …we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. – Romans 8:28-29

  4. Whether symptoms of depression are experienced or not, we all must recognize the need to put off disobedience to God’s ways, and put on His truth.“Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” – Genesis 4:7

    Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires…Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey–whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? – Romans 6:12, 16

  5. Do it. Once you have examined the pieces of your depression (medical and/or sin), researched God’s view, recognized your hope, conceded your need for change, it’s time to practice actively (includes speaking truth, singing, thanksgiving, confession, prayer, working as unto the Lord, etc.)!Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:15-20