The Black Clouds of Depression…
Have the dark clouds of depression poured their tears upon your soul? Are you emotionally stuck . . . muddled in your mind . . . mired in your emotions? Do you feel isolated and alone . . . afraid that no one understands? If so, you are not alone. People from all walks of life have languished under the black clouds of depression.
Can anything bring back the white clouds of contentment? King David—no stranger to depression— discovered the answer. He learned how to exchange the darkness of despair for the light of hope. Again and again, when his soul was downcast, he intentionally changed his focus—he continually riveted his focus on the faithfulness of his Savior . . . his Redeemer . . . his God. Three times, in three different verses, David asked himself the same question and three times he followed with the same answer.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” -Psalm 42:5–6, 11; 43:5
Q: “Does taking medicine for depression show a lack of faith in God?”
No. Various physical conditions can contribute to depression. For example, in bipolar and postpartum depression, a biochemical imbalance exists that can basically be treated successfully with medication. Unfortunately, many Christians fear being labeled unspiritual if they seek medical help for their depression, yet by doing nothing, they can suffer needlessly.
Sometimes medication is needed for a period of time to “level out” mountainous swings so that those in the throes of depression can see truth and walk on level ground. Ezekiel 47:12 explains that God made “leaves for healing.” Therefore, medicine is biblical. However, medicine should be used, not to numb the pain or to escape it, but to help a person process the pain. Additionally, medication should be the last avenue— tried only after all other steps have been taken—and always in conjunction with counseling.
“Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” -Psalm 142:4–5
Key Verse to Memorize
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!” -Psalm 27:13