It is not a rare statement that we live in a fallen world. Much attention is paid to the aspects of the world that derive directly from human choices, but we sometimes overlook that the world itself is broken, cursed by its creator as a result of Adam's sin. What this means is that the structures and inclinations and very nature that surrounds and suffuses us are awry.
Depression is, at least in most cases, the result of a chemical imbalance within the sufferer. There is some discussion about whether or not demonic influences are involved in at least some cases, but whether or not that's true doesn't actually make a difference to this particular article. The root of what brought about this article was a request from a reader to explore whether or not Christians can have depression, or if it is a sin of disbelief. The short answer is that, no, it is not a sin, Christians are equally susceptible to it as anyone else. It does not come as a temptation, it is not avoidable, there is no choice involved. It is a state of being, and from a moral standpoint it is no different than a cold or a broken arm. Frequent readers to this column, however, may already be aware that these things rarely end at the shortest answer.
This author has not had to suffer at the hands of depression, and as such will be of little aid in making it more relateable. Because that's really the core problem in this discussion, the fact that depression is nearly incomprehensible to those who don't have it. We don't get what's happening. It seems so simple to us, and so often we fall into the mistake of trying to get the person to buck up and face their concerns and move on, and the only real result of it is showing the sufferer that we neither understand what's going on nor listen well enough to realize that. We throw at them verses relating to anxiety, and while these are great verses and can really help those concerned about their circumstances, they only really work if the problem is anxiety or if approached in a very careful and thoughtful manner, which is too often not the case.
The most commonly used portion of scripture to discuss depression is 1 Kings 19, the story of Elijah after his victory over the prophets of Baal. The video embedded to the left is part 1 of 5 on a sermon exploring this passage as it relates to depression, and this column is not the place to repeat all of it. But there's an important reminder hidden in verse 7. At the risk of overspiritualizing the passage, allow a brief glance at the angel's statement that the journey ahead is too much for Elijah.
The problem wasn't that Elijah couldn't get to Horeb (he did), but that he couldn't get there on his own strength. He had to rely on God to come along and deliver the tools he needed to make the journey. Which sounds like a point that could be turned toward the sufferers of depression ("Trust in the Lord, not on your own strength!"), until one remembers that they don't need reminded of that. They already believe they can't make it on their own strength. That's what depression does. This time, let's turn that phrase on the rest of us. We need to stop telling people with depression to get over their problems, cheer up, just keep pressing forward. We need to offer to lend them strength, and we need to point them to the ultimate source of all strength and joy, God Himself.
But, you know, getting saved isn't guaranteed to cure us of all the physical failings of our bodies in this life. Most people who suffer from depression and come to Christ will still have episodes where they suffer from depression. The soul has been healed, the heart set free - but the body is not promised to be renewed until the new Heaven and new Earth. So does that mean that they can never fully enter into the joy of the Lord or ministry? Of course not. In fact, they have a rather unique perspective on the gospel that should not be overlooked. The most common answer for how people with depression can use their experience for outreach is to tell them to go help other people with depression. And while this is a good idea, as they can empathize in a way that most others cannot, this isn't the only tool depression gives them.
Human beings, in our natural fallen state, are isolated from God. We are distant, alone, and hopeless. A very real piece of our essence is missing, and there remains a wound that we can never fully ignore. The thing is, so many of us can explain that, and describe it, and make it make sense. But few of us really understand the depths to which isolation and hopelessness and deep wounds can drag us better than those who suffer from depression. Those with depression who come to Christ hold the memory of this and the possibility of its recurrence, coupled with experiencing the release and joy of God that comes from trusting Him. Armed in such a way, how many of the rest of us can present a more distinct picture of the depths of human nature and isolation from God as compared to the mere fragment of His joy that we can experience in this life. You want to hear a powerful story that explains the gospel? Have someone with depression tell it. The Lord can use this condition, at least as much as any other.
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