God made man in his own image. That means, like God, we have intellect, sensibilities, and will. “Sensibilities” is just a fancy word for feelings. Now you can study the Word and see examples of God feeling, compassion, love, anger, sorrow, hatred and even regret. Some of you may challenge me on the last one so let me give you the scripture. Gen 6:6 “The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.”
However, we never read that He was depressed. The reason being is that the Lord is always in absolute control, all the time. If He wants to change anything he just wills it to be so. But it’s not the same with us. There are times in our lives where we find ourselves in a situation that seems insurmountable. 2 Cor 1:8 (International Standard Version)
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about the suffering we experienced in Asia. We were so crushed beyond our ability to endure that we even despaired of living.
I interpret that to mean that they were depressed. In PS 61:2 The psalmist writes, “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint…” Another version says, “my heart is overwhelmed”.
Further, in I Kings 19 we read that even the great prophet Elijah had succumbed to such an emotion. Soon after he called down fire from heaven and killed all the prophets of Baal, he ran from Jezebel in fear for his life and sat down under a broom tree.
Yet in all these cases above God was there to minister healing and strength to carry on. That being understood, it still doesn’t negate the fact that even we believers aren’t immuned to bouts of depression.
It really bothers me greatly how some, even in the Church, handle those who find themselves in a state of depression. They’ll tell you things like, “brother you shouldn’t be depressed. You should count your blessings. You just aren’t viewing things correctly.” They’ll say something like, “the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Even some of those in ministry will never let you see themselves struggle. They just put on a happy face..”praise God!”Isn’t God good!” God will never give you a trial you cannot bare!”
While all those things are indeed true, it’s not what you need in a time of great personal struggle. They don’t want to identify with you, much less admit that it’s even possible that a believer can feel the way you do. Consequently, it even makes you feel worse. You think, “what’s wrong with me? I shouldn’t feel this way. I must have a lack of faith.” But they’ll wrong! Further they miss an opportunity to let God minister though them. Remember The Good Samaritan in Luke 10:34? “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.” Wasn’t Jesus making a point that we should do likewise?
I wonder how many Christians suffer in silence because they’re afraid to let you know that they’re hurting and depressed. Some only want to”rejoice with those who rejoice”, but they pull away from “those who weep.”
Yes, a Christian can struggle with depression. That doesn’t mean they’re any less of a Christian than you are. They just need someone to pour on the oil and wine.The next time you notice that a brother or sister that may be struggling with depression, why not be like Jesus who came to “bind up the broken hearted.”