The Biblical Truth of Depression -- It Will Shock You!

This morning I was led to post this. It stemmed from a discussion I had with a man who is struggling with Depression. Here is something that I came across about this very touchy subject which I know will cause a stir so to speak.

There are numerous biblical references to depression, one of the human race's most common and distressing afflictions. It is likely that the first humans to experience depression were Adam and Eve, after they sinned against God.  Examples of people in the Bible who suffered bouts of depression are:

Abraham (Genesis 15)
Jonah (Jonah 4)
Job (Book of Job)
Elijah (1 Kings 19)
King Saul (I Samuel 16:14-23, etc.)
Jeremiah (Book of Jeremiah)
King David (Psalms 6, 13, 18, 23, 25, 27, 31, 32, 34, 37-40, 42-43, 46, 51, 55, 62-63, 69, 71, 73, 77, 84, 86, 90-91, 94-95, 103-104, 107, 110, 116, 118, 121, 123-124, 130, 138, 139, 141-143, 146-147)

The Bible Teaches That Sorrow Is A Natural Cure For Depression!

That's right, you read that correctly! We learn in Ecclesiastes 7:3 that being sad is a natural part of human life, which makes the “HEART BETTER.” A “countenance” is a person's face. Grieving is a natural part of the human healing process. When you are sad and down emotionally, it is ok and don't ever allow anyone to convince you that something is wrong with you.  Ecclesiastes 7:3, “Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better”.

The Bible Commands Every Believer To Be Depressed!

That's right you read that correctly! In fact, God commands every believer in the Bible to “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:9-10). The Bible teaches us HUMBLE YOURSELF IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD through humility, mourning and afflicting yourself (realize one's misery), and then He lifts you up.

Whereas God commands us as Christian believers to weep, afflict ourselves and have a heavy heart; the wicked world tells us the exact opposite. The world tells us that we're supposed to be happy, confident and cheerful all the time or else there's something wrong with us. The world is insane and wrong!

The Bible plainly teaches that if you're not depressed, you're not right with God! The word “afflicted” in James 4:9 is the Greek word talaipōreō and means “to be wretched, that is, realize one’s own misery.” The dictionary defines “wretched” as “very unhappy, full of misery!” There is a huge difference between Godly depression verses unhealthy depression.

Unhealthy depression is when we condemn ourselves over past sins which have already been confessed and forsaken (Hebrews 10:22). Satan tries to discourage believers by continually accusing them day-and-night the Bible says before the throne of God (Revelation 12:10). The Devil's crowd behave just like their father the Devil. We must realize as King David that God is the ONLY one that we have to answer to see Psalms 51:4

Any believer can have peace and complete joy in the Lord Jesus Christ, if we realize the scriptural truth that God is the only one that we will ever have to give account to in eternity. It doesn't matter what anyone else has to say. The Bible strictly warns all mankind against condemning anyone else, because WE ARE ALL SINNERS (Romans 2:1, James 5:9).  So we are Biblically commanded to realize our own wretchedness, which is what the song AMAZING GRACE is all about.

Godly depression is continually realizing that I am a sinner by birth and nature, and saying along with the Apostle Paul, “O wretched man that I am… (see Romans 7:24-25). Godly affliction is thinking about the awful sinful condition of our society, and praying about it, for God to deliver me from evil (Luke 11:4), and praying for my brethren in the Lord (2nd Corinthians 13:7).

Notice that Christ Jesus didn't say “deliver us from sin” in His example of how to pray; but rather, “deliver us from EVIL.” Evil is planned sin. No Christian can live above committing sin, but Christians can all abstain from committing evil (premeditated sin). We are commanded to ask God to deliver us from evil, that is, deliberate sinning.  2nd Thes. 3:1, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.”

I'm not making this stuff up, the Bible teaches that God wants us depressed, that is, (as defined in the dictionary), “to lower someone's spirits; make downhearted.”  Why in the world would God want us to be depressed? Once again go read Ecc. 7:3.

We grow from pain in our soul, if we trust upon the Lord God Almighty and don't commit suicide or turn to sin to cope which becomes demonic. It is often stated that adversity makes men, but prosperity destroys them. UNSHAKABLE FAITH COMES FROM HAVING YOUR FAITH SHAKEN!!!

This doesn't mean that Christians should walk around looking miserable. It simply means that we should continually HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST IN US, which Philippians 2:4-5 instructs and teaches, thinking upon the needs, burdens and things of others instead of ourselves.

Every Christian ought to be sorrowful concerning the gross wickedness of this evil generation. I am saddened daily over abortion, same-sex marriage, public nudity, “sin cities” Las Vegas and New Orleans, drug abuse, blatant government crimes, counterfeit Bibles, lukewarm Christians who support evil, etc., etc., etc.

God have mercy on this spiritually sick generation of fun-seekers! God have pity on this shallow, spineless, TV generation. Unless something is “FUN,” people won't get involved and have no interest, and this especially includes spiritual areas. This is today's lukewarm church scene (U.S.A.) —using Rock 'N' Roll, worldliness, things that are “FUN” to sell a product that supposedly will reignite a dead church and draw everyone to God! Yeah, right! God never intended for church to be “FUN” or entertaining. If your entertainment is God, then God must become entertaining to be worshiped.

Psalms:126:5- 6: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

John:11:35: Jesus wept.

Lastly people - There Is No Such Thing As A “Chemical Imbalance”

This is one of the biggest frauds in our country and society. Doctors commonly diagnose patients with a Chemical Imbalance. There is NO SUCH THING. It is not a scientific diagnosis. There is no test to determine chemical imbalance. There is no way to test or know for certain if someone has a chemical imbalance in their brain. This is why doctors call it a syndrome or disorder. There is a global view that moves from one generation to the next. Each new school of thought is replaced with the next popular trend.  Go LEARN IT!

Therefore, when this period of depression goes longer than it should, we need to then understand it has now become a demonic problem which must be addressed properly with God.

Rev. Bradley Luoma

Shame -- How to Deal With It

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Cows don’t experience shame, but it is a universal phenomenon amongst humans. This is a complex issue because, in one sense, we live in a shameless society (shame before God), just as Isaiah lamented about. On the other hand, jettisoning God has left us with no sufficient way to deal with our internal shame, and the results are devastating.

The first mention of shame in the bible actually celebrates the absence of it: Adam and Eve were publicly naked and felt no shame (Genesis 2:25). Our final destination is a place where nothing shameful will ever enter, or be felt, having been cleansed by the blood of Christ (Revelation 21:27)
In between, shame is all around us, and in us. Shame, depending on how you define it, can be good, but it can also be a hope-killing horror.

Some make a distinction between guilt and shame. Guilt feelings are related to wrong things we have done. Shame is related to WHO WE ARE. The bible speaks of people who have seared consciences, who no longer feel pangs of guilt. These people are also known as sociopaths.

Standing before a group of mourners a mother said, “Shame killed my son, Sam. Shame kept him quiet, living in dark secrets with terrible regrets, surrounded by friends, but so very alone.” Her son had taken his own life after a protracted battle with addiction and shame.

The grieving mother continued, “Do not let shame win. The evil one has filled his quill with shame, disconnection, secrets, and sorrow and is writing his story of darkness. God’s story of light with redemption, hope, community, truth, and glory is written in His own blood.”

Destructive shame has become epidemic; part of everyone’s story to some extent. Shame manifests itself by isolation, self-protection, self-hatred, self-destruction, self-preservation, and the illusion of control. It follows us wherever we go, and it demands center stage attention.

Isolation. Despite Sam’s popularity, he created a world of isolation. Shame induces people to define themselves by their addictions. Followers of Christ are in union with Him, and Jesus is our final, all-sufficient identity, not whatever sins we may be struggling with.

Often shame based people will isolate themselves from healthy people, and are often drawn to other shame based people, where vulnerability is avoided and cynicism abounds.  For self-protection these relationships tend to be shallow, often fixating on entertainment or other numbing activities. Healthy relationships demand vulnerability, but the commitment to self-protection kills vulnerability.

Relationships can only grow if, over time, healthy risks are taken in being vulnerable.

Shamed people often live in ambiguity; having a sense of entitlement and a sense of worthlessness. They ask for relief but often sabotage it when it is offered. They fight with thoughts that they are disgusting people and it is only a matter of time before everyone finds out the sorry truth about themselves.

Satan accuses and causes us to hate our longings for connection and redemption and makes us hate hope.

Perhaps shame's most insidious trait is to cause people to embrace the lie, that at their core, they are defectively designed. Self-hate gives way to desperate and self-destructive behaviors because they think they are irredeemable. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between shame and participation in bullying, aggression, and suicide. For Sam, the destructive behavior was addiction. However, there are many other soul-numbing activities. It saddens me to know how common addiction to pornography is amongst God’s people, including a high percentage of bible-believing pastors. The shame felt by these folks must be horrendous. Worst of all, shame makes delighting in God impossible, unless it is dealt with.

Shame operates as both a filter and an amplifier. It filters out the dignity we have as image bearers of God, and it amplifies our shortcomings. Hence, many are unable to take healthy risks and they seek to numb their pain-filled souls. Life becomes all about mere survival. And it is impossible to be other-focused or God-focused when one is survival-focused. Anxiety and depression are sure to follow.

Shame invites a person to carry all the weight in a desperate attempt to keep control, but this shuts others and God out of the picture. Satan’s voice may lead to shame, but God’s tender grace will lead to true healing—from the inside out.

Some folks are prisoners to false shame. Cultural standards of beauty, wealth, status, etc have caused many wonderful people to hate themselves, which is tragic. Others have been abused or hurt in other ways by people they trusted, and this has led to self-disgust. Tragically, abuse-shame seems to open doors to the demonic.

The gospels are full of men and women who were imprisoned by shame but Jesus’ gentle touch and forgiveness gave them hope. He took our shame upon Himself, so that we might live, and live abundantly. Hanging completely naked on the cross, and taking our sin upon Himself, and the punishment for our sin, Jesus endured the shame for the joy that was set before Him.

Shame needs to be removed, not hidden or avoided. As Christians we can bring our shortcomings in the safety of God’s grace.

Cows may not feel shame but neither can they experience the beauty of Christ’s righteousness, which covers our guilt! No matter how shame-filled you may feel, flee to the open arms of a gentle Redeemer.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Practicing the Presence of God

By Evangelist Stephen Piersall

God’s Preservation Ministry,  http://sfprs.org/  

Many of us growing up in school have had the opportunity to “practice” whether it was in sports, homework, etc. Practice makes us much better in doing something. We do many things in our daily lives repeatedly, either at school, work, church, or other activities. It comes right down to it that we are practicing. How much time do you practice with God?

Ouch! Were a few toes stepped on by that comment? C’mon, who practices in churches? The Pastor with his sermon, the choir, and musical director with any band instruments, etc. However, Practicing the Presence of God in your life takes time and work. Are we referring to how often you pray, read your Bible, or tithe, or… NO?!

Practicing the presence of God is an awareness of God that flows through our day the way blood circulates through the body, replacing it with nutrients and oxygen. You need that quiet time each day with God with his conscience that he may be speaking to us. His presence fills our lives, through thoughts, feelings, dreams, activities, and in-between moments.

Practicing God’s presence moves his company beyond church gatherings, before meal graces and study time of the Bible to expand our knowledge of his word. Keeping company with God this way changes tasks such as building familiarity into acts of worship because we know at whose feet, we will sit encircling the rest of our lives. This awareness of God’s presence is a part, of how we delight in God: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4)

If you are interested in continuing this quest, consider yourself an experimenter. As an examiner you are not out to impress anyone or achieve anything difficult, but to explore what it means to enjoy God’s presence. Take it slowly; do not rush for immediate results. This is God’s time; worship him. Reap all the wisdom, discernment, love, forgiveness, giving, etc. that you can. Consider asking God to show you if there are ways you already practice his presence without recognizing it. Perhaps you are sitting at a doctor’s office and just stop and reflect and start to pray for the others around you, the staff, and doctors. Sitting at a red light, and looking around and see other sad faces in other cars, or people walking with their heads down, pray for them all accordingly.

During this past week’s "Spiritual Growth Toolbox” class at church, I learned the following, and I hope you find it of great value to help you to Examine your Presence of God:

1. STILLNESS: Quiet your heart, and listen. In this moment, become present to Jesus.
2. GRATITUDE: Seeing through the lens of thanks, appreciate God’s gifts in each event of the day.
3. REFLECTION: Review your positive and negative feelings. Did you choose Jesus’ way in each situation?
4. JOY & SORROW: Rejoice in a success, or ask forgiveness for sin. If necessary, plan to make amends.
5. HOPE. Move toward expectation. Ask God to shine a light on tomorrow’s path. Resolve to grow.

Imagine what it must have been like for the disciples to ask Jesus to teach them to pray. What motivates you to Practicing the Presence of God in your life?

Practicing the Presence of God

By Stephen Piersall, God’s Preservation Ministry,  http://sfprs.org/  

Many of us growing up in school have had the opportunity to “practice” whether it was in sports, homework, etc. Practice makes us much better in doing something. We do many things in our daily lives repeatedly, either at school, work, church, or other activities. It comes right down to it that we are practicing. How much time do you practice with God?

Ouch! Were a few toes stepped on by that comment? C’mon, who practices in churches? The Pastor with his sermon, the choir, and musical director with any band instruments, etc. However, Practicing the Presence of God in your life takes time and work. Are we referring to how often you pray, read your Bible, or tithe, or… NO?!

Practicing the presence of God is an awareness of God that flows through our day the way blood circulates through the body, replacing it with nutrients and oxygen. You need that quiet time each day with God with his conscience that he may be speaking to us. His presence fills our lives, through thoughts, feelings, dreams, activities, and in-between moments.

Practicing God’s presence moves his company beyond church gatherings, before meal graces and study time of the Bible to expand our knowledge of his word. Keeping company with God this way changes tasks such as building familiarity into acts of worship because we know at whose feet, we will sit encircling the rest of our lives. This awareness of God’s presence is a part, of how we delight in God: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4)

If you are interested in continuing this quest, consider yourself an experimenter. As an examiner you are not out to impress anyone or achieve anything difficult, but to explore what it means to enjoy God’s presence. Take it slowly; do not rush for immediate results. This is God’s time; worship him. Reap all the wisdom, discernment, love, forgiveness, giving, etc. that you can. Consider asking God to show you if there are ways you already practice his presence without recognizing it. Perhaps you are sitting at a doctor’s office and just stop and reflect and start to pray for the others around you, the staff, and doctors. Sitting at a red light, and looking around and see other sad faces in other cars, or people walking with their heads down, pray for them all accordingly.

During this past week’s "Spiritual Growth Toolbox” class at church, I learned the following, and I hope you find it of great value to help you to Examine your Presence of God:

1. STILLNESS: Quiet your heart, and listen. In this moment, become present to Jesus.
2. GRATITUDE: Seeing through the lens of thanks, appreciate God’s gifts in each event of the day.
3. REFLECTION: Review your positive and negative feelings. Did you choose Jesus’ way in each situation?
4. JOY & SORROW: Rejoice in a success, or ask forgiveness for sin. If necessary, plan to make amends.
5. HOPE. Move toward expectation. Ask God to shine a light on tomorrow’s path. Resolve to grow.

Imagine what it must have been like for the disciples to ask Jesus to teach them to pray. What motivates you to Practicing the Presence of God in your life?