What Does the Bible Say About Depression?

I have a confession to make: I struggle with depression.

I know you’re not really supposed to say that as a Christian, and certainly not as a pastor.  But the truth is I have struggled on and off with depression for as long as I can remember.  The problem is when I was growing up, churches didn’t talk about mental health issues like depression.  The result was a lot of confusion about what depression is and what it is not.

For those of us who found ourselves in painfully dark seasons, often the rhetoric seemed clear: real Christians are happy.

Depression is a widespread condition.  It affects millions of people, Christians and non-Christians alike.  Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms.  They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed.  Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, such as a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.

According to the website pastoralcareinc.com, 35% of pastors battle depression or fear of inadequacy.  You may be surprised to learn that many well-known pastors and missionaries from the past suffered from depression.  For example:

William Carey, missionary to India, sometimes suffered what one biographer called “sheer black depression.”  And C. H. Spurgeon admired as the 19th century’s greatest Baptist preacher, was so plagued by discouragement, depression, fatigue, and illness that he submitted his resignation thirty-two times in thirty-nine years.  Interestingly, he gradually discovered that such lows always seemed to precede new times of empowering for ministry.

The Bible uses many different words such as downcast, sad, forlorn, discouraged, downhearted, mourning, troubled, miserable, despairing, and brokenhearted.  You will find many of the people written about in the Bible showing symptoms of this malady: Hagar, Moses, Naomi, Hannah, Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Nehemiah, Job, and Jeremiah.

What truths can we gather from God's Word about this condition?  While the Scriptures won't diagnose your symptoms or present treatment options, they can bring reassurance that you are not alone in your struggle with depression.

The Bible shows that depression can strike anyone.  Poor people like Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth, and very rich people, like King Solomon, suffered from depression.  Young people, like David, and older people, like Job, were also afflicted.

Depression strikes both women, like Hannah, who was barren, and men, like Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet."  Understandably, depression can come after a defeat:

“When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep.” (1 Samuel 30:3-4)

Strangely, an emotional letdown can also come after a great victory.  Elijah the prophet defeated the false prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel in a stunning display of God's power. (See 1 Kings 18:38)  But instead of being encouraged, Elijah, fearing Jezebel's revenge, was exhausted and afraid.

“He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."  (1 Kings 19:4-5)

Discouragement and depression are normal parts of being human.  They can be triggered by the death of a loved one, illness, loss of a job or status, divorce, leaving home, or other traumatic events.  The Bible does not show God punishing His people for their sadness.  Instead, He acts like a loving Father.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)

“For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn-conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.” (2 Corinthians 7:5-7)

One of the great truths of the Bible is that God is our hope when we are in trouble, including depression.  The message is clear.  When depression hits, fix your eyes on God, His power, and His love for you.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Depression can affect our physical bodies in several ways.  An injury or illness can trigger depression and then hinder rehabilitation, causing a vicious cycle.  Insomnia can do the same.  Depression can also be caused by a simple brain chemical or hormonal imbalance that is easily solved with medication.  Treatment may require an attack on several fronts, temporary medication to relax the body and relieve the mind, adjustments to the diet, confession of sin, and spiritual counsel.

Depression is a complex condition.  Being depressed is not inherently sinful, and depression is not always caused by sin, nor does it indicate a lack of faith.  When depression strikes, the victim needs to make discovering the cause and treatment of the depression a priority.

Sometimes, the victim of depression can just ride it out, trusting that God will bring comfort and that the situation will change.  Other times, counseling and medication are required.  God desires His children to know joy, and bouts of depression can serve to bring us closer to Him through our struggles

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

*This article merely seeks to answer the question, "What does the Bible say about depression?"  It is not designed to diagnose symptoms and discuss treatment options for depression.  If you are experiencing severe, debilitating, or prolonged depression, I recommend that you seek advice from a counselor or medical professional.

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