Depression by definition is a "state of feeling sad marked by inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, and feelings of dejection" (low in spirit). It is interesting how Merriam-Webster defines these feelings with the inclusion of low in spirit; according to Merriam-Webster "low in spirit" is "downcast". Characteristic to a person suffering from depression are the visible signs of eyes directed downward,sad countenance, and fatigue. While we all have experienced sadness, many struggle with depression from a plethora of causative reasons.
"Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? ..."
Psalm 42:11 NLV
There is biblical precedent providing examples of individuals who experienced moments of depression: (King David who wrote the verse mentioned above, Job— chapters 1-3 & 38-42, the prophet Elijah— 1 Kings 19:1-18, Naomi— Ruth 1:19-21). In the most severe of cases, suicidal ideation is not absent from the pages of the Bible (1 Kings 19:4). Using the most severe case (prophet Elijah) I would like to highlight how his state of mind was not condemned, ridiculed or rejected by God, instead, he was cared for, watched over, and encouraged by a ministering angel charged by God to tend to Elijah's frail state (1 Kings 19:5-8).
—Feeling enveloped within the agony of depression is a personal battle because the internal experience is expressed in isolation. Step away from yourself, there is hope but it is not found in yourself or in the knowledge of man. It is found in "The One" who fashioned the intricate and exquisite masterpiece of you.
For You (God) made the parts inside me. You (God) put me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to You, for the greatness of the way I was made brings fear. Your works are great and my soul knows it very well. My bones were not hidden from You (God) when I was made in secret and put together with care in the deep part of the earth. Your eyes saw me before I was put together. And all the days of my life were written in Your book before any of them came to be.
Psalm 139:13-15
Where does your hope to overcome your depressive condition lie? If it lies in other people you will be disappointed time and time again. If it lies in remedies you will receive a temporal, respite of relief until the remedy is once again administered. There is only one absolute:
"Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my help and my God."
Psalm 42:11
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