Are You Down in the Dumps?

“Deep spiritual depression is the most devastating of all trials; nothing compares to it.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Depression is real and can affect – and afflict – Christians as much as nonbelievers. In some ways, that statement defies logic and in other ways, it makes perfect sense. Let me explain…

Born-again Christians have been forgiven their sins, had their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and are on their way to heaven. Not only that, but they have access to the “abundant life” that Jesus offered in John 10:10. So, one may wonder, how can they possibly be depressed about anything?

Understanding that an abundant life is available is one thing, but actually experiencing it is another. The same goes for “personalizing” God’s forgiveness. It’s easy to believe that Jesus died for the world’s sins, but it can be much more difficult – knowing the depth and breadth of our own depravity – to accept and apply that forgiveness to ourselves.

I knew a Christian man who was truly saved and studied the Bible from cover to cover. However, because he constantly fell short of perfection in his daily walk, he grew increasingly despondent and eventually, took his own life. What a profound tragedy!

Whereas God doesn’t want us to use our salvation and His forgiveness as a license to sin (see Romans 6); He understands our human frailties (Psalm 103:14). After all, He created us, so He knows what makes us tick.

As a perfectionist who can get down on myself as well, the best antidote I have found for depression is to concentrate less on yourself (and your shortcomings) and more on God’s love, grace, and mercy... as well as His precious promises. Here is how Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers” put it.

“O strong and deep love of Jesus, come in like a flood, cover all my powers, drown all my sins, wash away all my cares, lift up my earthbound soul, and bring me up to my Lord’s feet. Let me lie, a poor broken shell, washed up by His love, having no virtue or value; but knowing that if He will bend His ear to me, He will hear within my heart faint echoes of the vast waves of His own love that have brought me to where I am happy to stay, even at His feet forever.”

My friend, keep striving to please God, but cut yourself – and others – some slack when you and they inevitably fall short.

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President