Is depression a sin?

Depression as a result of sin, or is it sin?

In a previous article, called IS MY DEPRESSION A RESULT OF SIN? we have written about depression as a possible result of sin. And in certain cases, it is so. We do not deny, that there is a so-called bonified depression, which may be a psychological reaction to fear which is not related to sin, but to evil directed against you. You may be threatened by someone and it is not your fault, yet you are pressed by that situation very much. That’s possible.

But we can go even further in the true definition of depression and we see that it doesn’t have to be a product of sin, but it is a sin itself.

David Example

A young lad, who was given a kingdom can not sit on the promised throne, because it’s occupied by other. He is also hunted for his life, runaway, betrayed, lacking many things and that’s why he is troubled in his thoughts. This Biblical king David when troubled by sadness did not sin. He did not stay down in the dust wallowing himself in a self-induced pity party but handed over his depression to the heavenly King where he got the cure. God has mended his troubled heart, which was reflected then on his countenance.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

Elijah Example

Another one, Elijah, also fall into depression but why? He gains great victory against Jezebel’s Baal’s false prophets and soon after this victory he is cast down. It’s all because of fear from her threats. But deep down underneath is unbelief in the faithful promises of the Word of God. We will have always pressures around us, but how do we handle it? That’s the question. We may just simply want to end it, or we can face it. And if not in our own strength, then in Gods strength for sure.

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. (1.Kings 19:4)

Luckily,  Elijah is not so proud and full of himself, that we would take the situation into his own hands. That’s mainly the problem when we start to solve it. The quick fix doesn’t help. Never does. So God, the one that Elijah in his despair turned to, strengtheneth him to face it. Notice, that he doesn’t take away the threat as many would think. Taking away the problem is not it. But facing it is.

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. (1.Kings 19:5-8)

Elijah was not proud and received God’s meat. He has received the provision to face the challenge. And he found the release of his fear. Elijah found strength and later on comfort. On top of it, he has received a revelation of Gods character which he did not know before. Many of us would get angry at God that he does not deal with our problems. Many of us would hate God for asking us to face the problem. But many times it takes faith, instead of logic. Gods way out of it is not to work on it, but to be in a personal trust-relationship with God.

Jonah Example

The next example is Jonah. Jonah is a God’s prophet who hears God’s Word but doesn’t like its gracious content and runs away from it. Jonah doesn’t want that Gods Word would happen, and when it does he is angry. This anger then produces apathy and suicidal thoughts. Here we can clearly see, that anger leads to murder. Cain was wroth and killed his brother Abel. Here, Jonah is angry and wants to die himself. In this case, his depression is a sin, which comes from not agreeing with God.

And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. (Jonah 4:8-9)

Self-righteousness, pride, emotional rebellion, all are sins that lead to rejecting the will of God. If a person lives in a “my will” attitude, he may soon be facing a “God’s will” attitude. And no one can overpower God. So the advice is …Kiss the Son, lets he be angry.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:12)

And when we turn to God, He is there for us, in time of need.

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18)