You never really forget the way the carpet smells. Down there, face down, trying desperately to figure out what it is that would make life bearable—that’s the place depression puts you. The stale woven fibers offer the only tangible connection to the outside world. Everything else flows inward into a chest-constricting darkness, and you have no idea how to claw out.
But even that doesn’t show what it’s really like.
Describing depression to someone who doesn’t suffer the impact is almost impossible. Sure, you can offer images and comparisons, but nothing quite captures the way it grips a person and just won’t let go. Sometimes, when I try to explain it to Christians, I like to point to a familiar passage in the Bible:
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:41–44)
What? Jesus? The perfect, sinless Son of God? Depression? In a recent article on Pastors.com, Scott Attebery thinks we shouldn’t be so surprised by this idea:
“Perhaps it is because we have the false notion that depression is either 1) a sin or a 2) sign of weakness. But neither is the case.
“In fact, depression is not something a person chooses. Rather it is something a person must choose how to deal with. The real issue is not whether a person experiences depression, but instead, how the person reacts to depression.
“For this reason I am of the opinion that Christ did indeed battle depression. And more importantly, He battled it perfectly. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, ‘For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.’ ”
You see, depression has a bad reputation. Whether we mean to or not, we Christians sometimes lump it into the category with doubt and lack of faith—or worse. We tend to treat it as something that a person can just “shake off” if they really wanted to. But many believers have suffered the pangs of depression, including such luminaries as Charles Spurgeon and William Cowper.
Our Savior is fully God, but He is also fully human. Once we remove the stigma from depressive episodes, imagining that this “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3) experienced his own battle isn’t so hard to believe. And, in fact, knowing that Jesus understands the shadow of depression is a powerful aid to those of us who suffer. He knows what we face. He’s felt the crushing weight of it all. Talk about hope.
If you know someone who suffers, Attebery has some excellent suggestions to help them in their struggles:
1.You have an opportunity to minister the patient, merciful love of Christ to them.
2. Be patient and listen to them.
3. Encourage them to seek biblical counseling. (A good biblical counselor will encourage them to also consult a physician to determine if there is a need for medicine).
4. Continue pointing them to dependency on Christ.
5. Pray for them—and don’t give up!
A recent article on Crosswalk also provided some guidance for those who face depression. Counselor Margaret Ashmore says that it can feel like it’s impossible to escape sometimes—but we can:
“Depression can be so weighty that it has its own gravitational pull, and one that has found me more than once dead center on the couch watching some mind-numbing television show. (Interesting isn’t it that the word a-muse means to ‘not think’?)
“The choice of just getting up and sweeping the floor or writing a note to someone has always propelled me from its grip with escape velocity born from the spark of sheer obedience. The maximum weight of a Boeing 747 is approximately 900,000 pounds, yet ‘thrust and lift’ can take it above the very clouds that had shrouded the sun.”
I’d love to hear your take. Do you think Jesus may have suffered from depression during His time on earth? How about other people in the Bible? If you suffer, what would you say to other Christians to help them understand?
John UpChurch is the senior editor of BibleStudyTools.com and Jesus.org. You’ll usually find him downing coffee at his standing desk (like a boss).
www.crosswalk.com
Depression and the Church – part 1 An Interview with Mary Southerland Depression devastates millions in our society including many church members. … Doc Retrieval
HEAVEN SPEAKS ABOUT DEPRESSION
HEAVEN SPEAKS ABOUT DEPRESSION Direction for Our Times As given to Anne, and then you will help others to find heaven’s joy. 6 HS Depression Body_1 11/6/09 1:31 PM Page 6. 7 Heaven Speaks to Those Who Do Not Know Jesus Heaven Speaks to Those Who Are Dying … Return Document
Sadness Is Not Depression (How To Deal With Sadness)
Sadness is an emotion that we all feel at times. It’s not the same as depression. Here are some ways to tell the difference. … Read Article
What Would Jesus Say The Depressed? – Win Green
What Would Jesus Say the Depressed? (Depression) What would Jesus say to someone who is depressed? The fourth thing that you can do to help someone in their depression is to take it seriously. If they say anything about committing suicide, take it … Fetch Doc
DEPRESSION AND THE CHRISTIAN (5 … – Media.sermonaudio.com
DEPRESSION AND THE CHRISTIAN (5) DEPRESSION: “Do you want to be made whole?” This was the question Jesus asked of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda (Jn.5:6). At first glance it may seem like Doctors and pastors are often faced with the frustrating situation of people who need the help … Read Here
Religious Factors In Bipolar Disorder
Get Help to Cope with Bipolar Disorder; Updated Articles and Resources ; Jerry, who has bipolar disorder, began to focus more on his religious beliefs when his symptoms began, finding they help sustain him in difficult times. … Read Article
helpdepressionfedov.blogspot.ru
Documentary 2018 jesus christ the son of god proof in bible
Добавлено: 2017-12-18 Смотреть
Science proves jesus is the son of god
Добавлено: 2016-04-27 Смотреть
Trinity debate is jesus god or the son of
Добавлено: 2011-12-28 Смотреть
Son of god resurrection 20th century fox
Добавлено: 2014-04-10 Смотреть
Jesus christ son of god
Добавлено: 2016-04-13 Смотреть
Jesus christ son of god what does mean
Добавлено: 2011-06-17 Смотреть
Jesus christ king son of god
Добавлено: 2014-09-12 Смотреть
I am god jesus christ in the flesh of gods king kings
Добавлено: 2016-06-17 Смотреть
Son of god
Добавлено: 2016-02-29 Смотреть
The son of god is sun
Добавлено: 2015-03-10 Смотреть
Jesus the son of god coming clouds with great power glory heavenly army
Добавлено: 2015-09-10 Смотреть
The great white throne judgement by jesus christ son of god day
Добавлено: 2016-08-15 Смотреть
God said jesus is his son does dna
Добавлено: 2017-05-27 Смотреть
I believe in jesus christ the only son of god music video
Добавлено: 2013-10-11 Смотреть
Son of god in hindi new christian official movie 2017 1080 hd
Добавлено: 2017-05-18 Смотреть
Jesus christ you are my life son of god
Добавлено: 2016-11-19 Смотреть
Absolute proof jesus is the son god
Добавлено: 2016-02-15 Смотреть
Jesus the son of god ch 4 5
Добавлено: 2012-01-19 Смотреть
Son of god 2014 full movies
Добавлено: 2016-12-10 Смотреть
It s all about jesus christ the son of god our lord savior yahweh soldier in army
Добавлено: 2016-02-18 Смотреть
Miracle prayer to jesus son of god offering the past present future
Добавлено: 2016-06-03 Смотреть
Thou art the christ son of god
Добавлено: 2013-04-04 Смотреть
Did jesus christ say he the son of god
Добавлено: 2016-03-13 Смотреть
Jesus son of god chris tomlin christy nockels passion 2012 white flag with lyrics hd
Добавлено: 2012-03-16 Смотреть
Was jesus christ the son of god or history biggest hoax full documentary
Добавлено: 2016-09-20 Смотреть
Jesus christ the son of god
Добавлено: 2016-02-26 Смотреть
Must see jesus meets obama deleted scene from son of god antichristobama
Добавлено: 2017-11-02 Смотреть
Not jesus son of god presents a false new age christ
Добавлено: 2014-03-07 Смотреть
Debate is jesus the son of god david wood vs shabir ally
Добавлено: 2015-10-02 Смотреть
God our father his son jesus christ savior
Добавлено: 2015-05-28 Смотреть Показать еще
vortexnews.ru
These Depression Jesus poems are examples of Jesus poems about Depression. These are the best examples of Jesus Depression poems written by international poets.
The Bridge by Jun Gonzales
A golden gate at eve My life thought I to cleave To fall just like a leaf I crossed the bridge halfway A prison spied that day Condemned myself to...Read More
Details
| Free verse |
Categories: christian, depression, forgiveness, jesus,
Details
| Questionku |
Categories: jesus, appreciation, depression, inspirational,
A Better World for Little Boys by Janet Bingham
Sometimes I am so lonely I don't know what to do. I cannot go a-fishing with bait of just a few. I am a lonely fisherman nobody wants around. But Jesus...Read More
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: courage, depression, encouraging, jesus,
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: courage, depression, encouraging, jesus,
Ophelia’s Depression by Kim Bond
This is the 5,000th day Ophelia rolled out of bed, walked into the wind, swam a river upstream, biked up a steep mountain, then ended right where she began. She’d like...Read More
Details
| Free verse |
Categories: christian, depression, god, jesus,
Details
| Salaam |
Categories: jesus, truth,
Heil Jesus by Patrick Lynch
Heil to thee o Lord of grace, Who’s corrupted words now rule this place. Who died for us, but all in vain, Look how evil your church became. And...Read More
Details
| I do not know? |
Categories: jesus, confusion, depression, discrimination, freedom,
Dear Brothers and Sisters by Jacqueline R. Mendoza
Hello Jacqueline R. Mendoza Filipino, 38 years of age Got disabled on October 11, 1999 Was diagnosed on 2013 With Depression Mental illness Last February 2012, saw a vision A curly blond...Read More
Details
| Bio |
Categories: jesus, abortion, christian, faith, kids,
Please Help Me Jesus by Jim Pemberton
Please Help Me, Jesus... I feel worn out... discouraged and defeated. Nothing in my life...right now... seems to be completed. I'm alone, knocked down... and I...Read More
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: jesus, christian, depression, encouraging, faith,
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: jesus, christian, depression, emotions, encouraging,
Seasons Weather No one Loves by James Edward Lee Sr.
Most cloudy, sunny days Many people lonely Yet they live No reason to gather together No one loves anymore Holding hands is a new role So I let in the rain Until...Read More
Details
| Lyric |
Categories: jesus, appreciation, depression, feelings, heaven,
Tears by Gideon Foli
Tears like rushing rills Cutting through hills Flowing into stony valleys And settling in dark alleys My eyes are flooded with tears Am drowning in...Read More
Details
| Quatrain |
Categories: bible, depression, emotions, jesus,
I Cling to the Almighty by Joanne Liaw
When words fail me When sleep escapes me When troubles torment me I cling to the Almighty Though words fail me Though she forsakes me Though memories maim me I cling to...Read More
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: jesus, bible, christian, depression, god,
Daring Greatly by Joanne Liaw
Dedicated to my counsellor, Ann Gunapalan I was once a little girl in the closet My shame, I wanted to conceal and forget I’ve come a long way...Read More
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: jesus, appreciation, christian, depression, faith,
A Brand New Day by Joanne Liaw
Dedicated to my dear friend, Clarissa Chung Would you stroll with me along this lovely walkway? Let us enjoy the freshness of a brand new day The chirping...Read More
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: jesus, bible, christian, depression, garden,
Details
| Lyric |
Categories: jesus, appreciation, christian, confusion, depression,
JESUS GOT YOU, NO WORRIES by BRANDIE HAYNES
you may feel scared, but it will be okay, just fold your little hands and pray, do this and understand the evil cannot take your...Read More
Details
| Ballad |
Categories: jesus, angel, angst, beautiful, birth,
Hope for a dead man by Marcel Jones
"stop playing silly games , Your pain is my delight this tree is where you’ll hang, I plan on that tonight you it gave your all ,...Read More
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: jesus, dark, death, depression, emotions,
JESUS EASTER RETURN by kurtis scott aka curtis futch jr
he came in not to be a friend to let love win had to fall for us all he made a call that his soul wouldn't burn on this day from...Read More
Details
| Light Verse |
Categories: jesus, adventure, betrayal, depression,
The Face of Shame by Joanne Liaw
Why do I still feel this way? This sadness does not go away Many years have passed, but I still Sit crying by the window sill I felt used...Read More
Details
| Rhyme |
Categories: jesus, abuse, child abuse, christian,
www.poetrysoup.com
