Does studying and memorizing promises in God’s Word usually prevent the onset of a depressive episode?
No.
Does “preaching Bible promises” to myself suddenly cause the despondency to disappear?
No.
Can I throw a verse at this malady and “Poof!” my spirit immediately shifts from gloom to cheerfulness?
No.
Yet reminding myself of God’s promises definitely helps!
Meditating on what God pledges for His people injects a dose of optimism that works its way into my thought processes. The negative thinking that typically accompanies depression slowly gives way to a focus on God’s attributes and how He has sustained me through similar times in the past. A promise often fuels how I pray when my mood dips. I plead with the Lord to fulfill that promise in me, to enable me to serve Him effectively and to show sensitivity to persons close to me, so I’m less self-centered in my thinking.
God’s promises aren’t a cure-all for depression, but they often shorten the stay of a dark episode or lower the intensity of symptoms.
When darkness envelops me, what promises do I consult?
I’ll cite four today. I’ll comment briefly on each verse and list a couple of additional Bible passages on the theme for you to peruse.
No Condemnation
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
The mind of a depressed person tends to generate negative, harsh self-talk. When despondency pollutes my mind, I find it harder to give myself grace. I know intellectually that I’m forgiven and justified in God’s sight, due to the righteousness of Christ imputed to me when I put faith in Him, yet I criticize and nag myself relentlessly when I fail. I don’t feel acceptable to the Lord, no matter what I know cognitively about His grace.
That’s when I talk to myself about Romans 8:1.
Yes, I must take sin seriously and confess lest my joy in the Lord is hindered. Yes, some sins mete out severe consequences, even though I’m forgiven. But God does not condemn me, because the judgment for sin I deserve was absorbed by His Son on the cross.
I’m more apt to run to Christ for enablement when I realize that He isn’t frowning at me and pointing a long index finger, as if He’s thoroughly disgusted with me. It’s as if He whispers to me, “Terry, the Father condemned Me for your sins. Don’t you believe that My death was sufficient?”
To dig deeper, examine Romans 5:1-11 and 1 John 2:1-2.
Focus on Forever
“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
Current affliction of any kind pales in comparison to the blood-bought promise of heaven.
When I meditate on promises concerning the new heaven and the new earth, realization of what lies ahead for me instills resilience and enables me to fulfill God’s will for me in this life. The Spirit of God whispers, “Hang on a while longer, Terry! Your bouts with depression, as well as your bodily pain and other trials, are temporary. You won’t always weep and mourn due to despair. Don’t lose heart. Focus on forever!”
Dig deeper with these texts: John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:13-18; Hebrews 10:35-37 and Revelation 21:1-5.
Fruitful Endeavors
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Depression exacerbates the typical pressures and inherent disappointments of ministry.
In my case, hypersensitivity means I’m easily hurt. I figure I’d accomplish more for God if I weren’t prone to despondency. I wish I were temperamentally stronger so I could serve the Lord more effectively. I’ve told myself, when wallowing in the abyss of discouragement, “Who are you to preach or teach? Who are you to write a book? You can’t even control your emotions or thoughts when you’re depressed!”
Then I call to mind God’s promises for fruitfulness for those who don’t quit and keep pressing on in their service. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:58 don’t come with exceptions, such as “Unless you’re depression-prone, your toil for Christ will not be in vain.” The term translated vain means empty or void. Even if I don’t observe the fruit of my labor, God says what I do for Him won’t be inconsequential.
I also remind myself of the extraordinary fruitful lives of past servants who wrestled with depression, such as David Brainerd*, Charles Spurgeon and William Cowper.
The promise in 1 Corinthians 15:58 sits near the end of a chapter on Jesus’ resurrection, and ultimately, our own heavenly bodies. The verse starts with “Therefore,” which suggests that His pledge for fruitfulness is as certain as the promise of eternal life!
To deepen your grasp of this promise regarding your ministries, delve into 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Galatians 6:7-9 and Philippians 2:13.
Promised Presence
“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
When depression doesn’t generate hypersensitivity in me, the polar opposite symptom surfaces: I’m barren of emotions, robotic. I can’t feel any positive emotions. My heart seems empty and incapable of delight.
That’s when the enemy taunts me, whispering lies about God: “He isn’t with you, Terry! When is the last time you reveled in a keen awareness that he’s near you? Even if he’s real, why do you keep serving a god who keeps his distance?”
That’s when verses such as Isaiah 41:10 scroll across the screen of my mind. I admit to myself that I’m not cognizant of His presence, then I say, “Terry, it isn’t necessary to feel God’s presence in order to have it. God’s Word, which pledges His presence, is far more reliable than your fickle feelings. This objective truth usurps your subjective perceptions every time!”
The promise prompts me to thank the Lord for His presence and buttresses my flagging faith.
New Testament references complement this Old Testament verse. Check out Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:16-17 and Hebrews 13:5-6.
___________
Which of these promises means most to you right now? Why?
Consider planning a devotional time to examine the supplementary verses I provided for that promise.
*Here’s the link to a post I wrote years ago about David Brainerd. His story, showing exceptional fruitfulness despite extreme weakness, will encourage you!
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