Newsletter Vol.2, #9—February 26, 2006

Matthew 8 ⁴And Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them." ⁵When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, ⁶"Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly."

Is Depression From Sin?

According to “depression.com”, the reason some people experience depression is because of a lack of proper transmission between the brain cells. Here is a quote:

The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells called neurons. These neurons send and receive messages from the rest of your body, using brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

These brain chemicals — in varying amounts — are responsible for our emotional state. Depression happens when these chemical messages aren’t delivered correctly between brain cells, disrupting communication.

The site goes on to say that medicine can help improve this lack of “communication” within the brain.

The good news is that there are many forms of treatment that can help you cope with depression, including medications that can strengthen weak signals by raising the levels of certain neurotransmitters, or by improving the neurons’ ability to process signals.

I am neither a doctor nor a researcher, so you will have to investigate this matter further to understand the causes and treatment for depression; and whether or not it’s a legitimate medical condition. If you want my opinion, I don’t mind saying that I think it is. I believe some people are more prone to gloominess than others because of heredity, physiology and upbringing. These will have to determine if such is a reality for them and what steps to take in controlling it (within the will of God).

In addition to this, I also believe there are people who make bad choices in life and attribute the consequences to depression. That is, there are those who violate God’s will regarding the marriage, raising children, work habits, attending church, recreation and substance abuse — and suffer with guilt and shame from it — and label their anguish as a “chemical imbalance” within the brain (i.e., depression). They suffer emotionally all right, but it is not because of something involuntary and natural as medical depression. The gloominess they feel comes from not putting God first in life; their lack of peace is from a guilty (or hardened) conscience. They know they haven’t loved God with all of their heart and have not kept Him first each day. It is only natural, then, that their mind is filled with fear and sadness. They haven’t cast all their cares upon God because they either don’t love Him more than this world or don’t yet trust Him. Either way, their “depression” is a spiritual matter with a medical label on it, which no drug can cure or remove.

Am I saying that all depression is a result of sin? No. I’ve already said that I believe some people are more prone to this condition (legitimately) for various reasons. It would be irresponsible of me to say otherwise. But do you not agree that those who live without God are going to suffer mentally and feel depressed? How can we read the Bible and say otherwise?

David was filled with remorse for his sins of adultery, theft and murder. He wrote, ³There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin. ⁴For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. ⁵My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. (Psalm 38:3-5)

When we chose to violate God’s will, will we not also feel the mental anguish David experienced? If we fail to love our mate as we should—and mistreat, cheat on (mentally or physically), neglect and despise them—is it only natural that we suffer mentally for it? Is that sorrow because of clinical depression or is it because of sin? David was honest enough to know that his sins produced his depression.

When we neglect our children and fail to train them properly, is it only natural that we feel some guilt from it? If so, is that depression or is it sin’s consequence?

When we fail to demonstrate godliness and integrity at work, and feel ashamed for it, is that medical depression or is that guilt?

When we forsake the assembling of the saints, and know we have chosen to entertain ourselves instead of seeking the Lord first in life, will our remorse be a medical matter or will it be a spiritual condition?

The list could go on, but I think we see the point. Sometimes we fall short as Christians, in our relationship with God, and in our duties to others—and attribute such anguish to depression. This is not always the case. But in many cases it is and we cannot deny it. If such is our circumstance, the solution is not more medicine and therapy. This only deadens our conscience and weakens our desire to repent. The real solution to our problems is found on bended knees! We need more time with our Maker and less time with the world. More love for God and less worship of self. We need more integrity to meet our responsibilities to others and less laziness and abandonment. We need to be more like Christ and less like Satan!

Whatever our reason for depression, legitimate or not, we cannot find a cure for it apart from God. Nor can we make an excuse for our lack of godliness and redefine it with medical terms. If our body needs medicine to perform better, let us use it, wisely (cf., 1 Tim.5:23). But in all things, we must keep God first by filling our hearts with a sincere love for Him and a trusting faith — separate and apart from chemicals. It is only then that The Great Physician can heal our heavy hearts with His balm of forgiveness.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Mike Thomas ~ Owensboro, ky