Lesson 3: Emotional Health

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts you (Isaiah 26:3).

Last chapter concentrated on the physical side of health, but the body is more than a collection of organs. Your mental and emotional facilities are just as important, for God asks us to have a healthy mind in Romans 12:1-2.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

What is the fruit of a healthy mind? I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another (Galatians 5:16-26).

Note: if you have serious problems with the mental and emotional topics addressed in this chapter, you should talk to your pastor, receive counseling and/or seek medical attention. The information presented here is not an in-depth study into such emotional problems nor their solutions. That would be a book in and of itself. Suffice it to say, God wants you to be at peace emotionally. And why should we not be at peace? The all-powerful, all knowing Creator of the universe holds us in His right hand and loves us so much He sent his only Son to die for us, so that we can live in heaven for all eternity as His adopted children.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12).

Nevertheless, due to the world being a sinful place and being corrupted by our own sinful nature, we will always be susceptible to emotional turmoil. Even Jesus wept (John 11:35), but the pain should not be greater than what we can handle.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Jesus’s gift is peace, not pain.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).

God, the master of all things, can turn even the effects of pain around and use it to make us stronger in faith rather than weaker in faith.

If you are tested in different ways, my fellow Christians, consider it a pure joy because you know the testing of your faith stirs up your power to endure (James 1:2).

Therefore, don’t dwell on negative things and constantly rehearse your hurt, rather dwell on Christ and what He did for you.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8).

WORRY

Worrying is dwelling on negative things rather than Christ, and not even concrete negative things; worrying is often dwelling on negative things that may not even happen.

Don’t worry.

That’s not just a snappy expression. God commands us to not worry. He doesn’t say, try not to worry. He doesn’t say, keep worry to a minimum. He says, don’t do it.

Many things will happen that will make you concerned, but concerned is not the same as being worried. It’s easy for concern to become worry, however.

What’s the difference, you ask?

Concern is a state-of-mind that recognizes a problem and the need to act on it in a certain way, usually a cautious one.

Worry is letting the problem become greater than your ability to act and greater than your faith that God will work all things out for your good.

Worry has another definition according to the dictionary. It also means to bite and shake with the teeth. This is a better definition if you ask me. When you are concerned about a problem, you acknowledge the problem and work toward a solution in Christ. When you worry about a problem, the problem takes hold of you, shakes you and bites you with its teeth until you forget about Christ and are torn apart. First, you think one way. Then, you think another. Your ability to act becomes frozen by doubt. You are like a rabbit caught in car headlights. It tries to run one way, then tries the other, and pretty soon the car runs it down. The Bible speaks against a divided state of mind.

He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Rather, let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). For, the Lord is my rock and fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies (2 Samuel 22:2-4).

Worry affects your physical health. It can give you ulcers, affect your sleep pattern and weaken your immune system. It can also give you headaches, heart problems and digestive issues. Furthermore, worry can weaken your spiritual health by making you incapable of fulfilling your God-given responsibilities, which can cause guilt. When one is worried about something, other aspects of their life can suffer, as well. They can’t study. They can’t pay attention in class. The relationships they have with other people may become strained, etc.

Since worry makes one dwell on negative things that may or may not happen, what is happening right now often gets ignored, too. Remember, today is your job. Concentrating on the present is good stewardship, for tomorrow is a gift God hasn’t given you yet. Therefore, do what must be done today. Make your best plans for tomorrow and submit them to God. Then proceed and improvise as He brings the future into the present.

Come now, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit, whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, if the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil (James 4:13-16).

Read Matthew 6:25-34. There, Jesus addresses worry directly.

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil or spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Do not worry, Jesus says.

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature, Jesus asks?

Why do you worry, Jesus inquires?

Therefore do not worry, Jesus commands.

Therefore do not worry, Jesus reminds us yet again.

Jesus is trying to tell us something here — don’t worry. Also take note that His message on worry addresses many aspects of our life, from our livelihood, to our needs, to our possessions. God says He will help us with all of that stuff.

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).

Cast all your worries on Jesus. Humbling yourself under His care means doing the best you can with what He gave you. Let Him worry about the rest. If a problem comes up, pray and do the best you can according to God’s will. Let Him worry about the rest. Do you have a big test? Pray, study the best you can and let God worry about the rest. Are you short of money? Pray, use your resources the best you can and let God worry about the rest. Are you lonely? Pray, seek out company the best you can and let God worry the rest. Finally, whatever the results, trust God’s will is best.

JEALOUSY

Shakespeare writes in Othello:

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on…

Jealousy always wants more, and when it gets it, it’s not enough.

The Bible also labels jealously as a monster — a demonic one.

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there (James 3:14-16).

If the course of jealousy is not curbed, the result can be tragic. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death (James 1:14-15).

The story of David, Bathsheba and Uriah in 2 Samuel 11 illustrates this verse to a literal end. David desired Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. He let his envy and coveting grow until it got to the point where he took Bathsheba for his own and conspired to have Uriah killed on the battlefield. This course of action led to tragic consequences in David’s life.

For such reasons, God has a commandment against jealousy. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s (Exodus 20:17).

The Bible is clear. Don’t give jealously, envy or covetous free rein in your heart. Choke them off, for someone is always going to be better than you. Someone is always going to have more than you. Someone is always going to have nicer things than you. Someone is always going to be more popular than you. Someone is always going to have greater potential and success than you. Therefore, treasure what you have.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34).

Take care of what God gave you instead of wishing you had what others had. Build upon what God gave you instead of being jealous of what others possess. Be secure in what God gave you and how He made you and work to improve those things rather than wanting to be like others. It can be difficult, but God does not make mistakes, and He doesn’t give the wrong gifts and possessions to His people.

Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:9-11)!

It’s not practical to say, don’t be jealous. One can’t shut such things off with a switch. Due to our sinful nature, jealously will always be something we have to struggle against, for such things are threaded into our very being. Christ uses a parable in Matthew to describe how believers and unbelievers are mixed in with one another in the world. The parable can also serve as a metaphor for how entwined our sinful nature is in our lives.

The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares? He said to them, an enemy has done this. The servants said to him, do you want us then to go and gather them up? But he said, no lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, first gather together the tares and bind then in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn (Matthew 13:24-30).

It is difficult to remove our tares, but the Holy Spirit can plant more good seed in us as we study God’s word, hear the gospel message in church, etc. We must try to nurture those seeds and let them overgrow and choke off the tares in our hearts. With God’s help, we can then reap their fruit in our lives and outlook.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18).

FEAR

The fear of driving while on the verge of falling asleep is a good fear. It’s protecting the body God gave you and the bodies of others from needless harm.

The fear to stand up in class and give an assigned speech is a bad fear. It prevents one from performing a God-ordained task and makes a mountain out of a molehill.

The fear of going out with the wrong crowd or to a dangerous place is a good fear. It prevents one from engaging in sinful activities and keeps one safe.

The fear of coming out of your shell and getting to know new people is a bad fear. It prevents one from letting the light God put in them shine.

Good fear and bad fear exist. Both kinds of fear will put in an appearance during your college experience. Perhaps you will be afraid to try certain things. Perhaps you will be afraid to miss out on certain things. Maybe fear will prevent you from taking advantage of opportunities. Maybe fear will keep you trapped in undesirable patterns. Perhaps fear will drive you to change. Perhaps fear will make you unable to change. The trick to managing and overcoming fear is to realize that bad fear comes from within, not from God. Therefore, you must identify whether your fear is a good fear or a bad fear and act accordingly.

An old saying goes, the fear of God is the one fear that removes all others.

Therefore, view a fearful situation through Christ. Will heeding or overcoming your fear glorify God? If heeding your fear will glorify God, it is a good fear, such as being afraid to go into a bad part of town after dark. If overcoming your fear will glorify God, it is a bad fear, such as being afraid to tell another person about your faith. Focus on Christ, pray for courage and proceed with faith.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Christ then is the key to overcoming fear. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him (1 John 4:9). This perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

Meanwhile, bad fear looks for trouble, focusing on things like potential embarrassment. Whereas a Christ outlook looks for opportunity. Even something as small as giving a speech you are afraid to give is an opportunity to grow in your faith. It is a chance for you to focus on Christ, do something to His glory and gain experience to better serve Him later on in life. Don’t minimize a fear, however small, you overcome through Christ. Remember, everyone is different. Who did more in God’s eyes in the following two scenarios?

A soldier marches into battle unafraid and performs a heroic deed.

A person who suffers from agoraphobia finds the courage to leave their home, walk a block to church and attend a worship service.

Such a thing is comparable to the widow and the two mites in Luke 21:1-4.

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.

God doesn’t look at the size of what you did. He looks at your faith and is with you every step of the way. I, the Lord your God, hold you by the right hand and tell you: don’t be afraid. I will help you (Isaiah 41:13).

Matthew 6:33 is a key verse to overcoming fear and many other emotional problems. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Seeking to serve God, even beyond your desire to overcome your fear and any other malady, takes your focus off your problems and puts it on Christ.

By this time you may have started to notice how a focus on Christ is presented as one way to deal with the problems presented in this chapter. A focus on oneself is what often leads to things like worry and fear. Self-consciousness is the opposite of selflessness. Look to Christ. There you can see a purpose, hope, courage, peace and a way out of problems. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9).

Note: talk to your pastor or a Christian counselor if these fears are more than you can handle alone. Some fears, such as phobias and panic attacks, may require medical attention.

GUILT

“Living on the lam” means running from the authorities after committing a crime in order to escape prison. A person living on the lam often has to move from place to place, live a lie to hide their identity and always be on the lookout for the law. Suffice it to say, such an existence can be stressful. One can never settle down. One always has to worry about people finding out the truth, and the threat of capture and punishment is ever-imminent.

Guilt makes a person live on the lam emotionally. They have to keep something they are ashamed of bottled up inside where it festers. They struggle to keep the reason for their shame hidden from others. Their conscience may keep them awake at night and give them bad dreams. They may feel inferior, worthless and evil. They wonder if others are judging them. They wonder if others would accept them if they knew the truth of their deeds. The list goes on and on as guilt hounds them through their daily existence. No matter what they do, they can’t repress or work away the feeling that erodes their confidence and security.

Remember the story of David, Bathsheba and Uriah? David felt extreme guilt for the murder of Uriah. He later wrote about his guilt in Psalm 38.

O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, and Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken, I groan because of the turmoil of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart pants, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my relatives stand afar off (Psalm 38:1-11).

Guilt made David a fugitive from life. He could not live with his guilt. It affected everything from his spirit, to his physical health to his relationships with others.

Maybe you did something wrong that is making guilt eat at you. If so, I encourage you to confess it to your pastor and let him remind you of God’s mercy and forgiveness (although, this is not a requirement). Often times people know they are forgiven by God, but sometimes they need to hear someone say it when they are particularly tormented by guilt. Don’t live on the lam. Rather, live on the Lamb.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)!

God loves you and forgives you through Christ. He no longer condemns you for your sins, no matter how terrible. Christ paid for all those sins while on the cross.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1), for the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

Confess your sins and know that God washes them away. He promises it.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and You forgave the iniquity of my sin (Psalm 32:1-5).

In Christ, you are not a fugitive. You are free.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Yes, no matter how terrible our sin and guilt, God assures us, the blood of Jesus, His son, purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Because [God] will forgive [our] wrongs and not remember [our] sins anymore (Hebrews 8:12).

ANGER

Words said in anger can ignite a firestorm of trouble. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell (James 3:6).

Instead, let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice (Ephesians 4:31). Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29). For, a fool vents his feelings, but a wise man holds them back (Proverbs 29:11).

In other words, watch your temper.

That being said, take note that anger in and of itself isn’t necessarily wrong.

God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11).

There is such a thing as righteous anger. Sometimes situations and people merit anger. For example, what if your roommate decided to burn all your possessions for no reason other than to trouble you?

You’d certainly have a right to be angry.

For less serious confrontations, where a loss of temper is counterproductive, learn to channel your anger into something positive. Anger vented for the express purpose of attacking a person is wrong. Likewise, anger retained is unhealthy for you. Rather, apply the energy of your anger to a solution for the problem. Anger can make a useful tool. The problem is most people don’t know how to use anger. It’s a precision instrument, not a hammer. People say they can’t control their temper, but let me ask you this — suppose you were about to lose your temper, and Jesus walked into the room? Would you lose it then? See, you can control it to a degree.

With God’s help, redirect anger into something positive.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:31-32). If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably will all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:18-21).

ADDICTION

Addiction usually makes one think of alcohol or drug abuse, but addiction can also manifest itself in more subtle ways. Overeating can be an addiction, as can pessimistic thinking, a bad attitude, pornography and any other number of bad habits. Even something like collecting comic books at the expense of all else can be an addiction.

Quitting such things can be difficult. Sometimes addictions fill emotional holes within a person. Quitting an addiction leaves that emotional hole behind, and if one isn’t careful, that hole can once more be filled by that same addiction or other harmful things.

In a way, it’s maybe comparable to demon possession in Matthew 12:43-45. When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, I will return to my house from which I came. And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Fortunately, the Bible goes beyond mere quitting of an addiction. The Bible says to quit harmful, addictive behavior and fill the hole it leaves behind with Christ. Then the addiction can’t return because it has no place to take up residence. In addition, receiving pastoral or Christian counseling can help one identify the emotional holes that might cause addiction in the first place. Ultimately, you don’t have to be a slave to addiction. You can be a slave to good.

For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness or holiness (Romans 6:19).

Overcoming addiction is not a magic process, however. One can’t snap one’s fingers and make the problem go away. It takes work, and the work, especially the initial stages, can be difficult and uncomfortable. Yet God says it is possible. Note the following passages:

You should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down o your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:17-32).

Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:18-20).

Also read Colossians 3:1-10, 12-17, Titus 3:3-8 and Ezekiel 36:26-28.

What is the common theme of these passages? Repent, put off the bad behavior and replace it with new behavior, behavior Christ Himself encourages and strengthens. Christ can fill a person and give them the strength to resist sinful behavior. It is also interesting to note that Christ was the son of a carpenter. This means Christ most likely did carpentry work before His ministry. Christ could have been born into any profession. He could have been a prince. He could have been a farmer, but He was chosen to be the son of a carpenter. Such a profession is appropriate for Christ because carpenters build new structures and remodel existing ones. Christ can do the same thing in your heart and in your life.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Finally, Christ’s power is greater than the power of addictions. Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more (Romans 5:20).

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

DEPRESSION

Depression has been called the common cold of emotional problems. Just because it’s common doesn’t make it inconsequential, however. It still drains a person of hope, and hope deferred makes the soul sick (Proverbs 13:12). Depression can be a weight that presses a person into a shapeless mass of despair and stagnation. Depression showed itself even during Biblical times. One of Christianity’s greatest prophets suffered from depression.

But [Elijah] himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, it is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers (1 Kings 19:4)!

Elijah went into the wilderness, collapsed and could go no further. He had enough of life. He felt good for nothing and wanted to die. These are the common symptoms of depression. People see their efforts as useless. They see themselves as useless. They try to go on, fail and start to believe that ever feeling better is a hopeless endeavor. Or they start believing in brass rings. They think that if they just attained this one thing in life, all their bad feelings and hopelessness would disappear. In the meantime, they see other avenues as pointless, and when they can’t attain that brass ring, they spiral further and further down. Physical symptoms also manifest themselves: irritability, changes in appetite, insomnia or too much sleep, lack of energy, loss of interest in things and an inability to concentrate and make decisions.

How did God deal with Elijah and his depression?

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:11-13).

If you continue to read the story in the Bible, you will discover God helped Elijah by giving him an assignment, something to occupy his mind. There was no flash-bang solution, no brass rings, just a still small voice encouraging Elijah to go on.

You might say God never speaks to you. That is not true. God speaks to you in the Bible. What are all these Bible verses we are using but the words God has given us to fix things? The Bible is God’s still small voice. Many depressed people want a flash-bang solution or brass rings. Our generation is used to instantaneous results. Sitcoms teach us that all problems can be solved in thirty minutes, and that’s including commercials. God doesn’t operate on sitcom time, however. He operates on His time. Overcoming depressive feelings is an ongoing process that requires a changing of perspective and thoughts. This takes time and is frustrating, especially when depressive feelings are the result of sinful responses to life events. It can be hard for a depressed person to hear they are perhaps responsible for how they feel. It’s easier to project blame than have faith at times. Nevertheless, God can deliver a depressed person.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him (Psalm 91:15).

One should note that there is a difference between depressive feelings and suffering from full-blown clinical depression. Clinical depression is a genuine illness, much like diabetes or arthritis. Mental health experts define depression as an emotional state of dejection or sadness. It ranges from mild discouragement and downheartedness to feelings of utter hopelessness and despair. Everyone experiences these feelings at one time or another. The difference is that for the clinically-depressed person, these feelings have become a constant state of existence. Displaying such feelings for two weeks is considered severe depression.

This is why it’s important you seek help from a pastor or Christian counselor if you suffer from any of these maladies to a great degree. They can help you figure out if you should seek medical help in addition to counseling. Nevertheless, counseling can be key in helping depressed persons overcome their internal anguish. Besides chemical imbalances, depression can also be caused by guilt, self-reproach, bereavement, anger, lack of purpose, helplessness, isolation and an inability to accept painful things in life. To know the cause can enable a person to resolve the underlying issue through Christ. Often times people feel too ashamed to seek such help, however. They believe they should be able to tough depression out. This is a mistake. God wants people to seek help if they need it. After all, He provides the resources.

Paul also spoke of depression.

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though the outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:1, 8-10, 16-18).

Paul was afflicted. Paul was perplexed. Paul was not depressed. Why? Because Paul looked beyond his problems and saw Christ leading him through them. Don’t let depressive feelings weigh you down. Rather, give that burden to Christ.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22).

And what does God sustain you in? Your faith and service. This is where you remember your priorities and proceed the best you can. Examine your life. Find things you can work on and improve. You are probably missing some things. Perhaps you can better serve God by doing things that take the focus off your problems and shift them into a focus on helping others with their problems. Maybe you can put more energy into school work and derive satisfaction and purpose from that. Often times, a bit of daily structure that allows for the accomplishment of small goals can help get a person out of a funk. Perhaps you also need to have more fun. We are social creatures and need to relax at times. Pray and read the Bible as you consider these things. Psalm 71 is a good chapter to read if you are having problems with depression.

Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline Your ear to me, and save me. Be my strong refuge to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress. For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You. O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. You who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness and comfort me on every side (Psalm 71:2-3, 5-6, 12, 14 and 20-21).

Psalm 88 is another good Bible chapter to read when depressed.

In addition, if you receive counseling, don’t let the counseling alone be the cure. A counselor can tell you to feel better a thousand times. A counselor can tell you to do something a thousand times, but if you don’t look to Christ and start walking toward Him, words will do you no good by themselves. You have to do the work once you leave the counselor’s office. It won’t be easy. The journey out of depressive feelings is a lot like Peter walking on the sea.

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled saying, it is a ghost! And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. So He said, come. And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, Lord, save me! And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased (Matthew 14:25-33).

Depressed people like to retreat into themselves because they are tired of being hurt, and coming out of that place can be a lot like stepping out onto a storm-tossed sea. Surely one will sink. But look what Jesus said. Be of good cheer. Don’t be afraid. Walk to Christ and trust that He will save you and hold you up despite the fearful surroundings. If waves continue to roll over you, know that Christ is still there, keeping you afloat.

Sometimes depressed people may also believe God has deserted them or is punishing them for their sins. God doesn’t work that way, however.

I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Likewise, God doesn’t punish us for our sins because Christ endured all such punishment on the cross. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53: 4-6).

The Lord may chasten us, however. Punishing someone is extracting payment for wrongdoing. Chastening someone is disciplined correction. The Lord chastens us to make us stronger, like a refiner purifying valuable metals into greater treasures.

He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver (Malachi 3:3). And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: my son, do not despair the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He received. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Do not give up under such circumstances. Rather, cling to God and His words. His promises in Christ are a never-ending source of hope.

We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:18-19).

Times of chastening will pass.

For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:10-11). Therefore, humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).

God has a plan for you, even if things are difficult in the present. In addition, your experiences may ultimately help others. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

HOMEWORK

1. If you have struggles with any of the problems in this chapter, start the healing process — in Christ — today. While the road may be difficult and take time, would you rather travel it now or continue to put it off? As the message in the addiction section says, put off bad behavior and replace it with Christ. Don’t just put off starting. Likewise, if you notice you are developing habitual problems with any of these things, nip them in the bud.

2. Read Colossians 3:1-10, 12-17, Titus 3:3-8, Ezekiel 36:26-28 and Psalm 88.