Living the Gospel in Depression

Depression is a very painful condition. We all have good and bad days. However, there are some who suffer from serious, and sometimes even chronic, depression. They lose their ability to enjoy life. They have no energy. They may have feelings that life isn't worth living and even contemplate thoughts of suicide. One word across it all is hopelessness. It is a common condition. People in the modern Western world suffer from depression, but it is not specifically a modern condition. However, it seems to be increasing. Why?

• We have expectations of achievement upon us
• We chase pleasure, no matter what it may be
• We are discontented
  But none of these things address the issue of cause.

1. Encountering depression
   We should be sympathetic towards depressed people. We need to think about some of the potential causes. Symptoms of depression occur at various settings.

• Areas where there is an obvious cause
  The experience of depression can result from conviction of sin. It may be a reaction to life's troubles and disappointments. It can also come with physical illness.
• Areas where there is not an obvious cause
  Sometimes it's just because our brains are cursed from the fall. Sometimes God simply removes his light from us for his sovereign purpose.

2. Escape from depression
   There is direction
   There is exertion
   There is application
   We must endeavor to keep our eyes on Christ and apply the gospel. Depressed people talk to themselves. We must tell ourselves to listen to God for help. If we are to truly hope we need to focus on God.