Approximately seven per cent of Americans, nearly fourteen million, experience depressive disorders. Since the bride of Christ is to go through the same experiences as the rest of the race (1 Corinthians 10:13), it is no surprise that true Christians often experience the same disorder. This issue of The Herald is dedicated to taking a Scriptural look at this serious ailment to see how some of the great heroes of the Bible fought this disabling problem.
The first article, Coping with Depression, provides an overview of the subject and shows the difference between clinical and spiritual depression.
Then we look at the lives of biblical individuals who struggled with this problem. Job’s Depression and Final Victory explores Job’s conflict with depression and how he handled it.
David at Gath analyzes the beloved king’s behavior and how he later repented of his actions when he wrote a psalm about his emotions.
Out of the Depths is a verse-by-verse study of David’s hymn of thanksgiving found in Psalm 130. He thanks the Lord for the many times God delivered him from all dangers, both real and fancied.
King Saul’s Woes shows us a king who was not successful fighting his mood swings. Even the therapeutic sound of David’s harp could not control him in his fits of rage.
Peter’s Discouragement looks at how Peter fought his battle with discouragement after he realized he had disavowed knowing his Lord and Master.
The Tears of a Prophet describes how the sorrow Jeremiah felt over the future of his beloved Jerusalem caused him to write an entire epic poem of his lamentations.
The concluding article, As a Man Thinketh, finishes our analysis of this subject and prescribes proper self-love, as distinguished from self-esteem, as an antidote.
If you are one of the many who has been discouraged or depressed, we hope you find this issue of The Herald of special benefit.
Bible Student elder Tim Krupa talks about despair and discouragement here: Tim_Krupa_Despair_And_Discouragement
Japanese
真エホバの証人は、良い人が多いので、鬱病になります。
面目な人もそうです。
それは一般社会と同じ現象です。
Rough translation by Jacqueline.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are true, there are many good people become depressed. So is a human face. It is the same phenomenon as the general public.
rune
あなたのコメントとサイトに来てくれてありがとう。私はこれが正しい翻訳であると思います。
Thanks for your comment and coming to the site. Jacqueline
Thanks Bob. I’ve seen opportunities to educate people on certain situations, but people don’t always listen or think you’re crazy. For example, there were many times I wanted to school my former co-worker about situations according to what I was taught from attending meetings. I recall a conversation we had about the 2008 election, voting, and Obama. He asked me did I vote. I told him I didn’t. I told him the reason and it is almost like he got offended. He even went to the Inauguration. I know as Witnesses we are to profess the good news to people, but sometimes it seems out of vain. The human race as a whole are set in their ways and it is very hard to convince them otherwise (even when you know the truth). The killing of Bin Laden comes to mind. Although there are many people around the world that are relieved, there are just as many (if not more) that are not happy. For this reason, I am a bit weary. It is very hard to be happy and celebrate when retaliation and revenge is in effect. I constantly seek Jehovah and His Son’s guidance for strength and wisdom. I like how you use the example of Daniel and how he didn’t save him FROM BEING IN THE LION’S DEN, but instead SAVED HIM AFTERWARDS. Jehovah doesn’t protect us from hardships as those are the tests we have to endure, but he does help us to get through them by giving us what we need at the moment. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I know Jehovah has a purpose for me. I’m not sure what it is and I know He will reveal it to me when HE knows I’m ready. That’s not to say that I’m not eager about my purpose. One thing I would dislike is having it revealed to me and I go out and do something foolish trying to help others who can’t help themselves or trying to serve some selfish purpose for myself thinking it is the right thing. There is a VERY big difference between being eager about something and being ready. Eagerness spells trouble; readiness requires responsibility and being prepared. Sometimes I am guilty of “leaning upon my own understanding” because I’m so used to pretty much doing things on my own. I don’t have anyone helping me and it is tough. When I catch myself doing this, I stop and remind myself that I’m putting myself before Jehovah and his wisdom. I’m not doing this alone nor do I have to do it alone. Jehovah is and will continue to direct my steps as long as I keep doing His will. Thank you so much Bob for the encouragement and advice. It’s always refreshing to hear from someone that knows what you are going through. I hope you continue to pray for me.
Neda, glad I could make your day. Don’t feel depressed or discouraged. There are better days ahead.
thanks shemika that really helped me i was feelin really depressed today and i felt like no one was here for me and then i came to the site and i saw your topic …. it really gave me some word of encouragement and let me know that im no alone like i thought i was …. thank a lot …. it gave me a better prospective … and a bettta day …. blessings to u….
Hi Shemika,
I’m glad to hear from you. I can sympathize with how you feel. Most followers of Jehovah, who try to do His will, feel out of sorts with the rest of the world. Don’t try to save the world, leave that to its creator. Do what you can for individuals as opportunities present themselves. Jesus was offered all the kingdoms of the world, but He turned them down. However, He did help individuals who approached Him. The fact that you reached out to anonymous and offered your help shows you have a good and caring heart. Let God and His Son grant you the wisdom and courage you need.
When I feel stressed out or depressed I consider the biblical examples of faith and courage, people such as Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. While a slave he was imprisoned for maintaining his integrity. How easy it would have been for Joseph to turn bitter against God and to spiral down to self pity, depression and doubt. I’m sure Joseph must have felt very lonely in that foreign jail. He kept his faith in God through his ordeal and God helped him by making him prosper while in prison. Then according to His time table, God made him second only to Pharaoh so as to accomplish His will.
The same can be said of Daniel, who was surrounded by enemies. God did not save him from being thrown into the lion’s den; He saved him after he was in the lion’s den.
Likewise God has a purpose for you, ask Him what it is and He will reveal it to you on a need to know basis. Be patient; don’t try to guess ahead of Him.
You are in my prayers, may God grant you the peace of mind you seek. Always remember; if God is your co-pilot, you’re in the wrong seat.
I most definitely agree with you, Bob. Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we need and he knows what our personal struggles are. He also knows what we are capable of even when we don’t. He knows what we can do. I know my personal situation is happening for a reason and that it is preparing me for something far greater than what I might have planned or imagined. This is how I know that I am supposed to do his will. I feel it stronger now more than ever with each passing day. However, I’m not sure how. I know the answer lies in prayer. I feel out of control and weak, but I know my situation is out of my hands and it is something that I just so happen to be in the middle of . In my quest for self awareness, I know that part of my will is to help others. I’m not sure how because I don’t think I have the wisdom or courage to help another being. I want to help others, but I can’t save the world. Growing up, I always knew I was different. I never knew how nor did I know why. I still don’t to this day. I’m certain part of it is because I am a Jehovah’s Witness. I’ve never had any interest nor the desire to conform to what this world considers cool or popular. I’m not insanely weird, but I do tend to march to the beat of my own drum. Point is that it is not in my personal best interest to serve man but to serve God and do HIS will.