I am a little hesitant to write on
this subject for the obvious reason that prayer is far more than an antidote to
selfish concerns. The perspective of prayer is far greater than my personal
feelings. However scripture does deal with this concern. Psalm 42:5 asks,
"Why are you so downcast O my soul." Psalm 130:1 reads, "Out of
the depths I cry to you O Lord."
Let me suggest several steps
in dealing prayerfully with depression.
Pray for deliverance.
I have not faced clinical
depression in my own life, but I have dealt with it in others as a pastor. And
seeing the magnification of the problem helps me see details more clearly in
the depression of my own heart. A major issue of depression is that it defends
itself. It may be more accurate to say we defend our depression, but the
depression seems to take on a life of its own. When I have told someone to do
something that might break their depression they immediately opposed it. So
start by briefly asking God to deliver you. Depression may even keep you from
praying about it.
Turn immediately to praise.
You might think you should start by asking God to change the
circumstances that have depressed you. Aren't requests the heart of biblical
prayer? They are. But prayer is supported theologically and practically by the
glory of God; by the grace of God; by His mighty power; by His love and
faithfulness. And nothing works more effectively at lifting our spirits than
praise. Secular counselors sometimes try to treat depression with
self-affirmation. But that often sets the sufferer up for a fall into deeper
depression. Praise gets you clear out of the picture. In fact sustained praise
is good and necessary for anyone at any time. Have you ever thought heaven
would be boring if we spent all day praising God forever? That ignores the
reality of praise. Nothing is more thrilling than connecting intellectually and
emotionally with the wonder and glory of God.
Confess and forgive.
Praising God should move us into
confession and forgiveness. Depression flows from pride. "I don't deserve
bad things." Even a statement like "I am no good." is
self-focused. Confession breaks pride. It demands a humble and dependent heart.
There is relief in being forgiven. At that point God can lift our spirits
because we are no longer estranged from Him. It is important to note that Jesus
linked confession and forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer. "Forgive us . . .
as we forgive. . ." This is so important for dealing with depression.
Depression raises its ugly head in the aftermath of anger and continuing
resentment. I am amazed that so many people treat anger as some sort of
catharsis. We think of having a right to get angry. There is a place for
righteous wrath. Jesus certainly modeled it. But anger must be under the
control of God or it will destroy the person expressing it. Anger is not a
privilege. It is more like a loaded gun.
Pray the word of God.
Praying God's word connects to the
stability of faith. Much depression is unbelief. Notice I did not say,
"simply unbelief." It is complex, but it is unbelief none the less.
And it cripples our relationship with God. Some of you may object to this,
pointing out men like Charles Hadden Spurgeon or William Cowper, spiritual
giants who suffered from depression. But many of the glorious sermons of
Spurgeon came forth in victory over his occasional depression. And
although Cowper's mental illness was more persistent and debilitating than
Spurgeon's, it was God's truth and victory that burst out with "God's
wonders to perform." Praying God's word ought to bring us naturally into
personal promises God has whispered or thundered into your ear.
Sing.
I think singing is an important part
of prayer. It usually helps us praise better than we could without it.
Most hymns and choruses are filled with great theology. All of
us can pray in song. I do not necessarily believe we have to sing well to
glorify God, especially in private prayer. However, an important part of
honoring God is seeking to improve our singing
for His ears and even for the ears of His children.
Continue your prayer in obedience.
Activity is a natural antidote for
depression. Praying our plans and God's plans leads us to carrying them out,
not after we have prayed, but continuing to pray as we go, as we act, as we
step out in faith. "Father, help me, encourage me, keep me going for
you." amen
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