The Cause and Cure of Spiritual Depression -6

"And I said, this is my informity." Psalm 77;10

We have examined some of the symptoms and causes of spiritual depression; now let us turn our attention to its cure. There are three main approaches to treating spiritual depression:

1. The World's Method,

2. The Ill-Informed but Well-Meaning Christian Friend,

3. The Word of God.

For the sake of brevity, I will group the first two methods together, as both are misguided.

Both the world and the well-meaning but uninformed Christian friend view spiritual depression as a mere inconvenience. The world scoffs at such individuals, suggesting medication or therapy as the solution. This is akin to applying a bandage to a broken limb—an utterly insufficient remedy.

The ill-advised Christian friend often attributes spiritual depression to an overly sensitive conscience and urges focus on the promises and joys found in belief. This individual hastily skips over essential doctrines to land on the 'joy that is in Christ,' claiming an undue focus on self rather than the blessings of God's Word.

Both of these flawed approaches can be summarized by the verse, 'They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace,' without examining the root causes of depression.

If depression arises from life's pressures, appropriate attention must be given to physical and mental well-being. If overwork or overstudy has worn you down, seek rest, as even Christ told His disciples, 'Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while' (Mark 6:31). If mental strain is the issue, professional assistance may be necessary. It is crucial to distinguish between the natural outcomes of mental and physical exhaustion and true spiritual bondage.

So what is the cure for genuine spiritual depression? Firstly, abandon all attempts at self-salvation. 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts' (Zechariah 4:6). Cease striving to earn God's favor, a trap many fall into without realizing it. All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Stop trying to fashion your own covering to present yourself favorably before the Lord; it inevitably leads to disaster.

Instead, contemplate the all-sufficiency of Christ's death and, especially, His intercession. Who can argue against His merit? Who can surpass the virtue of His sacrifice? Who can condemn those He justifies? Is not His death a propitiation for His own? Did He not die, the just for the unjust? Has He not fulfilled the Law, honored the integrity of God's Law, appeased justice, vindicated truth, and satisfied the demands of holiness? Is He not in heaven as the Great Intercessor, able to 'save to the uttermost' all who come unto God by Him? Shall anyone claim that his sins are too great to be cleansed by Christ's blood? This is not humility but self-importance masked as passive-aggressive unbelief. The true cure? 'That he may hide pride from man' (Job 33:17).

To be continued...