Depression: Emerging from the Darkness (pt.2)

A week or so ago, I posted an introductory post on the problem of depression. We are now going to look at part 2 in the counseling review which I have written and are going to focus on what Scripture says about depression. Again, much of this manual is endebted to Ed Welch and his book Depression: A Light for the Path.

Scripture Passages Dealing with Depression: The Lord will reveal himself to those who seek Him. Ephesians 1:17-23 promises to have the “eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you,” and “what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” and finally, “what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.” Ephesians 3:14-19 is a prayer for spiritual strength. Pray that God will strengthen you with power “through His Spirit in your inner being.” Why? “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” The counselee should focus on claiming these promises of God. Psalm 62:8 states to trust God in all times because He is our refuge and to pour out your heart to him. John 6:29 states that our mission is to believe in the one He has sent. Psalm 130 is a passionate section of Scripture that cries out to the Lord. The book of Ecclesiastes teaches us to not chase after created things and focus on ourselves, but instead, focus on God for that is where we find meaning in our life. Romans 8:28-29 states that all things work together for the good of those who love Jesus so that we can be conformed to the likeness of the Son. Therefore when we suffer, there is a point. Paul explains the point in suffering in Romans 5:3 when he states, “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 15:3 states that through endurance and the encouragement of Scripture we might have hope.

Tomorrow, we will look at different counseling approaches and further our study on the causes of depression.