DOMINION OVER DEPRESSION (1)

“Anxiety in the HEART of a man causes DEPRESSION, but a good word makes it glad” – Proverbs 12:25

Being heart-related, there is a pertinent place for exercising DOMINION over DARTS of DEPRESION: “Anxiety in the HEART of a man causes DEPRESSION, but a good word makes it glad” (Pro.12:25). This little couplet mentions depression directly, indicates that it is heart-based, suggests the opposite of depression of heart to be gladness of heart, and provides both a diagnosis and prescription that can help us to overcome and go beyond depression. The diagnosis: depression is ascribed to a heart full of anxiety. The depressed heart was most likely, first an anxious heart. Anxiety unattended to can degenerate into full-blown depression! The prescription: “a good word makes it glad”! The way out of depression is the injection of encouraging, pleasant, and positive words.

Proverbs 12 offers series of common sense statements. The portion comprising today’s meditation text makes frequent references to speech. Verse 25 in the King James Version reads: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a GOOD WORD maketh it glad.” This highlights the benefit of good and kind words. It also shows that the depressed heart is characterised by HEAVINESS and Stooping. Depression describes a heart that’s passing through a dark, deep valley where the light of hope is obscured by clouds of confusion and mists of misery. David mused: “Yea, though I walk through the VALLEY of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psa.23:4). Knowing the power of positive words, David began to declare his way out of the valley of depression by confessing in Faith, the presence of God’s guiding rod and comforting staff.

It’s obvious that Scripture is not silent on the matter of Depression; hence, Believers experiencing depression can find hope in biblical foundations. The accounts of Bible personalities, who experienced but defeated darts of depression, provide sound platforms for us to learn how to exercise Dominion over Darts of Depression.

Moses was depressed to the point of asking God to kill him (Num. 11: 10-16). He told the Lord, “If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now – if I have found favour in Your sight – and do not let me see my wretchedness” (Num.11:15). This man of God who had invested so much into God’s people suddenly felt like a failure seeing the same people slide into unbelief and rebellion.

Elijah experienced depression when he came under Jezebel’s threat (1Kgs 19:1-18). Elijah’s depression was also so dire, he began to pray for and contemplate death: “And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” (1Kgs.19:4). Depression can arise out of fear, driven by threats from adversaries.

Jonah fell into deep depression after God decided to forgive and spare the people of Nineveh, thus reversing Jonah’s declared prophecy (Jon. 4:1-11). The prophet felt so disappointed, vexed, and frustrated, he began to invite death: “Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!” (Jon.4:3). Depression can arise from anger and frustration.

Psalm 73 shares the burdens of a heart that was steadily stumbling and slipping into depression, occasioned by his observing the prosperity of the wicked. The Psalmist lamented: “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psa.73:2-3). Depression can be rooted in bitterness and envy!

No matter the root cause of depression – anxiety, feeling of failure, threats, fear, anger, frustration, bitterness, or envy – God is the Ultimate Solution Giver and Deliverer from Depression. Our Lord Jesus Christ presents this open invitation: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Mt.11:28-30).