The Root of Depression

Psalm 143:10 (NIV))

Teach me to do your will,

    for you are my God;

may your good Spirit

    lead me on level ground.

Sue* was a good girl. Though her father rarely darkened the church doors, her mother made sure she and her brothers attended. She accepted Jesus as a teenager during a church revival and after graduation married her high school sweetheart. They soon entered full-time Christian ministry.

But somewhere along the way, Sue began to change. Her love for church dwindled, and her new friends were bad influences. She began experimenting with sinful behaviors which accelerated her downhill slide. Eventually Sue walked out on her family. If you were to see her today, her sadness is evident even though she smiles and pretends to enjoy her new lifestyle.

David once ventured into forbidden areas and discovered what Charlie did. Sin never delivers what it promises (II Samuel 11). He attempted to enjoy life by hiding lies, sexual immorality and murder but received only depression and God's discipline (II Samuel 12). He learned obedience was more profitable. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God (Psalm 143:10 NLT).

When it becomes evident we're depressed, we should immediately examine our relationship with God to determine if sinful behaviors are causing it. Disobedience can be a major cause of a believer's depression. Anytime we choose to walk away from God in any area or willingly defy his commands, an emotional struggle develops. If not quickly settled through confession, the emotional war will be lost to depression. Sin always takes us farther than we want to go, keeps us longer than we want to stay and costs us more than we're willing to pay. If you're struggling with depression, determine if there are any areas of rebellion in your life that need confessing.

Dear Lord, we pray that You would reveal any areas of rebellion in our live. Help us turn them over to You so we can be the people You want us to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

*Not her real name.