THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 4 Is Depression A Sin For The Christian?

Loved ones, in our Spiritual Battle against evil could anxiety be sinful? Yes, if we accept the testimony of Jesus and we respect the apostolic command of Paul. But the Bible certainly acknowledges that life's complications can be depressing (the word is used so elastically).

We are even commanded to "weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). This means that we sympathize with grief, rather than trying to convince them that such sorrow is sinful.

What Christians do, however, with grief may demonstrate either strong faith, or it may result in debilitating depression. Therefore, we must give serious thought to this question. There is no simple "yes" or "no" answer.

Now here are the Apostle Paul's comments on the matter: "6 Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

So many things are easier said than done. The advice, "Don't worry", is surely in that category. That peculiarity, however does not nullify the counsel. "Don't worry" is not only good advice, but also a biblical command.

How can we be commanded not to worry? Is anxiety not an inevitable human emotion that we have when certain things happen to us? Let us define this state of mind:

Anxiety is a painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill... it is holding mental pictures of things you don’t want to happen… it is an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it.

An overwhelming sense of self-doubt about one's ability to cope should not overcome the Christian who has been told, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

Let us consider the biblical counsel that helps us manage anxiety, and prevents it from overwhelming us. The Apostle Paul's prohibition against anxiety is: "Do not be anxious about anything" (Philippians 4:6a).

Notice that Paul's statement is a command. It is a comprehensive command, for we are not to be anxious about anything. Like all commands, we choose to submit or not to submit to it. When we submit, we thereby exercise our choice not to worry.

It is a permanent requirement. The Christian life should be characterized by confident trust in the Lord, rather than by worry and doubt.

Likewise, the Lord Jesus forbids worry (Matthew 6:25). He encourages us not to be anxious, for our Father lives, gives, clothes, and knows our needs (Matthew 6:25-31).

Worry cannot create circumstances, correct problems, or change the future. It is, therefore, faithlessness, self-centeredness, distracting, and debilitating.

After stating the prohibition, Paul relates the prevention. "But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6b).

Instead of merely talking to yourself and others, talk to God. Instead of worrying about anything, talk to the Lord about everything. This is the antidote to being overly anxious, and some still won’t take advantage of it, because they worry that prayer will not help.

Paul says that this prevention for anxiety involves real communication (i.e. prayer) with the Creator, who is a personal Being, who listens, cares, and responds.

The word "prayer" stands for this divine blessing and represents a reality for the child of God. It is not a psychological pick-me-up, nor is it a quick fix.

Paul said that in our prayers, we ought to make "supplications." Therein, we recognize that God is the one to whom these needs ought to be addressed. There is no one else to whom we can turn for these necessities.

Sadly, we may find ourselves putting more confidence in men than we do in God. Listening to sound advice is needful, and so is leaning on the everlasting arm of the Lord through prayer.

Paul wrote, “15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

In Colossians 4:2, Paul again says prayer should be characterized by "thanksgiving." A poet expressed the thought in this way:

“In midst of dangers, fears, and death, Thy goodness we'll adore. We'll praise thee for thy mercies past, And humbly hope for more.”

God has made us resilient, but we must rely upon Him for the strength. A grateful disposition allows us to make many spiritual observations about His "mercies past," empowering us to humbly hope for more.

The prevention also includes, says Paul, "requests." Amazingly, we are able to convey to God Almighty a specific request for a particular need. And so, Paul encourages us to rely on the Lord, trusting in Him, and He will enable us to withstand life's difficulties and keep paralyzing self-doubt at bay.

The promise is given in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This promise is conditioned on obeying the divine prohibition and following the preventative measure.

This spiritual blessings of such “peace” is incomprehensible to those who are not "in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:3), the sphere wherein the promise is given.

This peace is incapable of empirical analysis. It is immeasurably better than any human forethought could devise. It is inseparably joined to the redemptive work of Christ Jesus. It is the calm that comes from the Master of ocean, earth, and skies, for it is the Creator who says to us, "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39).

Through the redemption by the blood of Christ, our most critical problem of all (SIN) has been dealt with (Revelation 1:5; Acts 22:16). Therefore, worry about nothing; pray about everything; thank God for anything; and have the peace that only God can provide.

We close with the words from the Apostle Peter: “Humble yourselves therefore… casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35)