PAUL FACES DEPRESSION:

While experiencing very negative feelings of depression, I was searching the Scriptures and came across a passage that voiced the cry of my heart. Philippians 1:23 shares a desire from the heart of Paul that expressed my feelings. "…having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ…." My thoughts suggested that Paul had been experiencing the same feelings that I was. Could it be that Paul was battling with depression? Later, I began another search of the Scriptures with a goal of trying to find reasons for Paul to be able to identify with my feelings.

Depression is a symptom of both stress and grief. It should be noted that grief is not about death, but about loss. Staying with the Philippian text, I discovered the following causes of stress and grief in Paul’s life.

Phillippians 1:8 Paul desired to renew the fellowship with these believers. He had experienced a loss regarding the times of past fellowship. This grief would cause depression.

Phillippians 1:15-16 Paul’s enemies were increasing his affliction. The hurt of rejection and the thought that someone would want to do this to him is depressing.

Phillippians 2:27 Paul had great concern for a brother who was sick and if he had died Paul would have experienced greater sorrow. God healed the brother and brought relief for both Epaphroditus and Paul. This kind of deep concern causes stress.

Phillippians 2:19 Paul was concerned about the spiritual condition of the Phillippian believers. More stress!

Phillippians 2:20-21 Paul was aware of ministers who were not sincere in their commitment. They were not putting the cause of Christ first and this would bring more concern to Paul.

Phillippians 2:28-30 He identified a concern for the believers that had been worried about this sick brother. He wanted them to be encouraged so that he would be relieved of worry for them.

Phillippians 3:18-19 False teachers in the church caused Paul to weep. This was a grief that would bring depression.

Add to the above list the fact that Paul was confined to a dark prison cell while desiring to be about the Lord’s work of ministering to the various churches. Many of his letters express a desire to come to the people to whom he was writing. Environment and restriction can both cause depression.

PAUL FINDS A WAY OUT OF DEPRESSION:

Phillippians 1:18 Proper focus is a powerful way to beat depression. Paul focused on the good that would come from the preaching of the gospel even if the people who were preaching it had a wrong motive. Paul also wrote Romans 8:28. Depression has a way of distorting one’s vision. It makes us focus on our feelings and loose sight of the important things around us. Proper focus can not only keep us on track, but it can also help us to take a more positive view of the circumstances around us.

Phillippians 1:24-25 Paul knew that he was still needed. One of the feelings that comes with depression is the feeling that no one needs me. It is then that we are tempted to give up. Pressing on because we are needed will help us to overcome the depression.

Phillippians 2:5-11 Paul would experience lonely times if he allowed himself to believe that no one could know what he was feeling. His description of Christ’s submission indicated that Christ knew exactly what Paul was going through.

Phillippians 3:4-8 Paul was making it clear that his priority was fixed on knowing Christ and becoming like Him. Depression causes one to lose interest in the things that once interested him. Paul’s evaluation of his past and his present quests made it clear that his interests were fixed in the right place.

Phillippians 3:12-13 Paul knew that his life with Christ had a purpose. Depression can cause one to feel that there is no purpose or reason to go on. Paul would not let that happen. He knew that God saved him for a reason and he was determined to find it.

Phillippians 3:14 Goals are very important when it comes to overcoming depression. We need something to look forward to every day. Paul had a prize that he was reaching for and he would not let the negative feelings take this from him.

Phillippians 4:6-7 Paul knew that prayer can be very depressing if we focus only on the things that we need. He noted that prayer must be accompanied with thanksgiving. When giving thanks we focus on what we have not on what we need. The focus of prayer should be on God—this brings the peace that replaces depression (Isaiah 26:3). Thanksgiving that causes us to praise God will bring peace during prayer.

Phillippians 4:8 Paul noted the importance of good thinking. If we dwell on negative thoughts this will prolong the feelings of depression.

Phillippians 2:19, 25, and 4: 17,19 Paul reached out for help. One of the problems with depression is that the feelings cause us to turn inward and keeps us from reaching out for help. Paul knew better.